Dipika Chikhlia shares rare throwback photo with LK Advani and PM Modi
Synopsis
A single black-and-white photograph posted by 'Ramayan' actress Dipika Chikhlia has gone quietly viral — capturing a young Narendra Modi and LK Advani alongside the actress who became Goddess Sita for an entire generation. The image, taken at what appears to be a political gathering decades ago, is a rare personal window into a shared past that few knew existed.
Key Takeaways
Dipika Chikhlia , who played Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar 's 'Ramayan' (1987–88), shared a rare throwback black-and-white photograph on social media.
The image features a young Dipika Chikhlia , veteran BJP leader L.K.
Advani , and a bearded young Narendra Modi , now Prime Minister of India.
Chikhlia captioned the post 'Old memories with Adnani ji and our beloved PM' , tagging PM Modi ; 'Adnani' is widely seen as a typographical error for Advani. 'Ramayan' starred Arun Govil , Sunil Lahri , Arvind Trivedi , Dara Singh , and Dipika Chikhlia , and aired on Doordarshan between 1987 and 1988 .
Chikhlia was most recently seen in the family drama 'Tera Mera Nata' alongside Suraj .
Actress Dipika Chikhlia, celebrated for her portrayal of Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar's landmark television series 'Ramayan', stirred nostalgia on social media by posting a rare black-and-white photograph featuring veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani and a visibly younger Narendra Modi, now Prime Minister of India.
The Throwback Post
Sharing the vintage image on her social media account, Chikhlia captioned it: 'Old memories with Adnani ji and our beloved PM' — with 'Adnani' widely understood to be a typographical error for Advani. She also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the post. The candid photograph appears to have been taken at a political or social gathering several decades ago, capturing a young Chikhlia dressed in a traditional saree, seated beside L.K. Advani mid-conversation, with a bearded young Modi visible alongside them.
Why the Image Resonates
The photograph is notable for the confluence of figures it captures — a cultural icon of Indian television alongside two of the most consequential names in Indian politics. Notably, L.K. Advani, now in his nineties, was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2024, making the resurfaced image particularly timely. The picture offers a rare personal glimpse into a shared past that predates both Modi's rise to national prominence and Advani's towering legacy in the BJP.
Dipika Chikhlia and the Legacy of 'Ramayan'
Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan' first aired on Doordarshan between 1987 and 1988, becoming one of the most-watched programmes in Indian television history. The series starred Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman, and Dipika Chikhlia as Goddess Sita. Such was the show's cultural grip that viewers reportedly offered prayers to the actors as though they were the deities themselves.
Chikhlia's Recent Work
Beyond her iconic role, Chikhlia was most recently seen in the film 'Tera Mera Nata', a family-oriented drama centred on emotional relationships, in which she starred alongside Suraj. The film was promoted as a heartwarming, emotionally resonant watch for family audiences.
The throwback post has drawn warm responses online, with fans revisiting the cultural and political history the image quietly encapsulates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dipika Chikhlia?
Dipika Chikhlia is an Indian actress best known for playing Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar's iconic television series 'Ramayan', which aired on Doordarshan between 1987 and 1988. She was most recently seen in the family drama 'Tera Mera Nata'.
What did Dipika Chikhlia post on social media?
Dipika Chikhlia shared a rare black-and-white throwback photograph featuring herself, veteran BJP leader L.K. Advani, and a young Narendra Modi, now Prime Minister of India. She captioned it 'Old memories with Adnani ji and our beloved PM' and tagged PM Modi in the post.
Who were the main cast members of Ramanand Sagar's 'Ramayan'?
The 1987–88 Doordarshan series starred Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman, and Dipika Chikhlia as Goddess Sita. The show is widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant programmes in Indian television history.
What is the significance of the throwback photograph?
The photograph captures Dipika Chikhlia alongside L.K. Advani and a visibly young Narendra Modi at what appears to be a political or social gathering from several decades ago. It has drawn attention for offering a rare personal glimpse into a shared past between a beloved television icon and two of India's most prominent political figures.
What is Dipika Chikhlia's most recent film?
Dipika Chikhlia was most recently seen in 'Tera Mera Nata', a heartwarming family drama about emotional relationships, in which she starred alongside actor Suraj.
