Dipika Chikhlia says Arun Govil's casting as Dasharath in Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana is ‘out of context': ‘If you played Ram…'

Indian Express

6 hours ago

The first look of Nitesh Tiwari's magnum opus Ramayana left fans in awe. Though viewers got only a few seconds' glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor's look as Ram in the teaser clip, excitement is already soaring to see the entire cast come together on screen. Despite the massive fanfare surrounding Ramayana, for many, Ramanand Sagar's 1987 Ramayan remains the OG. Recently, it was announced that Arun Govil, who played Ram in the 1987 series, has been cast in the role of Ram's father, Dasharath, in the upcoming magnum opus.
Dipika Chikhlia, who portrayed Sita in the iconic TV show, shared her opinion on Arun's casting and admitted that she finds it difficult to relate to. 'I have seen him as Ram and I've seen myself as Sita. For me to see him as Dasarath is really a little out of context,' she told Times of India.
Though Dipika admitted that playing Dasharath after essaying the iconic character of Ram — whom millions still associate Arun Govil with — is a 'personal choice' he made, she emphasised that it is 'very difficult to break' a long-standing image. 'I mean, if you played Ram, then you are Ram,' she said.
Dipika also expressed her disappointment over not being approached to be part of the new film. 'I was never approached. I guess they've not even bothered to speak to me about it,' she said.
She added that even if she had been approached, she wouldn't have agreed to take on any role in Ramayana, as she can't imagine herself playing any character other than Sita — the one she immortalised in the television series. 'Once I played Sita, I don't think I can play any other character in Ramayan,' she said. However, she admitted she is open to acting in films or shows based on other epics like Mahabharat and Shiv Puran, but reiterated that she cannot take up any role in Ramayana.
Ramayana is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and co-written by Namit Malhotra, who is also co-producing the film along with South superstar Yash. Yash is playing the role of Ravana in the magnum opus. Ranbir Kapoor stars as Ram, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Ravi Dubey plays Ram's brother Laxman, and Sunny Deol will be seen portraying Hanuman. The film's music is composed by Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer and Indian maestro AR Rahman.
Ramayana is the most expensive Indian film ever made, with a reported staggering production budget of Rs 1,600 crore. It will release in two parts. The first installment alone accounts for Rs 900 crore, while Rs 700 crore has been set aside for the sequel.