As excitement continues to build around Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious adaptation of ‘Ramayana:‘, Deepika Chikhalia, who became synonymous with Sita by: Ramanand SagarThe legendary television series ‘Ramayan’, shared his views on the new cast. Talking about: Sai Pallavi taking on the iconic role, Deepika: praised the actor’s talent while admitting that he was waiting to see how he would embody the character on screen.
Deepika Chikhalia weighs in on Sai Pallavi’s casting
Deepika had words of appreciation for Sai Pallavi’s acting abilities but believes that the audience will only judge the performance once the film is released.Speaking to Variety India, he shared, “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, then it’s great.“
Deepika Chikhalia’s first day on set was nothing like Sita
Recalling her early days in Ramanand Sagar’s classic television series, Deepika revealed that she first appeared as goddess Lakshmi before finally becoming Sita.He shared, “My first day in ‘Ramayan’ was not like Sita. I was Goddess Lakshmi. We did that one episode for Doordarshan for seven days. I just pressed 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 if it gets approved, ‘Ramayan’ will do.”
The original ‘Ramayan’ still holds a special place for Deepika Chikhalia
Asked about: Arun Govilwho portrayed Lord Ram in the television series and now plays King Dashrath in ‘Ramayana’, Deepika reflects on the lasting impact of the original show and why she feels its legacy remains unmatched.Chikhalia said, “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 be typecast. I think our ‘Ramayan’ will weigh on our ‘Ramayan’ film 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 ‘Ramayan’.”
Typecasting changed Deepika Chikhalia’s career
Deepika admitted that portraying Sita brought huge recognition but also made it difficult for the filmmakers to imagine her in different roles.He explained, “I don’t have a job. In fact, I am asking people for jobs even now. Ranbir has acted in ‘Barfi!’, ‘Sanju’ and ‘Animal’, and now he is playing Lord Rama. That is the beauty of today’s era. 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.”
‘Ramayana’ cast and release date
Ramayana boasts of one of the largest ensembles assembled for an Indian film. Ranbir Kapoor stars as Lord Rama, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita. Yash will appear as the antagonist, Ravana, with Sunny Deol playing Lord Hanuman and Ravi Dubey essaying 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.