Nitesh Tiwari believes Homer's 'Odyssey' drew inspiration from 'Ramayana'
What's the story
Ranbir Kapoor and director Nitesh Tiwari recently discussed the similarities between Ramayana and Homer's Greek epic The Odyssey. Both stories include significant scenes in which their central heroes use a bow. While Tiwari believes that Homer may have been inspired by the Ramayana, Kapoor thinks it's a coincidence.
Director's perspective
'Felt very happy that our greatest epic has got...'
Speaking to ScreenRant, Tiwari suggested that Homer's The Odyssey may have drawn inspiration from the Ramayana.
He said, "Ramayana is the oldest epic, and I believe Homer was inspired by Ramayana in some way, having written those bits in Odyssey."
"And yes, I did notice those equivalents, and I felt very happy that our greatest epic has got a tribute in another epic which belongs to the West side."
Actor's perspective
Kapoor acknowledged similarities, but called it a 'sweet coincidence'
Kapoor also acknowledged the similarities, noting he noticed them while watching Christopher Nolan's adaptation of The Odyssey.
He said, "To be honest, it's written in our text 4,000 years ago."
"So actually, when I saw Odyssey, I thought, 'That's from Ramayana.' Exactly."
"But yeah, sweet coincidence. I love The Odyssey. I love Christopher Nolan. But yeah, doing Ramayana had a very different feeling."
Filming experience
'It was just goosebumps when...'
Kapoor also spoke about the emotional experience of recreating Rama's iconic bow-lifting moment for the two-part epic.
He revealed, "So it was just goosebumps when we were performing that scene."
"Even though it was not that heavy and I was acting like it was, but I could feel it when I was lifting it above my head."
"I just had some weird current going up and down just to be part of such an iconic moment."
Common element
Significance of bow scenes in both epics
Both Ramayana and The Odyssey have important sequences involving bows, showcasing the strength of their heroes.
In The Odyssey, Odysseus strings his mighty bow to reclaim his home from suitors trying to marry his wife, Penelope.
In the Ramayana, Rama lifts and breaks Lord Shiva's powerful bow during Sita's swayamvar, proving his worthiness to marry her.