Actor Arun Govil, popular for playing Lord Ram in the popular 1987 television show 'Ramayan', joined the BJP in the presence of senior party leaders in New Delhi, on Thursday. The decision of the actor, who had, last year, said he is amazed that even after 33 years of the show, his image as the noble prince is so fresh in the minds of the viewers, to join the saffron fold comes weeks before four states and one Union territory are to go to assembly polls.
According to media reports, the 63-year-old actor-turned-politician said he will not be contesting polls, but will campaign for the party.
When asked what prompted him to join the BJP, he said it was the West Bengal polls. He said he decided to join the party after he saw that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee "has an allergy from Jai Shri Ram". He further said there is nothing wrong in chanting "Jai Shri Ram."
Govil started his career in Bollywood in 1977 with Tarachand Barjatya’s 'Paheli', which he followed up with hits like 'Sawan Ko Aane Do' and 'Saanch Ko Aanch Nahin'.
'Ramayan' came to him after he worked with Sagar on another popular series 'Vikram and Betaal'.
'Ramayan' was retelecast in March, after a lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
— With PTI inputs
