With the trailer of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana postponed, the film continues to remain in the spotlight. Amid the growing excitement, veteran television actress actor Dipika Chikhlia, who became a household name after playing Sita in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan (1987-1988), has shared her thoughts on the upcoming adaptation. She spoke about Sai Pallavi's casting as Sita, Ranbir Kapoor and Yash's roles, and how playing Sita changed her own career forever.
Dipika Chikhlia Shares Her Views On Sai Pallavi As Mata Sita
Dipika Chikhlia on Sai Pallavi's mata Sita role (Image: Instagram/@dipikachikhlia)
In an interview with Variety India, Dipika praised Sai Pallavi's acting skills but said it is too early to judge her performance as Sita.
She said, "I have seen her work. She is a phenomenal actress. But how she will look as Sita can only be judged after watching the film. Once we see her, we’ll know.”
Explaining her selection in Ramanand Sagar's TV show Ramayan, Chikhlia said, “In Tulsidas' Ramayana, Sita's eyes, height, hair and complexion are described. Ramanand Sagar was looking for someone who matched that description and he found it in me. The rest of the cast is also talented. If they suit their characters, that is a good thing."
Dipika also added, "As far as I remember, Ramayana never mentions Sita having curly hair."
Our Ramayan Will Always Have An impact: Dipika Chikhlia
Dipika believes Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan still holds a special place in people's hearts. She said, "Even today, people know me more as Sita than by my real name. That became my identity. Our Ramayan will have a huge impact on this film.”
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Recalling Covid19 time she said, “During the pandemic, when it was re-telecasted on Doordarshan, a new generation also watched it. It won't be easy for people to forget that Ramayan."
Dipika Chikhlia Says Playing Sita Affected Her Career
Dipika Chikhlia on her mata Sita role (Image: Instagram/@dipikachikhlia)
Dipika revealed that while the role made her famous, it also limited her opportunities. She shared, "After Ramayan, I stopped getting work. Even today, I ask people for work. Times have changed now. Ranbir Kapoor has done films like Barfi, Sanju and Animal before playing Lord Ram. In our time, actors were often limited to one image. That's why I eventually moved towards production."
Dipika Chikhlia's Views On Yash As Ravan
Speaking about Yash as Ravana, Dipika said, "I have seen a little of Yash's work. I am sure he will be as powerful as Ravana. But it is very difficult to erase the old Ramayan from people's hearts."
She ended by wishing the entire team well and expressed confidence that audiences would watch the film at least once. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana will be released in two parts, first on Diwali 2026 and second on Diwali 2027.