The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana has sparked widespread discussion ever since the film’s first official glimpse was unveiled. While many moviegoers have praised the project’s visual ambition and scale, some questioned whether Ranbir—known for his intense performance in Animal—fits the revered role of Lord Ram.
Now, veteran actress Dipika Chikhalia, whose portrayal of Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s landmark television series Ramayan remains one of Indian television’s most celebrated performances, has weighed in on the debate. Rather than criticizing the casting, she has voiced her support for Ranbir and encouraged audiences to reserve judgment until they see his performance on screen.
Dipika Chikhalia Says Actors Shouldn’t Be Defined by One Role
Speaking in an interview with Hindi Rush, Dipika Chikhalia emphasized that acting is built on versatility and transformation.
According to her, performers should not be limited by the characters they have portrayed in the past. She pointed out that the ability to convincingly transition between vastly different roles is one of the defining qualities of a skilled actor.
She explained that if an actor can portray emotionally demanding and contrasting characters throughout their career, there is every reason to believe they can successfully take on the role of Lord Ram.
Dipika said:
“We are actors. We haven’t come from the above. As actors, we get the opportunity to play different kinds of characters, and that’s the biggest thing. If someone can do Barfi!, they can do Animal. And if they can do Animal, they can also play Ram. Just imagine how fortunate he is to get such a wide variety of roles. He is very lucky, and it’s wonderful that he is doing it.”
Her remarks underline the importance of evaluating actors based on their craft rather than comparing them solely to their previous performances.
She Also Praised Sai Pallavi’s Casting as Sita
Dipika Chikhalia has also expressed confidence in Sai Pallavi, who has been cast as Sita in the upcoming film.
Speaking about the actress, Dipika noted that she has watched several of Sai Pallavi’s South Indian films and considers her a talented performer capable of bringing depth to the iconic character.
She stated:
“I have seen Sai Pallavi’s South Indian films, and in my opinion, she is a very, very good actor. She is playing Sita, and I don’t want to say anything negative about it. Why should I speak negatively about someone’s project? We’ll see the film once it releases, but I know she is a good actor and she will do very, very well. It’s very important to be a good actor to fit into a role. I don’t believe in criticising someone else’s project.”
Her comments reflect a broader message that performances should be assessed after audiences have seen the finished film.
Ramayana Continues to Generate Buzz
Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana has emerged as one of the most anticipated Indian films of the decade.
The project features:
- Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram
- Sai Pallavi as Sita
- Yash as Ravana
Since its first glimpse was released, conversations have centered on the film’s large-scale production, visual effects, and casting choices. The combination of celebrated actors and the emotional significance of the epic has kept the film at the forefront of entertainment discussions.
Why Dipika Chikhalia’s Opinion Matters
Dipika Chikhalia’s endorsement carries particular significance because of her lasting association with Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, which continues to hold a special place in Indian popular culture.
Her portrayal of Sita remains one of the most recognized interpretations of the character, making her perspective especially noteworthy among audiences following the new adaptation.
By encouraging viewers to evaluate performances after the film’s release, she has added a balanced voice to the ongoing debate surrounding the casting.
High Expectations Ahead of Release
With its expansive production, star-studded cast, and ambitious storytelling, Ramayana is expected to be one of the biggest theatrical releases in Indian cinema.
Beyond its visual spectacle, the film faces the challenge of meeting audience expectations for one of India’s most revered epics. As anticipation continues to build, discussions surrounding casting, storytelling, and performances are likely to remain in focus until the film reaches theatres.
Ramayana: Part 1 is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release during Diwali 2026.
