Dipika Chikhlia, renowned for portraying Sita in the iconic 1980s TV series Ramayan, has made it clear she has no interest in joining Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film based on the same epic. The actress, whose role in Ramanand Sagar’s show cemented her as a household name, recently spoke out about Nitesh Tiwari’s big-screen adaptation, which stars Kapoor as Lord Ram. Chikhlia’s comments reflect her belief that no modern retelling can match the cultural impact of the original television series that captivated audiences decades ago.
“There is no chance of me working in it, nor am I interested,” Chikhlia stated firmly, dismissing any speculation about her involvement in the project before adding, “I clearly understood that people have known me as Sita ji, and nothing will become as popular as Sagar’s Ramayan. Then why should I fiddle with my image? I am Sita. I have accepted it. For 35 years, I have taken the responsibility of being Sita, so why should I try to be something else?”
ranbir announced his next movie, “ramayana”, on raha’s birthday pic.twitter.com/QZSnL25azJ
— no context ranbir (@nocontextranbir) November 6, 2024
The film, currently in production, has generated buzz with its high-profile cast, including Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Raavan, and a budget exceeding ₹500 crore across two parts. Despite the excitement, Chikhlia remains unimpressed, arguing that the legacy of Sagar’s Ramayan is unrivaled.
Chikhlia’s stance comes as Tiwari’s movie aims to bring a fresh cinematic take on the epic, with its first part slated for release on Diwali 2026 and the second on Diwali 2027. The project has faced scrutiny, including rumors of a fallout between Kapoor and Pallavi, which Tiwari dismissed as baseless. Yet, Chikhlia, who last appeared on the big screen in the poorly received Gumraah in 2023, remains steadfast in her disinterest. “I am happy doing my television serials and meeting people through events,” she added.
Apparently, Ranbir Kapoor working really hard for his preparation for the role of bhagwan Ram in the Ramayana epic.
What do you think about his approach?pic.twitter.com/ykpqpuSRvJ
— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) April 10, 2024
She concluded by saying, “I have gotten messages from big production houses for a film, and they wanted me with a cigarette in my hand, both of them. And I said no. Sometimes I wonder, how can you even ask me something like that?”
See Also: Sandeep Reddy Vanga Says Ranbir Kapoor Was Praised For Animal While He Got Criticised: ‘They Want To Work With…’