Cinema – Deepika Chikhalia Backs Sai Pallavi and Ranbir Kapoor for Ramayana Roles

Cinema – Deepika Chikhalia has expressed strong confidence in the lead actors of Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming Ramayana, saying their performances are likely to honour the beloved characters with sincerity and grace.

Veteran actress Deepika Chikhalia, whose portrayal of Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s landmark television series Ramayan remains one of Indian television’s most celebrated performances, has shared her thoughts on the next cinematic version of the epic. Speaking while promoting her upcoming film Tera Mera Nata, she said she has complete faith in Sai Pallavi and Ranbir Kapoor, who will portray Sita and Lord Ram in director Nitesh Tiwari’s highly anticipated adaptation.

Confidence in the Lead Performers

Deepika described both actors as exceptionally talented and capable of bringing depth to their iconic roles. She praised Sai Pallavi for her remarkable performances over the years and called her an outstanding actress. Speaking about Ranbir Kapoor, she said his acting abilities have already been proven through several successful films. According to Deepika, both stars possess the talent required to present these revered characters with dignity and authenticity on screen.

Ramayana’s Enduring Relevance

Reflecting on the lasting significance of the Ramayana, Deepika said she considers herself fortunate to have portrayed Sita in a television series that continues to resonate across generations. She credited audiences for the immense affection and respect they have shown her over the decades.

She also noted that the Ramayana is a timeless story rooted in faith, morality and human values. In her view, every generation can present the epic in a fresh way while preserving its essential message. She added that the story has been adapted many times in the past and will continue to inspire filmmakers in the future.

Audience Devotion Beyond the Screen

Deepika also spoke about the emotional connection many viewers continue to have with her portrayal of Sita. She recalled that, in the early years, she found it difficult to understand why people would approach her with folded hands or touch her feet.

Over time, however, she realised that such gestures were expressions of devotion towards the character she portrayed rather than towards her as an individual. She said she deeply respects these emotions because they reflect the enduring faith and affection audiences hold for Sita and the values represented in the epic.

Appeal for Support to Her New Film

While discussing her forthcoming film Tera Mera Nata, Deepika encouraged audiences to support meaningful cinema created with dedication and passion. She said every member of the cast and technical team had worked with complete commitment and hoped families would watch the film together.

According to the actress, encouraging sincere, content-driven films helps strengthen the belief that smaller productions can also connect with audiences and achieve success through strong storytelling.

Legacy of the Classic Television Series

Originally broadcast on Doordarshan between 1987 and 1988, Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan became a defining moment in Indian television history. The series featured Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman and Deepika Chikhalia as Sita.

The programme became a nationwide cultural phenomenon, with Sunday broadcasts drawing millions of viewers and famously bringing daily routines to a halt as families gathered around television sets. Its popularity returned during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 when Doordarshan re-telecast the series, introducing the classic epic to a new generation while rekindling memories for longtime viewers.