Entertainment

IIE DIGITAL: The casting of Sai Pallavi as Sita in the much-awaited Ramayana, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has generated considerable curiosity among audiences. As fans eagerly await the film’s trailer and their first proper look at Sai Pallavi in the iconic role, Dipika Chikhlia, who became synonymous with Sita after playing the character in Ramanand Sagar’s legendary 1980s television series Ramayan, has now shared her thoughts on the casting.

In a recent interview with Variety, Dipika praised Sai Pallavi’s acting abilities, calling her a “phenomenal actor”. However, she admitted that she was yet to form an opinion about how Sai would look and fit into the role of Sita, saying that audiences would have to wait until the trailer to get a better idea. Dipika also referred to the traditional descriptions of Sita in Tulsidas’ Ramayan, noting that the character was described in terms of her physical features, including her eyes, height, hair and skin. She explained that these details were among the factors Ramanand Sagar had considered while casting her as Sita.

Speaking about Sai Pallavi’s appearance, Dipika remarked, “Sita Ji with curly hair is not mentioned in Ramayan.” Her comments have since drawn attention, particularly because Sai Pallavi is known for her naturally curly hair and the film’s interpretation of the character is yet to be officially revealed.

Dipika also reflected on the enduring popularity of the original Ramayan, which featured Arun Govil as Lord Ram alongside her as Sita. The series became a cultural phenomenon and continues to hold a special place in the memories of audiences across generations. Interestingly, Arun Govil is also part of the upcoming Ramayana, where he will reportedly portray King Dasharath.

Looking back at the legacy of the classic television series, Dipika said that it would be extremely difficult to erase the impact of the original Ramayan. She noted that while people may sometimes forget her name, they immediately remember her as the actress who played Sita. She also pointed out that the series found a new audience when it was re-telecast on Doordarshan during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Dipika, the emotional connection audiences have with the original series could continue to influence how viewers perceive the new big-screen adaptation.