Ranbir Kapoor Called ‘Beef Man’ As Old Ganesh Prasad Video Sparks Fresh 'Ramayana' Row

Ranbir Kapoor is facing fresh trolling after an old Ganesh puja video resurfaced online, with some social media users calling the actor “beef man” and questioning his suitability to play Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s 'Ramayana'.

The viral clip is not from the ongoing Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. It dates back to 2023 and shows Ranbir seeking blessings at a Ganesh puja in Mumbai before distributing modaks to paparazzi. When offered prasad, he politely refuses, saying, “Main to diet pe hun, tum kha lo.”

That brief exchange has now returned to the spotlight as Ranbir prepares to play Lord Ram. Some users criticised him for refusing the sweet, while others dragged his previously reported comments about eating beef into the discussion. One user called him “beef man”, while others questioned whether one piece of prasad could really affect his diet. Some comments went further, asking why he could not simply take a bite.

At the same time, others have defended Ranbir, pointing out that the footage is three years old and that he had clearly cited his diet as the reason for declining the prasad.

The controversy arrives just as 'Ramayana' is entering a crucial promotional phase. The makers recently released 'Jai Jai Ram', the film’s first song, featuring Ranbir as Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Composed by AR Rahman, written by Dr Kumar Vishwas and sung by Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, the song has offered audiences their first extended glimpse of the epic’s world.

The song has also brought more of the cast into focus, including Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Adinath Kothare as Bharat. The visuals show several key moments from the Ramayana, adding to the anticipation around the film.

Amid the renewed criticism of Ranbir’s casting, Ravi Dubey has come out strongly in his co-star's support. The actor, who plays Lakshman, praised Ranbir’s preparation, discipline and sincerity, calling him “simply the best” for the role.

'Ramayana: Part 1' stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Yash and Sunny Deol in key roles and is scheduled for theatrical release on November 6, 2026. Its overseas release has reportedly been advanced to November 5.