Last updated: 7 November 2026
Raghav Malhotra plays young Ravana in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana: Part 1. He is the elder son of the film’s producer, Namit Malhotra, and the role marks his screen debut.
Yash plays the grown-up Ravana, the king of Lanka. Raghav plays the same character in his early years, long before he becomes the feared ruler audiences meet later in the film.
Since the film opened in theatres on 5 November, “who is young Ravana” has become one of the most searched questions about the cast. Here is everything we know.
Who Is Raghav Malhotra?
Raghav Malhotra is the elder son of Namit Malhotra, the producer behind Ramayana and the head of VFX giant DNEG. Namit backs the film through Prime Focus Studios, along with Yash’s banner Monster Mind Creations.
Raghav comes from a long line of filmmakers. His grandfather is producer Naresh Malhotra, and his great-grandfather, cinematographer M.N. Malhotra, worked on one of India’s first colour films, Jhansi Ki Rani (1953).
Unlike most star kids, Raghav has largely stayed out of the public eye. Very little was known about him before his Ramayana casting surfaced.
Want to know more about his father? Read our profile, Who Is Namit Malhotra, the DNEG CEO Backing Ramayana, and our breakdown of Namit Malhotra’s net worth.
Why Was Raghav Malhotra Cast as Young Ravana?
His resemblance to Yash is the main reason, according to reports. The makers needed a young actor whose face and build could believably grow into Yash’s Ravana.
The casting has also sparked conversation online, since Raghav is the producer’s son. For now, his look-alike quality with Yash is the reason most widely reported.
Young Ravana’s Role in Ramayana: Part 1
The makers have described their two-part Ramayana as, in part, the journey of an unlikely demon child who grows into Ravana, the most feared king in all creation. That makes young Ravana more than a passing flashback.
Ravana’s early years also bring in his family. Veteran actress Shobana plays Kaikesi, Ravana’s mother, and Chetan Hansraj plays Sumali, her father.
For the full list of who plays whom, see our Ramayana Part 1 cast and character guide.
Young Ravana vs Ravana: Raghav Malhotra and Yash
| Young Ravana | Ravana | |
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Raghav Malhotra | Yash |
| Background | Producer Namit Malhotra’s elder son | Kannada superstar of the KGF films |
| Experience | Screen debut | Established lead actor |
| Link to the film | Producer’s family | Co-producer via Monster Mind Creations |
Yash has said Ravana is the only character in the epic he would have played. Read our Ramayana Part 1 review to see how his performance landed, and what viewers said in our public review roundup.
Raghav Malhotra Is Not Raghav Juyal
Many viewers are mixing up the two Raghavs in the Ramayana cast. Raghav Malhotra plays young Ravana in Part 1.
Raghav Juyal, the dancer-actor known for Kill, plays Meghanad, Ravana’s eldest son. He replaced Vikrant Massey in the role, and his character appears in Part 2, planned for Diwali 2027. More in our Ramayana Part 2 guide.
Other Young Actors in Ramayana
| Character | Young version | Adult version |
|---|---|---|
| Ravana | Raghav Malhotra | Yash |
| Sita | Kiara Sadh (Pandya Store) | Sai Pallavi |
| Surpanakha | Dishita Sehgal (reported) | Rakul Preet Singh |
How Is Ramayana Doing at the Box Office?
Ramayana: Part 1 premiered at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on 27 October and opened worldwide on 5 November, ahead of Diwali. It earned around ₹64 crore net in India on day one.
Track the numbers in our Ramayana box office collection day 1 report, and see where the money went in our Ramayana budget breakdown.
Already watched it? Don’t miss Ramayana Part 1 ending explained and the post-credit scene explained.
FAQs
Who plays young Ravana in Ramayana?
Raghav Malhotra, elder son of producer Namit Malhotra, plays young Ravana in Ramayana: Part 1.
Who plays Ravana in Ramayana 2026?
Yash plays Ravana. He also co-produces the film through Monster Mind Creations.
Is Raghav Malhotra Namit Malhotra’s son?
Yes. He is Namit Malhotra’s elder son.
Is Ramayana Raghav Malhotra’s first film?
Yes. Ramayana: Part 1 is his screen debut.
Who plays young Sita in Ramayana?
Child actor Kiara Sadh, known for the TV show Pandya Store, plays young Sita.
Who plays Meghanad in Ramayana?
Raghav Juyal plays Meghanad. His character appears in Ramayana: Part 2.
