Before Ranbir Kapoor was chosen to play Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana, Salman Khan was set to headline a similar project in the early 1990s. Directed by his brother Sohail Khan, the film began production with Salman as Ram and Sonali Bendre as Sita. According to reports, nearly 40 percent of the film was completed before it was abruptly shelved.
Salman had even promoted the project, appearing in Ram’s costume with a bow and arrow during public events. The film gained early attention for its scale and star power, but work stopped without warning.
Reports suggest that the film’s cancellation was linked to an alleged relationship between Sohail Khan and actress Pooja Bhatt, who later joined the project. During filming, the two reportedly grew close. In a 1995 interview, Bhatt hinted at discussions about marriage.
Sohail and Salman’s father, screenwriter Salim Khan, reportedly disapproved. He is believed to have advised Sohail to distance himself from Bhatt, creating tension on set. Following the conflict, Bhatt walked out of the film. Her exit left the production incomplete, and no further shooting was done.
Replacing a lead actor mid-way through a film especially one shot almost halfway is a costly and complex task. The project was quietly shelved and never resumed.
Today, the Ramayana has returned to the spotlight. Director Nitesh Tiwari and producer Namit Malhotra are working on a new two-part version, backed by high-end visual effects and a fresh cast. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana.
The first installment is scheduled for release on Diwali 2026. It is expected to be one of the most ambitious Indian mythological films ever produced.
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While the new adaptation moves forward, the shelved 1990s version remains a lesser-known chapter. The original film’s cast, early promotions, and sudden end continue to attract attention, offering a glimpse into how even large-scale projects can collapse behind the scenes
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