Dipika Chikhlia on Sai Pallavi as Sita: We’ll Know Only After We See Her
Reflecting on the enduring impact of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, Dipika said the role of Sita has become her lifelong identity.
Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravana, continues to generate immense buzz. While the film has become one of the most anticipated projects in Indian cinema, Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita has also sparked debate among fans.
Amid the discussions, veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia, who immortalised the role of Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic television series Ramayan, shared her thoughts on Sai Pallavi stepping into the legendary role.
Speaking to the media, Dipika praised Sai Pallavi’s acting abilities but admitted that it is too early to judge whether she fits the character visually.
"I have seen her work. She’s a phenomenal actor. But I don’t know how she’ll look as Sita. Once we see her, we’ll know. At the moment, I have no clue. The description of Sita in Tulsidas’ Ramayan was that of a woman with almond-shaped eyes, a certain height, hair and skin. That’s what Ramanand Sagar was looking for, and he saw it in me. I know all of them are good actors. If they fit the bill, then it’s good," she said.
Reflecting on the enduring impact of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, Dipika said the role of Sita has become her lifelong identity.
"We’re known for what we are. I’m known as Sita. Sometimes people forget my name, but they remember that I played Sita. So, that’s my identity. I don’t know why anybody would want to lose that. Of course, as an actor, you want to play different roles. Nobody wants to get typecast," she remarked.
She also believes the legacy of the 1987 television classic will inevitably influence how audiences receive Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation.
"I think our Ramayan will weigh very heavily on the Ramayana film. Our Ramayan was also watched by the new generation when it aired on Doordarshan during the pandemic. So, it’s very difficult to erase that. Sitaji with curly hair is not mentioned in the Ramayan," she added.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is being mounted on a massive scale and is expected to release in two parts, making it one of the biggest cinematic adaptations of the Indian epic.
