Cinema VinesIn a landmark event aimed at bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary youth, Ranbir Kapoor, director Nitesh Tiwari, actor Ravie Dubey, and producer Namit Malhotra convened a dialogue titled “Har Yug Mein Ram: A Conversation with Young Leaders.” The gathering, organized by JioHotstar in partnership with the makers of the forthcoming film Ramayana: Part One and the International Institute of Management and Entrepreneurship (I.I.M.U.N.), drew nearly 20,000 students from more than 500 schools across 18 Indian cities.
The conversation took place at I.I.M.U.N.’s headquarters in Mumbai, where about 150 student leaders attended in person and many more joined virtually from classrooms nationwide. Participants posed questions about the epic’s central figures, probing who they viewed as the true hero, what they would ask Lord Rama, which character they would choose as a friend, and which journey—Rama’s, Sita’s, or Lakshman’s—presented the greatest challenge.
Ranbir Kapoor, who will portray Lord Rama in the upcoming Ramayana: Part One, reflected on the experience: “Rama’s story has been part of our lives for generations, and stepping into his shoes has been an incredibly humbling experience. What made this interaction special was hearing young minds engage with his story in their own way.” He added that the discussion highlighted how each generation can find personal meaning in Rama’s journey while staying connected to its timeless themes of duty, courage, friendship, love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
Producer Namit Malhotra emphasized the event’s role in helping young people develop their own understanding of the epic: “Ramayana has given us generations of stories, values and lessons that continue to guide us even today. As we bring this epic to the big screen, it’s equally important that young people discover these values and find their own connection with them.” He noted that the students’ curiosity demonstrated the story’s enduring relevance.
Director Nitesh Tiwari highlighted the Ramayana’s appeal beyond grand events, pointing to the deeply human choices and emotions of its characters. “The richness of Ramayana lies in the fact that alongside its larger-than-life moments, its characters face deeply human choices and emotions,” he said, underscoring the filmmakers’ responsibility to preserve that nuance in the cinematic adaptation.
The special episode, titled “Har Yug Mein Ram,” will stream exclusively on JioHotstar beginning November 1, offering viewers an intimate look at how a revered epic continues to inspire and resonate with India’s youth today.
