Ramayana's Urmila, Sonia Balani, says she wasn't worried about less screen time, is 'okay to be part of something big'

Sonia Balani, who portrays Urmila in Ramayana, has spoken about the strength behind her character’s decision to remain in Ayodhya after Lakshman accompanies Lord Rama into exile. In an interview with India Today, the actor described Urmila’s experience as one of the greatest sacrifices known in the epic.

Urmila’s place in the Ramayana

In Valmiki’s Ramayana, Urmila is the younger daughter of Mithila’s King Janaka and the sister of Sita. She marries Lakshman after Rama expresses his wish that his brothers should also marry when he wins Sita’s hand in the swayamvar.

Urmila’s life changes soon after her marriage. When Rama is exiled by Kaikeyi, Lakshman chooses to accompany him, leaving Urmila behind in Ayodhya for 14 years. Her sacrifice takes place away from the central journey of Rama, Sita and Lakshman, but remains a significant part of the story.

Sonia Balani on the character’s strength

Balani said Urmila’s sacrifice was difficult for her to understand from the perspective of a modern woman. “It's one of the biggest sacrifices that we have known about,” the actor said, adding that she was still trying to comprehend how Urmila found the strength to make such a decision immediately after getting married.

Her comments draw attention to Urmila’s emotional journey and the distinct form of courage represented by her character. While Lakshman travels with Rama, Urmila remains in Ayodhya, carrying the consequences of the exile within her own life.

For Balani, portraying Urmila involves engaging with a character whose importance is rooted not in the length of her journey, but in the scale of the sacrifice she makes.