Sonia Balani: Urmila's Sacrifice Beyond Imagination

Sonia Balani, who plays Urmila in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana: Rise of a Legend,' shared her insights into preparing for a character known for immense sacrifice. Balani found Urmila's quiet acceptance of Lakshman's departure for exile unfathomable from a contemporary perspective, calling it one of the greatest sacrifices. The role was a twist of fate, as Balani initially auditioned for Soorpanakha but was finalized for Urmila within a day.

Working with director Nitesh Tiwari was a learning experience for Balani, who is also pursuing her own short film project. She developed a close bond with co-star Sai Pallavi, who plays Sita, describing her as a warm, guiding, and sisterly presence on set. Balani commended the film's production, calling it the most organized set she has experienced, with a palpable sense of calm that aided her immersion into the epic's world.

Balani expressed contentment with her role, emphasizing that screen time was never a concern. Her key takeaway from playing Urmila is the character's ability to make sacrifices with a smile and without seeking recognition. She believes it's sometimes sufficient to contribute to something significant with the best intentions and energy, even if one is not the central figure.