Television – Sunil Lahiri Reveals Dara Singh’s Priceless Gift

Television – Actor Sunil Lahiri, widely remembered for portraying Lakshman in the landmark television series Ramayan, delighted his followers this week by sharing a deeply personal memory linked to his late co-star Dara Singh. The veteran actor posted a video on social media displaying a decades-old brown briefcase, a keepsake he received from Singh during their time working together in the late 1980s.

A Gift That Carries Decades of Memories

In the video, Lahiri held up the vintage briefcase and greeted viewers warmly. He clarified that he was not preparing for travel, as some might assume from the sight of the luggage. Instead, he explained that the briefcase carries a meaningful story from his past.

According to Lahiri, the gift dates back approximately 35 to 36 years. He recalled that Dara Singh, who portrayed Hanuman in Ramayan, presented it to him during a visit to Africa. The moment took place in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, at a time when the show’s popularity was at its peak.

Lahiri shared that the gesture has stayed with him ever since, not because of the item’s material worth, but because of the sentiment behind it. He described the briefcase as priceless, emphasizing that its emotional value far outweighs any monetary measure.

A Promise to Share the Full Story

While offering a glimpse into the past, Lahiri stopped short of revealing the entire incident connected to the gift. He hinted that there is an interesting anecdote behind the presentation and assured viewers that he would recount it in a future post.

Concluding his message, he encouraged his audience to remain happy and healthy, signing off with a devotional salutation that reflected the spirit of the show that brought him enduring fame.

Remembering a Television Milestone

The mention of the gift inevitably revived memories of Ramayan, a series that remains one of Indian television’s most influential productions. First broadcast on Doordarshan in 1987, the show ran until 1988 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon.

The cast featured Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahiri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman, and Dipika Chikhlia as Sita. Their performances left a lasting impression on viewers across the country.

At a time when television sets were not common in many households, families would gather at neighbors’ homes every Sunday to watch the latest episode. Streets often appeared deserted during the broadcast, reflecting the program’s extraordinary reach and influence.

Revival During the Pandemic

More than three decades later, Ramayan experienced a remarkable revival. In 2020, amid nationwide restrictions during the COVID-19 lockdown, Doordarshan re-telecast the series. The rerun attracted strong viewership for over two months, introducing the epic tale to a new generation while rekindling nostalgia among longtime fans.

For Lahiri, the resurfacing of memories through a simple object underscores the bond shared among the cast members during the making of the series. The briefcase, preserved carefully over the years, stands as a reminder of friendship, respect, and a defining chapter in Indian television history.

As audiences await the full story behind the treasured gift, the moment has already reignited conversations about the enduring legacy of Ramayan and the artists who brought its characters to life.

Sunil Lahiri, Dara Singh, Ramayan, Doordarshan, Indian television, Nairobi, Arun Govil, Dipika Chikhlia, Arvind Trivedi, Lakshman, Hanuman, COVID-19 lockdown,