‘She Has the Grace’: Dipika Chikhlia Reacts to Sai Pallavi as Sita in Ramayana

OG Sita Dipika Chikhlia on Sai Pallavi’s Ramayana Role: ‘She’s a Phenomenal Actor’

Veteran actor Dipika Chikhlia, who became a household name for portraying Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Ramayan, has shared her thoughts on Sai Pallavi taking on the same role in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana. Speaking to Variety India, Dipika praised Sai Pallavi’s acting talent but said audiences would be able to judge her portrayal only after watching the film.

“I have seen her work. She’s a phenomenal actor. But I don’t know how she’ll look as Sita. Once we see her, we’ll know,” she said.

Dipika explained that Ramanand Sagar had selected her based on the traditional description of Sita in Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, adding that appearance also plays an important role in bringing the character to life.

“The description of Sita was that of a woman with almond-shaped eyes, a certain height, hair and skin. That’s what Ramanand Sagar was looking for, and he saw it in me. I know all of them are good actors. If they fit the bill, then it’s good,” she added.

‘People Remember Me as Sita’

The actor also reflected on the lasting legacy of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, saying the show continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original broadcast. “People may forget my name, but they remember that I played Sita. That’s my identity,” Dipika said.

She believes the 1987 television series still carries enormous emotional value, particularly after it was re-aired during the COVID-19 lockdown, making it familiar to a new generation of viewers.

Dipika also pointed out that Arun Govil, who portrayed Lord Rama in the original series, will now be seen as King Dashrath in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation.

About Ramayana

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film also features Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Vivek Oberoi, Kunal Kapoor and Arun Govil in key roles.

The makers had planned to unveil the film’s trailer at San Diego Comic-Con, but postponed the launch hours before the scheduled release. Producer Namit Malhotra said the trailer would now be unveiled globally at a later date following the film’s international partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Reportedly mounted on a ₹4,000 crore budget, Ramayana is among the biggest Indian film projects ever made. The music has been composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The first instalment is slated to release during Diwali 2026, while the second part is expected to arrive in 2027.