Dara Singh remains the defining screen portrayal of Lord Hanuman for generations of Indian viewers. Now, as Sunny Deol prepares to take on the iconic character in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, the comparison is inevitable. But can he create a legacy of his own?
Dara Singh: The Hanuman Who Became a Household Name
Before becoming a television icon, Dara Singh portrayed Hanuman in the 1976 film Bajrang Bali. His casting in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan in 1987 further cemented that association.
His towering physical presence, expressive performance and portrayal of Hanuman’s devotion made him an enduring favourite. For many viewers, Dara Singh became almost inseparable from the character. His influence extended well beyond the show’s original television run.
Sunny Deol: A Different Kind of Strength
Sunny Deol comes from a very different acting background. Known for his powerful screen presence and action performances, he brings a familiar sense of physical intensity to the role.
However, playing Hanuman requires considerably more than projecting strength. The character’s devotion to Lord Rama, humility, innocence and emotional depth are equally important.
Sunny has acknowledged the challenge himself, describing the opportunity as one of the biggest honours of his career.
Sunny Deol Knows He Cannot Replace Dara Singh
Interestingly, Sunny has already addressed the inevitable comparison. In an August 2026 interview, he acknowledged that Dara Singh was irreplaceable as Hanuman.
Rather than promising to surpass his predecessor, Sunny admitted that he didn’t know how far his own portrayal would go. It is a refreshingly grounded response to a role carrying such an enormous legacy.
Can Sunny Deol Make Hanuman His Own?
The two actors belong to different generations, and their interpretations need not compete on identical terms.
Dara Singh established an enduring image of Hanuman through television and cinema. Sunny has the opportunity to introduce a new interpretation to audiences through a large-scale theatrical production.
His brief post-credit appearance in Ramayana: Part One has offered only a glimpse, with his face still concealed. The more substantial portrayal awaits Ramayana: Part Two, scheduled for Diwali 2028.
The Glam Feed Take
The question isn’t whether Sunny Deol can replace Dara Singh. That legacy is already established.
It’s whether audiences will eventually remember Sunny’s Hanuman with the same affection, while recognising that he brought something distinctly his own to the character. That’s a much more interesting challenge than simply trying to recreate a legendary performance.