As excitement continues to build around Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of “Ramayana‘, Deepika Chikhalia, who became synonymous with Sita Ramanand SagarThe legendary TV series ‘Ramayan’, has shared his views on the new cast. Speaking of Sai Pallavi assuming the iconic role, Deepika praised the actor’s talent while admitting that he is waiting to see how he embodies the character on screen.
Deepika Chikhalia intervenes in the casting of Sai Pallavi
Deepika had words of appreciation for Sai Pallavi’s acting skills, but feels that the audience can only judge the performance once the film releases.Speaking to Variety India, he shared, “I have seen her work. She is a phenomenal actor. But I don’t know how she will look like Sita. When we see her, we will know. As of now, I have no idea. The description of Sita in Tulsidas’ Ramayan was of a woman of a certain height, almond-shaped eyes and skin. This is what Ramanand Sagar was looking for, and he saw it in me. I know they are all good actors. If they fit the bill, good.“
Deepika Chikhalia’s first day on set was not like Sita
Recalling her early days in Ramanand Sagar’s classic TV serial, Deepika revealed that she first appeared as Goddess Lakshmi before being cast as Sita.She shared, “My first day in ‘Ramayan’ was not as Sita. I was Goddess Lakshmi. We did that episode for Doordarshan for seven days. I was just pressing Lord Vishnu’s feet for those seven days. I didn’t know what the future of the show would be. Papaji (Ramanand Sagar) said that would be, ‘if Ramayan approves.’
The original ‘Ramayan’ still holds a special place for Deepika Chikhalia
Asked about Arun Govilwho played Lord Ram in the TV series and now plays King Dashrath in ‘Ramayana’, Deepika reflected on the lasting impact of the original show and why she feels its legacy remains unparalleled.Chikhalia said, “We are known for who we are. I am known as Sita. Sometimes people forget my name, but they remember that I played 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 different roles. No one wants to be boxed in. ‘Ramayan’ was also seen by the new generation when it aired on Doordarshan during the pandemic. So it is very difficult to erase it. Sitaji with curly hair is not mentioned in ‘Ramayan’.
Typography changed Deepika Chikhalia’s career
Deepika admitted that portraying Sita brought immense recognition but also made it difficult for filmmakers to imagine her in different roles.She explained, “I didn’t get any work. In fact, I ask people for work even now. Ranbir has acted in ‘Barfi!’, ‘Sanju’ and ‘Animal’, and now he plays Lord Rama. That’s the beauty of today’s time. It wasn’t like that in our day. They all fit us in. It’s still very hard to find a job because people don’t see me as anyone else. That’s why I got into production.”
‘Ramayana’ cast and release date
Ramayana boasts one of the largest ensembles ever assembled for an Indian film. Ranbir Kapoor stars Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi plays Sita. Yash will play the antagonist, Ravana, with Sunny Deol playing Lord Hanuman and Ravi Dubey playing the role of Lakshman. The cast also includes Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Arun Govil as King Dashrath, Vivek Oberoi as Vidyutjihva, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indra, Adinath Kothare as Bharata, while Anupam Kher lends his voice to Jatayu.