Arun Govil, the actor who immortalized the character of Lord Ram in the iconic TV serial Ramayan, is celebrating his 73rd birthday today. The actor, who became synonymous with the role of Lord Ram, holds a special place in the hearts of millions of fans. His portrayal of the divine figure not only earned him fame but also elevated him to a near-godly status in the eyes of viewers. While Arun Govil has worked in numerous serials and films throughout his career, it is his portrayal of Lord Ram that continues to define his legacy. In fact, many of his fans still refer to him as "Ram," rather than by his real name. His incredible performance in Ramayan has left an indelible mark on Indian television history. The Unlikely Journey to Lord Ram"s Role Arun"s journey to portraying Lord Ram was not without its challenges. In a surprising twist, Ramayan creator Ramanand Sagar initially rejected Arun for the role due to his smoking habit. Ramanand Sagar, who was keen on keeping the character of Lord Ram as pure and ideal as possible, did not want the actor portraying the deity to have any bad habits. However, during Arun"s look test for the show, Sagar was struck by his charismatic smile and his portrayal of grace and goodness, which ultimately won him the coveted role of Lord Ram. Interestingly, before the look test, Bollywood filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya advised Arun to focus on his smile, which played a significant role in impressing the creators. Rise to Stardom and Continued Legacy Arun Govil's portrayal of Lord Ram in Ramayan turned him into a household name, not just in India, but globally. His flawless depiction of the revered character made him a beloved figure across generations. When Ramayan first aired in the 1980s, it became a massive hit and remains one of India's most-watched television serials. However, Arun"s connection with the character of Lord Ram didn"t end with the show"s original run. During the nationwide lockdown, Ramayan was re-aired on television, and the show experienced a resurgence in popularity. Despite the 33-year gap, the audience"s affection for the show and its iconic characters, especially Lord Ram, remained unchanged. This revival not only reintroduced Arun Govil to a new generation of viewers but also reinforced his status as one of Indian television"s most respected actors. Arun Govil: A True Icon Over the years, Arun Govil has become a symbol of devotion, integrity, and righteousness through his portrayal of Lord Ram. His birthday is a reminder of his remarkable journey in the entertainment industry and the lasting impact of Ramayan on Indian pop culture. Arun continues to inspire millions with his acting skills, humility, and unwavering dedication to his craft. As Arun Govil celebrates his 73rd birthday today, his fans continue to shower him with love and respect. With a career spanning over decades, Arun"s legacy as Lord Ram remains a golden chapter in the history of Indian television. Read also: Kapil Sharma Worked in Sunny Deol"s Film, Director Shouted at Him Aanand L Rai and A R Rahman Reunite for 'Tere Ishk Mein' in Rishikesh Isha Malviya Opens Up on Playing Lovely in Ravi-Sargun's Lovely Lola Shrutika Arjun Slams Vivian Dsena's Hypocrisy; Supports Karanveer & Shilpa