Ramayana teaser's turban guy Saket Patel denies AI use claim: It was a real shoot
Actor Saket Patel addressed AI rumours around his brief appearance in Ramayana, clarifying that the scene was shot on a real set and not created using VFX.
Ranbir Kapoor’s first look as Lord Rama from Ramayana was unveiled on April 2, offering a glimpse into the magnum opus helmed by Nitesh Tiwari. While the teaser garnered widespread appreciation in India and overseas, a section of viewers questioned its heavy use of VFX, with some even alleging that parts of it were AI-generated. One such moment that sparked debate featured a young man in the crowd whose turban appeared to change colour between shots.
Actor Saket Patel, who plays the turbaned character, shared on social media to set the record straight. In a clarification video, he asserted that he is “real” and not an “AI avatar”, while also explaining that the sequence was filmed on set with real actors and not created entirely through visual effects.
About the turban colour controversy
Speaking to India Today, Patel described the frenzy around his blink-and-miss appearance as “unreal”, adding that he hopes the unexpected attention translates into something positive for his career. With a smile, he noted that he is now being referred to as the “Ramayana AI Turban Guy”.
Watch the teaser here:
Patel admitted that he had not expected any visibility following the teaser’s release. At the time, he was actively seeking acting opportunities when he came across a requirement for junior artists and extras for the film. “I thought this was my chance to observe how such a large-scale project is shot and how things function on set,” he said. Unsure whether Kapoor would be present, Patel still seized the opportunity.
Drawing a humorous parallel to Om Prakash Makhija, Shah Rukh Khan's character of a junior artiste in Om Shanti Om, he recalled trying to remain within sight of the crew in charge. His efforts paid off when he was asked to stand in the front row, although he maintained that he still had no expectations of making it into the final cut.
Following the teaser’s release, Patel received congratulatory calls from friends and family, but the narrative soon shifted as speculation about AI began circulating. In response, he posted a light-hearted video to clarify the situation, though he admitted that not everyone reacted kindly, with some users continuing to criticise him online.
Addressing the confusion around the turban’s changing colour, Patel said he was uncertain about the exact reason. “From what I have researched, it could be a technical issue or colour grading variation on YouTube, as it appeared fine in theatres,” he explained. He added that even if it were an editing oversight, it was understandable given the scale of the project and the fact that it was only a teaser.
What did Saket say about Ranbir Kapoor's Lord Rama?
While refraining from revealing too many details about the shoot, Patel shared that the sequence was filmed in Film City on a large, physical set rather than against a green screen. “I shot for two days, and it was magical. The set was massive, with a large crowd and real actors, including a very real Ranbir Kapoor,” he said with a laugh. He described the environment as resembling a village setup, emphasising its authenticity.
Patel further revealed that his primary motivation was to watch Kapoor at work, an experience he described as deeply fulfilling. He also expressed hope that his brief appearance might lead to more substantial opportunities in the future.
Reflecting on the casting of Kapoor as Lord Rama, Patel acknowledged the initial scepticism surrounding the choice but maintained that the actor is well-suited for the role. He added that both Kapoor and Sai Pallavi looked “stunning” and “perfect” as Ram and Sita, respectively, urging audiences to be patient as the film progresses towards release.
He also addressed the online trolling directed at the project, calling it “shameful”. “If this is how we respond to new ideas and the effort behind something so ambitious, then we do not deserve it,” he said, criticising the tendency to praise international content while harshly judging domestic productions.
Directed by Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 is slated for a Diwali release this year, with the second instalment expected to arrive next year.