Veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia Topiwala, best known for portraying Sita in Ramanand Sagar's iconic television series Ramayan, has spoken candidly about the culture of social media trolling that now greets nearly every new film release. In an interview timed to the theatrical debut of her latest film, Tera Mera Nata, the actress offered a measured take on how the industry should respond to instant digital feedback.

On Trolling and Public Opinion

Chikhlia said she views criticism as an opportunity rather than an attack. “Praise and criticism are both part of life. Often, one can also learn from criticism, and a person can improve themselves and become better,” she said. The actress acknowledged that the digital age has fundamentally changed how audiences engage with films, compressing the feedback loop from weeks to minutes.

Notably, this perspective comes at a time when several veteran performers have spoken out about the toxicity of online commentary. Chikhlia’s response stands apart for its composure — choosing to frame trolling as a growth tool rather than a threat.

Content Over Star Power

When asked whether a film without big stars can still succeed, Chikhlia was unequivocal: content is the real king today. She argued that the manner in which a story is told and presented to the audience is decisive. According to her, a story that connects emotionally will always find its viewers, regardless of the star cast attached to it.

This view aligns with a broader shift visible in recent Indian cinema, where mid-budget, story-driven films have repeatedly outperformed high-profile star vehicles at the box office.

Tera Mera Nata and Emotional Depth

Tera Mera Nata released in theatres on 26 June 2026, featuring Dipika Chikhlia alongside Suraj, Ambika Vani, Pankaj Berry, Meghna Panchal, and Pragya Mishra. Chikhlia described her character as emotionally demanding, a terrain she said she is comfortable navigating given her extensive body of work in emotional roles.

“I have always enjoyed performing emotional scenes. I have played many emotional roles in the past and I am able to connect with them quite quickly. However, every role is different. Sometimes it is the pain of separation from a husband, sometimes from children, and sometimes the struggle caused by a difficult situation affecting children,” she said.

A Career Defined by Emotional Range

Chikhlia’s association with emotionally resonant roles stretches back decades, anchored by her portrayal of Sita — a performance that remains one of Indian television’s most recalled. Her return to screens with Tera Mera Nata is being watched as a test of whether that emotional connect still holds with contemporary audiences in an era of streaming and shortened attention spans.

With the film now in theatres, audience response over the coming days will determine whether her thesis — that good storytelling transcends star power — holds at the box office.