Veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia, who became a household name after portraying Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s iconic Ramayan, has come out in support of Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s ambitious mythological epic Ramayana. Her remarks come amid ongoing online debates, with a section of social media users questioning whether Ranbir, known for intense roles like Animal, is the right choice to portray the revered deity.
Dipika Chikhlia backs Ranbir Kapoor
Speaking about the criticism surrounding the actor’s casting, Dipika said audiences should judge an actor by his versatility rather than by a single role. Defending Ranbir, she stated, “If he can do Animal, he can play Ram. An actor is meant to portray different kinds of characters.” She emphasized that performers should not be confined to one image and that the essence of acting lies in adapting to diverse roles.
Dipika further explained that every generation brings its own interpretation of epic characters, and viewers should give filmmakers and actors an opportunity before passing judgment. According to her, Ranbir has already demonstrated his acting prowess in films such as Barfi! and Animal, proving his range as a performer. She believes these performances reflect his ability to handle emotionally layered and demanding characters, making him capable of taking on the role of Lord Ram as well.
Dipika Chikhlia also talks about Sai Pallavi
The actress also expressed confidence in Sai Pallavi, who essays the role of Sita in the film. Having played the iconic character herself, Dipika said she believes Sai Pallavi possesses the grace and sincerity needed for the role and is hopeful audiences will embrace the new interpretation.
Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has generated massive buzz ever since its trailer was unveiled. Apart from Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Sita, the film features Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman. The star-studded cast and the film’s large-scale visual effects have made it one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent years.
Dipika’s comments come shortly after actor Nitish Bharadwaj shared his views on portraying mythological figures, reigniting discussions about casting choices. However, the veteran actress maintained that an actor’s previous roles should not determine their ability to convincingly portray a revered character, urging audiences to keep an open mind until they watch the finished film.
