Rakul Preet Singh says Surpanakha in Ramayana is a misunderstood character: 'There is so much more to her'

Rakul Preet Singh. Pic via special arrangement

Actor Rakul Preet Singh, who is gearing up for the release of her upcoming film Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana: Rise of a Legend, wherein she plays Surpanakha. While the film's trailer sparked discussions about the lead characters and the scale of the mythological epic, Rakul's brief appearance also caught attention. Rakul has now opened up about what drew her to the role. She went on to describe the character as complex and often misunderstood.

Rakul Preet Singh on playing Surpanakha

While speaking to news agency PTI, Rakul said that the opportunity to represent Indian culture to a global audience was one of the reasons that drew her to the film. She also opened up about the different layers of Surpanakha's character.

"I think what was so exciting were a couple of things. First, it's India's representation to the world. Our history, our truth represented to the world's first ever-global film. Secondly, Surpanakha is a very misunderstood and layered character. She was the reason why the war takes place in the first place. So it has been really interesting to play someone with multiple shades," Rakul said.

Notably, the actress had earlier responded to a fan letter about her casting on X. She had explained how Surpanakha's complexity was what convinced her to take up the role. "Thank you for this beautiful letter. What made me say yes to Surpanakha was exactly what you mentioned - her complexity. History often remembers her for one moment, but there is so much more to her story. As an actor, roles that challenge perception are the most exciting. I hope audiences discover her with an open mind when Ramayana arrives," she had written.

About Surpanakha in Ramayana

In the great epic Ramayana, Surpanakha is Ravana's sister and plays a significant role in the chain of events that ultimately leads to the war between Lord Rama and Ravana. Following an encounter with Lord Rama and Lakshman, where the latter cuts off her nose, Surpanakha approaches her brother. The events that follow eventually lead to Ravana abducting Sita. Rama's attempts to free his wife lead to the battle against Ravana.