Actress Deepika Chikhalia, celebrated for her definitive portrayal of Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar's landmark television series 'Ramayan', has voiced strong confidence in Sai Pallavi and Ranbir Kapoor, who are set to play Sita and Lord Ram respectively in director Nitesh Tiwari's highly anticipated big-screen adaptation of the epic. Speaking on the sidelines of her upcoming film 'Tera Mera Nata', Chikhalia said she believes the two actors are more than capable of honouring the roles.

Chikhalia's Praise for the Lead Pair

'Both are very good actors. I have seen Sai Pallavi's work and she is a phenomenal actress. Ranbir Kapoor is also an excellent actor. I am sure both of them will portray their characters very beautifully,' Chikhalia said. Her endorsement carries particular weight given that her own portrayal of Sita, which first aired on Doordarshan in 1987, remains a cultural touchstone for generations of Indian viewers.

Reflecting on the enduring relevance of the epic, she added, 'It is my good fortune that I got the opportunity to portray such a character. People have given me immense love and acceptance. Ramayan is a story that can be retold in every era in a new way. It has been made before and it will continue to be made because its foundation rests on faith and values.'

The Weight of Playing Sita — Then and Now

Chikhalia also spoke candidly about the decades-long public reverence she continues to receive — a phenomenon where audiences bow down and touch her feet even today. 'Initially, it was difficult for me to understand why people would touch my feet. But later I realised that they were not expressing reverence for Deepika, they were expressing their devotion towards Sita Mata. I respect their emotions. It is their love and faith,' she said.

This deep emotional connection between the actress and the character she played underscores the cultural stakes of Tiwari's forthcoming adaptation. Notably, the original series — which also starred Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, and Dara Singh as Hanuman — was so widely watched that it brought streets to a standstill every Sunday during its original run from 1987 to 1988.

Ramayan's Undiminished Legacy

The show's cultural grip showed no signs of fading even decades later. During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, Doordarshan re-telecast 'Ramayan', and it ran for over two months, drawing massive viewership at a time when the country was largely confined indoors. The re-telecast became one of the most-watched television events of that year, reaffirming the epic's cross-generational appeal.

This is the context in which Nitesh Tiwari's cinematic retelling arrives — with audience expectations shaped not just by the original text but by Sagar's beloved adaptation.

Chikhalia's New Film 'Tera Mera Nata'

Turning to her own current project, Chikhalia made a heartfelt appeal to audiences. 'I would just like to say that this film has been made with a lot of heart. Every actor and technician has worked very hard. Please watch it with your family and give it your love. It will strengthen people's belief that even small films can win hearts and become successful,' she said. As Tiwari's 'Ramayana' continues to build anticipation, all eyes will be on whether Sai Pallavi and Ranbir Kapoor can carry forward a legacy that Chikhalia herself helped define.