Rakul Preet Singh has given fans their closest look yet at how she became Surpanakha in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1. Days after the film opened in theatres on November 5, the actor shared a set of behind-the-scenes photos from the sets, and the pictures have quickly gone viral.
The post also revealed just how much work went into the look: Rakul said getting ready as Surpanakha took around four hours every single day.
Rakul Preet Singh’s Surpanakha Look: The BTS Photos
One of the standout looks has Rakul in a metallic, leaf-textured bustier paired with a red drape. A matha patti sweeps across a high ponytail, and she layers it with long gold necklaces, statement earrings and armlets. Sharp kohl-lined eyes give the look the bold, slightly dangerous edge the character needs.
Another look goes all in on gold: a fringed, sequinned gold top and a black-and-gold skirt, finished with a jewelled crown, a heavy layered necklace and loose curls. Even mid-touch-up, Rakul looks every bit the glamorous princess of Lanka.
Four Hours in the Makeup Chair Every Day
In her post, Rakul gave special credit to her hair, makeup and costume teams. She revealed that the Surpanakha look took about four hours to put together each day before she could even step in front of the camera.
For a character known in the epic for one dramatic moment, the effort shows how carefully the makers approached her design in this version of the story.
What Rakul Said About Playing Surpanakha
Rakul called being part of an epic so deeply rooted in Indian culture a special journey, and said the film made her proud as an Indian. She thanked producer Namit Malhotra and director Nitesh Tiwari for bringing their vision to life, along with her co-stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash, Kajal Aggarwal and Vivek Oberoi.
Her post came alongside similar notes from her co-stars. Kajal Aggarwal also shared her Mandodari look from the film, while Vivek Oberoi and Kunal Kapoor posted their own behind-the-scenes moments.
Why Rakul Chose to Play Surpanakha
Before the release, Rakul had spoken openly about why the role appealed to her. In an interview with PTI, she described Surpanakha as “a very misunderstood and layered character” and pointed out that she was the reason the war took place in the first place.
History often remembers her for one moment, but there is so much more to her story.
She said the character’s many shades were what excited her most, along with the chance to be part of a film she sees as India’s representation to the world.
Who Is Surpanakha in the Ramayana?
Surpanakha is Ravana’s sister. In the epic, she meets Rama and Lakshmana in the Panchavati forest and is drawn to Rama. When she is rejected and attacks Sita, Lakshmana cuts off her nose. Humiliated, she goes to Ravana and urges him to take revenge, setting in motion Sita’s abduction and the war that follows.
That makes her one of the most pivotal figures in the story, even though she appears only briefly, which is exactly the side of her Rakul wanted to explore. Find out how the rest of the cast fits in with our Ramayana Part 1 cast guide.
Fan Edits of Rakul’s Surpanakha Look Go Viral
The behind-the-scenes photos have also sparked a wave of fan-made edits on social media, imagining Rakul’s Surpanakha in different settings from the epic. These are not official stills from the film, but they show just how much buzz her look has created.
Will Surpanakha Return in Ramayana Part 2?
Surpanakha’s biggest story moment, her encounter in Panchavati, sets up the events that lead into the second half of the epic. The makers haven’t confirmed how much she will feature in Ramayana: Part 2, which is slated for Diwali 2028.
FAQs
Who plays Surpanakha in Ramayana Part 1?
Rakul Preet Singh plays Surpanakha, Ravana’s sister, in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana Part 1.
How long did Rakul Preet Singh’s Surpanakha look take?
Rakul revealed that her Surpanakha look took around four hours to prepare every day.
Why did Rakul Preet Singh choose to play Surpanakha?
Rakul said she was drawn to Surpanakha because she is a misunderstood and layered character with many shades, and the reason the war in the Ramayana began.
When will Ramayana Part 2 release?
Ramayana Part 2 is slated for release on Diwali 2028.
