Sunil Lahri extends birthday wishes to on-screen 'bhabhi' Dipika Chikhlia, recalls Ramayan bond
Synopsis
Sunil Lahri's birthday tribute to Dipika Chikhlia is more than a casual greeting — it's a window into the enduring bonds forged on the sets of Ramayan, the 1987 phenomenon that rewired Indian television. Three decades later, the on-screen siblings remain tethered by shared history and mutual respect, a testament to the show's cultural gravity.
Key Takeaways
Sunil Lahri extended birthday wishes to Dipika Chikhlia on 29 April via video message.
Lahri and Chikhlia played Lakshman and Sita in the iconic 1987 Doordarshan serial Ramayan .
Their professional bond extends to Vikram Aur Betaal , predating Ramayan .
Ramayan aired for one year ( 1987–1988 ) and was re-telecast during COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 .
The cast, including Arun Govil , Arvind Trivedi , and Dara Singh , became household names following the show's broadcast.
Actor Sunil Lahri, who etched himself into television history as Lakshman in the iconic Doordarshan serial Ramayan, extended warm birthday greetings to his on-screen sister-in-law Dipika Chikhlia on 29 April. The actress, who portrayed Sita in the 1987 classic, received a heartfelt video message from Lahri, who fondly referred to her as his "bhabhi" and reflected on their decades-long professional and personal relationship.
A bond spanning two shows
In his video tribute, Sunil Lahri revealed that his connection with Dipika Chikhlia predates even Ramayan, extending back to their collaborative work on the television series Vikram Aur Betaal. "When we went to the holy land of Akshaya Vat in Prayagraj, I prayed to God to keep her happy, healthy and grant her a long life," he said in the message. He further added, "I have known her since the days of Vikram Vetal, and even today we share a bond of love and respect. May God always keep this relationship intact."
The legacy of Ramayan
Ramayan, which premiered in 1987 and concluded in 1988, remains one of Indian television's most transformative productions. The serial, which aired every Sunday on Doordarshan, reportedly brought urban India to a standstill, as viewers gathered around television sets — a luxury in the 1980s — to witness the mythological saga unfold. The ensemble cast, including Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman, and Sunil Lahri and Dipika Chikhlia as the central pair, became household names almost overnight.
Cultural resonance then and now
The show's cultural footprint extended far beyond its initial run. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Doordarshan re-telecast Ramayan, which ran for over two months and once again captured national attention, introducing the classic to a new generation of viewers. This resurgence underscored the enduring appeal of the narrative and the performances that defined it.
Personal reflections
Lahri's birthday message, delivered with evident warmth and nostalgia, highlights the lasting camaraderie among cast members who shared the experience of bringing mythology to life on the small screen. His invocation of spiritual well-wishes — "Jai Shiv" — and his reference to sacred sites such as Akshaya Vat in Prayagraj underscore the reverence with which both actors have carried their iconic roles into their personal lives.
Point of View
Fragmented across streaming platforms and algorithmic schedules, rarely achieve. That Lahri still invokes Prayagraj's sacred sites in his wishes for Chikhlia suggests these weren't merely acting roles but identities that seeped into lived experience. In an age of viral moments and disposable celebrity, this kind of sustained, reverent friendship is increasingly uncommon.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sunil Lahri and what made him famous?
Sunil Lahri is an actor best known for playing Lakshman in the iconic 1987 Doordarshan television serial Ramayan. The role made him a household name across India and remains his most celebrated work.
When is Dipika Chikhlia's birthday and what did Sunil Lahri say?
Dipika Chikhlia's birthday is on 29 April. Sunil Lahri extended warm wishes via a video message, recalling their long-standing bond dating back to Vikram Aur Betaal and expressing prayers for her health and longevity.
What was the cultural impact of Ramayan when it first aired?
Ramayan, which aired on Doordarshan from 1987 to 1988, reportedly brought urban India to a standstill every Sunday. Viewers gathered around television sets to watch the mythological saga, and the cast became household names almost immediately.
Did Ramayan air again after its original run?
Yes, during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Doordarshan re-telecast Ramayan, which ran for over two months and introduced the classic to a new generation of viewers.
Who else was part of the original Ramayan cast?
The cast included Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, and Dipika Chikhlia as Sita.
