Dipika Chikhlia Shares Her Thoughts on Sai Pallavi as Sita in Ramayana

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

As anticipation builds around Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, veteran actor Dipika Chikhlia, who immortalised the role of Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Ramayan, has shared her views on Sai Pallavi stepping into the legendary character.

In an interview with Variety India, Dipika praised Sai Pallavi’s acting abilities but said only the final on-screen portrayal will determine how well she fits the role.

“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,” Dipika said.

She added that Ramanand Sagar had chosen her based on the traditional description of Sita found in Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, including her physical features and appearance.

“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. If they fit the bill, then it’s good,” she said.

‘Our Ramayan Will Always Be Remembered’

Reflecting on the enduring popularity of the 1987 television series, Dipika said the original Ramayan continues to hold a special place in viewers’ hearts, especially after it was retelecast during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“People may forget my name, but they remember me as Sita. That’s my identity,” she said, adding that it would be difficult for any adaptation to erase the impact of Ramanand Sagar’s version.

Dipika also noted that Arun Govil, who famously played Lord Rama opposite her, is now portraying King Dashrath in Nitesh Tiwari’s film, creating an emotional bridge between the classic television series and the upcoming cinematic adaptation.

About Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana

The two-part epic stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita and Yash as Ravana. The ensemble cast also includes Sunny Deol, Ravie Dubey, Rakul Preet Singh, Lara Dutta, Arun Govil, Vivek Oberoi and Kunal Kapoor.

The film’s trailer was scheduled to premiere at San Diego Comic-Con, but producer Namit Malhotra announced a last-minute postponement, saying the launch would now take place globally at a later date following the project’s international partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Made on a reported ₹4,000 crore budget, Ramayana is among the most expensive Indian films ever produced. The soundtrack is being composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The first instalment is slated for a Diwali 2026 release, while the second part is expected to hit theatres in 2027.