Nikitin Dheer REACTS To Criticism Around His Ravan Tattoo, Says 'He Was Flawed, But Had Lots To Teach'
Nikitin Dheer responds to the trolling he got over his Ravan tattoo on his thighs and said that even if he was flawed he taught us many good things
Actor Nikitin Dheer, widely recognized for his portrayal of the character Ravan in the television show Shrimad Ramayan, recently found himself at the center of controversy after revealing a new tattoo. The tattoo, which is inked on his thigh, depicts the legendary king of Lanka, Ravan, holding a veena, a sacred musical instrument. While some admired the intricate design and the significance behind it, a section of netizens criticized the placement of the veena on his leg, arguing that it was disrespectful to have such a holy instrument tattooed on a less "honorable" part of the body.
In response to the backlash, Nikitin took to social media to share a video of his tattoo and provide insight into the reasoning behind it. He explained that Ravan was a complex figure who embodied both immense devotion and terrifying wrath. According to Dheer, the veena was an instrument Ravan played so beautifully that it was believed to attract the attention of the gods, while the Chandrahaas, his powerful sword, could instill fear in those same deities. Through this tattoo, Nikitin sought to capture the duality of Ravan’s character—a flawed yet extraordinary individual with many lessons to impart.
However, the criticism from netizens prompted Nikitin to defend his choice vehemently. He addressed his detractors directly, asserting that his understanding of Ravan and Sanatan Dharma (the eternal way of life in Hinduism) was deeply personal and well-considered. He emphasized that his body is a temple, and he treats it with the utmost respect. Nikitin made it clear that he did not view his leg as impure or unworthy of bearing the image of the veena, a symbol of both artistic expression and divine connection. In his response, he also pointed out that Ravan himself, despite his flaws, was a revered figure in many ways, embodying both wisdom and power.
Nikitin’s rebuttal was firm and unapologetic. He expressed his pride in his Sanatani beliefs and made it clear that he did not need validation from others to live his life according to his values. He warned against the spread of hate and urged people to refrain from using abusive language when expressing their opinions. While he welcomed differing viewpoints, he drew the line at baseless criticism and disrespect. Nikitin’s message was a call for civility and respect in discourse, reminding his followers that while public figures like himself live in the spotlight, it does not give others the right to project their frustrations onto them.
For those unfamiliar with Nikitin’s career, he first gained widespread recognition for his role as the formidable Thangaballi in the Bollywood blockbuster Chennai Express, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. His portrayal of Ravan in Shrimad Ramayan has further solidified his reputation as a talented actor, especially after undergoing a significant physical transformation for the role. Despite the recent controversy, Nikitin’s dedication to his craft and his ability to bring complex characters to life continue to earn him admiration from audiences.
Image Source: Instagram