Dipika Chikhlia reacts to Arun Govil playing Raja Dasarath in Ramayana film starring Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram

As filmmaker Nitesh Tiwari gets ready to bring his grand version of Ramayana to the big screen, fans are already buzzing over the first look of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram. But for many Indians, Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 Ramayan remains the most beloved version, with Dipika Chikhlia and Arun Govil forever remembered as Sita and Ram.

Now, Arun Govil is set to appear as King Dasarath, Lord Ram’s father, in the upcoming film, and Dipika has shared her honest reaction to this casting in an interview with Times of India.

"For Me, Arun Govil Is Ram"

Dipika said she finds it hard to see Arun Govil play any role other than Ram.


“To see him in a role apart from Ram… I don’t know,” she told TOI. “I have seen him as Ram and I’ve seen myself as Sita. For me, to see him as Dasarath is really a little out of context.”

She added, “It’s very difficult to break images. I mean, if you played Ram, then you are Ram.”

Not Approached for New Ramayana Film

Dipika also shared that she was not contacted for any role in the upcoming adaptation.

“I was never approached. I guess they’ve not even bothered to speak to me about it,” she said.

When asked if she would consider being part of the project, she replied honestly.

“Once I played Sita, I don’t think I can play any other character in Ramayan. It’s something I’m not sure about. If I was doing something in Mahabharat or Shiv Puran, I could still give it a thought, but not in a Ramayana film.”

A Timeless Sita

Dipika Chikhlia’s performance as Sita Maa remains iconic even after decades. Her grace, devotion, and calm presence on screen made her role unforgettable, and she is still seen by many as the true image of Sita.

While the new Ramayana film promises a fresh take with big names and stunning visuals, Dipika’s words remind us how deeply certain performances remain tied to people’s memories and emotions.

As fans wait for Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana, the conversation is no longer just about the new, it’s also about the powerful legacy left behind.

Inputs from TOI