Dipika Chikhlia aka Sita backs Sai Pallavi, Ranbir Kapoor's 'Ramayana'
Mumbai, June 26
Actress Dipika Chikhlia, who continues to be known for iconic portrayal as Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar's iconic television series 'Ramayan', has expressed confidence in Sai Pallavi and Ranbir Kapoor, who are set to essay Sita and Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming adaptation of the epic.
In an exclusive conversation with IANS while promoting her upcoming film 'Tera Mera Nata', Dipika praised the lead pair, saying she believes both actors will do complete justice to their roles.
Speaking about the new adaptation, Dipika said, 'Both are very good actors. I have seen Sai Pallavi's work and she is a phenomenal actress. Ranbir Kapoor is also an excellent actor. I am sure both of them will portray their characters very beautifully.'
Dipika also opened up about how people continue to associate her with Goddess Sita decades after the show first aired, and even now bow down to her to touch her feet.
'Initially, it was difficult for me to understand why people would touch my feet. But later I realised that they were not expressing reverence for Dipika, they were expressing their devotion towards Sita Mata. I respect their emotions. It is their love and faith,' she shared.
Talking about her upcoming film 'Tera Mera Nata', Dipika urged audiences to support heartfelt cinema.
'I would just like to say that this film has been made with a lot of heart. Every actor and technician has worked very hard. Please watch it with your family and give it your love. It will strengthen people's belief that even small films can win hearts and become successful,' she said.
Talking about the TV show Ramayan, it continues to remain one of the most iconic television shows of all time.
The show starred Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman and Dipika Chikhlia as Sita.
The serial aired in 1987, ran for a year and went off air in 1988 on Doordarshan.
For the uninitiated, the show that aired every Sunday would bring streets to a standstill back in the day, every Sunday, as viewers would flock to TV sets that were rare in the 80s era.
In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, the show Ramayan was re-telecast on Doordarshan and ran for over two months.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I trust Nitesh Tiwari’s vision after Dangal and Chhichhore. But honestly, no one can match the magic of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. That show was a cultural phenomenon. Still, happy to see new talent get a chance. Let’s see if they respect the epic’s soul.
Interesting casting choice. I’ve seen Sai Pallavi in some Telugu films—she’s incredibly natural and emotive. Ranbir has the intensity for Lord Ram’s stoic side. My concern is the special effects dominating over the story, which is the heart of Ramayana. Hoping for a balanced take.
Dipika ji’s humility is something else. She could have easily claimed the role as her own, but she understands the devotion behind it. That respect sets the standard for anyone stepping into these shoes. Sai Pallavi seems to have that same grounded energy. Good luck to the team!
I’m cautiously optimistic. Ranbir Kapoor has the talent but his off-screen image might distract some viewers from seeing him as Lord Ram. That said, I’ve been blown away by Sai Pallavi in everything I’ve seen her in. If anyone can get the audience to forget the actor and see Sita, it’s her.
Why do we keep remaking Ramayana? The original serial is timeless and still holds up. But if we must have a new version, at least the casting is promising. Just hope they don’t try too hard to make it ‘modern’ or ‘gritty’. The simple, devotional tone of the original is why it connected so deeply
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