12 October,2026 06:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Gaurav Khanna and Ranbir Kapoor. Pics via Instagram and X
Television actor Gaurav Khanna, best known for playing Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, has drawn attention for his portrayal of Lord Ram at Agra's Janakpuri Mahotsav 2026. Pictures and videos from the stage performance have surfaced on social media, with viewers praising his appearance and expressions and drawing comparisons with Ranbir Kapoor, who will play Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana.
Held at Bhavana Estate in Agra, the event marked Gaurav's first time portraying the revered deity on stage. The actor's transformation received an enthusiastic response from viewers, with several describing his appearance as divine. The performance also brought together a cast of actors portraying key characters from the epic.
Gaurav took on the role of Lord Ram for the stage presentation of the Ramayana, alongside Vindu Dara Singh as Lord Hanuman, Rajan Modi as Lakshman, Aarya Babbar as Raavan and Prachi as Sita.
The occasion was particularly special for Gaurav as his parents were present to watch him perform live on stage for the first time. They were seen recording the performance and watching their son with pride, adding an emotional moment to the event.
As clips from the performance circulated online, viewers complimented Gaurav's look and the calmness he brought to the character. One social media user wrote, "Gaurav Khanna as Shree Ram so divine and beautiful." Another commented, "He looks so divine as Lord Rama."
Gaurav's portrayal prompted some social media users to compare him with Ranbir, who is set to play Lord Ram in Ramayana. While viewers praised Gaurav's look, some also expressed a preference for his portrayal over the Bollywood actor's casting.
One user questioned the choice of Ranbir for the film, writing, "I don't know why they took Ranbir Kapoor in Ramayana, GK would have been better than him." The comparisons come as audiences await Nitesh Tiwari's ambitious adaptation of the epic, which features Ranbir in the role of Lord Ram.
His latest stage appearance has now put the television actor in the spotlight for a very different reason, with viewers discussing his portrayal of one of Hindu mythology's most revered figures. On the work front, Gaurav was last seen on Rohit Shetty's stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi 15. He exited the show, citing an elbow injury.
