Dipika Chikhlia is most popularly known for playing the role of Devi Sita in television’s iconic series Ramayana by Ramanand Sagar. The series used to air on TV in the late 1980s. On the show, Arun Govil essayed the role of Lord Ram.
Dipika on Arun Govil`s casting in Ramayana
Now, Ramayana has once again become the talk of the town with Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial in the making. Recently, it was revealed that Arun Govil has been roped in to play King Dasharath, the father of Lord Ram, in the new film.
While sharing her thoughts on Arun Govil’s casting, Dipika said that she finds it hard to relate to. “I have seen him as Ram and I’ve seen myself as Sita. For me to see him as Dashrath is really a little out of context,” she told Times of India.
The actress further said that breaking the long-standing image of Ram will be difficult. “I mean, if you played Ram, then you are Ram,” she said, adding that playing Dashrath is a “personal choice” of actor Arun Govil.
Was Dipika approached for Ramayana?
Dipika also expressed her disappointment over not being approached for the upcoming magnum opus. “I was never approached. I guess they’ve not even bothered to speak to me about it,” she said.
Although she clarified that she would not have accepted the offer even if she had been approached, as she feels she cannot play any role apart from Devi Sita. “Once I played Sita, I don’t think I can play any other character in Ramayan,” she said. However, the actress added that she is open to playing roles in shows based on other Indian epics like the Mahabharat and Shiv Puran, but not Ramayana, as people strongly associate her with the role of Sita.
Ramayana first look
The first glimpse or introduction video into the world of Ramayana features stellar visuals, indicating top-notch, world-class VFX. The video introduces members of the team, including music composers Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. It also offers a quick glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama and Yash as Ravana.
The introduction video, with its impressive VFX, has largely left audiences excited, especially those who were skeptical about the film after Om Raut’s Adipurush proved to be a letdown.
Apart from Ranbir, Sai Pallavi, and Yash, the film directed by Nitesh Tiwari also boasts an interesting ensemble cast. Sunny Deol will be seen as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey plays Laxman, Lara Dutta takes on the role of Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh will appear as Surpanakha, and Kajal Aggarwal plays Mandodari.
The film will be released in two parts. The first part is set to release on Diwali 2026, while the second part is scheduled for Diwali 2027. Ranbir Kapoor, in an earlier interview, shared that shooting for Part 1 has already been completed. According to reports, Part 1 ends with the Sita Haran episode.