With the trailer of Ramayana set to release on July 24, Dipika Chikhalia, who became a household name after portraying Sita in Ramanand SagarThe legendary television series’, shared his thoughts on: Sai Pallavi enter the iconic role for: Nitesh Tiwariadaptation of In an interview with Variety India, Deepika also talked about: Arun GovilHis return to the Ramayana universe as King Dashrath, the lasting legacy of the original series, and how Sita was played influenced the course of his career.When asked about Sai Pallavi’s take on the role of Sita, Dipika described the actor as very talented but said it would be unfair to judge her cast before seeing her performance.“I have seen her work. She is an amazing actor. But I don’t know how she looks like Sita. Once we see her, we will know. Right now, I have no idea. The portrayal of Sita in Tulsidas’ Ramayan is a woman with almond eyes, a height, hair and skin. That is what Ramanand Sagar was looking for, and he found it in me. I know they are all good actors. If they fit the bill, it’s great,” he said.Deepika also commented on Arun Govil, who famously portrayed Lord Ram alongside her in the television classic and is now set to appear as King Dashrath in Nitesh Tiwari’s film.Reflecting on the lasting impact of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, he said the series remains deeply embedded in the public consciousness, especially after being re-aired during the COVID-19 lockdown.“We are known for what 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. Nobody wants to get typecast.”He continued, “I think our Ramayan is very heavy on the film Ramayana. Our Ramayan was also watched by the new generation when it was aired on Doordarshan during the pandemic. So, it’s very difficult to get rid of that. Sitaji with curly hair is not mentioned in the Ramayan.Deepika also spoke candidly about the professional challenges she faced after being so close to Sita. He said the popularity of the role ultimately limited the variety of characters he was offered.“I don’t have a job. In fact, I am asking people for work even now. Ranbir has acted in Barfi, Sanju and Animal, and now he is playing Lord Rama. That’s the beauty of the weather right now. Not so in our days. We are all typecast. It’s still very difficult to get a job because people don’t see me as anybody. That’s why I got into production.”Talking about the casting of Yash as Ravana, Deepika expressed confidence in the actor’s abilities while pointing out that Ramanand Sagar’s adaptation holds a special place in the hearts of the audience.“I have seen a bit of Yash’s work. I am sure he is dynamic. But the thing is that erasing the old Ramayan is very difficult. Also, it’s still very new. If the film had come out 50 years ago, people would have forgotten Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan and the actors. Right now, it’s still very fresh in their minds.”Despite her observations, Deepika wished success to the cast and crew and expressed confidence that the film would attract audiences.“These are all talented people. I’m sure this is a film that people will want to watch at least once. The crux of Ramayan is that every actor who plays that character fits the bill. That, along with Ravindra Jain’s music, was the reason for Ramayan’s success.Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of Valmiki’s epic. The stars of the film: Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast also includes Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravie Dubey as Lakshman, Rakul Preet Singh, Kunal Kapoor, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil, Sheeba Chaddha and Adinath Kothare.