New Delhi: 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’ve seen him as Ram, and I’ve seen myself as Sita; for me, seeing him as Dasharath is a little out of context.
Although Dipika admitted that playing Dasharath after essaying the iconic character of Ram, whom millions still associate with Arun Govil, was a personal choice, she emphasised that it is challenging 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 latest film. I was never approached. I guess they’ve not even bothered to speak to me about it, she also added.
She stated that even if she had been approached, she wouldn’t have agreed to take on any role in the Ramayana, as she couldn’t imagine herself playing any character other than Sita, the one she had 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 that she is open to acting in films or shows based on other epics, such as the Mahabharat and the Shiv Puran, but reiterated that she cannot take on any role in the Ramayana.
