The trailer for the ₹4,000-crore project Ramayan missed its scheduled release. The film features Ranbir Kapoor as Ram, Yash as Ravana, Arun Govil as Dasharatha, and Sai Pallavi as Sita. Amidst this, Dipika Chikhlia—who played Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan on Doordarshan—has shared her thoughts on the casting of Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan. In an interview, she expressed support for the project and for Arun Govil’s return to the epic, this time as King Dasharatha, while also commenting on Sai Pallavi playing the role of Sita.
What she said about Sai Pallavi
Dipika Chikhlia described Sai Pallavi as highly talented, stating that it would be unfair to judge the casting without seeing the actual performance. She said, “I have seen her work; she is an excellent actor. However, I don’t know how she will look in the role of Sita—we will only know once we see her. Right now, I cannot say. In Tulsidas’s Ramayan, Sita is described as a woman with almond-shaped eyes and specific physical attributes regarding height, hair, and complexion. That is the kind of look Ramanand Sagar was searching for, and he found it in me. I know they are all good actors; if she fits the role well, that is great.”
What Dipika Chikhlia said about Arun Govil
Dipika Chikhlia also spoke about Arun Govil, her former co-star who is renowned for playing the role of Ram in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. Speaking about the show, she said, “This serial is deeply etched in people’s minds, and it was especially appreciated when it was re-telecast during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are known for our identity; I am recognized as Sita. Sometimes people forget my name, but they remember that I played the role of Sita. So, that is my identity. I don’t know why anyone would want to lose that. Of course, as an actor, you want to play diverse roles; no one wants to be ‘typecast.’ I feel that our Ramayan will have a significant influence on the upcoming Ramayan film. When our Ramayan was aired on Doordarshan during the pandemic, the new generation watched it too. Therefore, erasing that impression is very difficult. The Ramayan does not mention a Sita with curly hair.”
Reaction to the role of Ravana
Commenting further on the role of Ravana, Dipika Chikhlia said, “I have seen some of Yash’s work. I am sure he will do a fantastic job. However, the point is that it will be very difficult to erase the memories of the original Ramayan. Moreover, it is still fresh in people’s minds. Had this film come out 50 years later, people might have forgotten Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan and its cast. Right now, it remains vivid in their memories. All these actors are talented. I am certain that this is a film people would want to watch at least once. The unique strength of the Ramayan was that every actor was perfectly suited for their role. Along with Ravindra Jain’s music, that was the reason for the show’s success.”
