Nitesh Tiwari’s epic under production is based on the Ramayan, a revered ancient text. The timeless story was previously brought to life by Ramanand Sagar, whose TV show featured Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia in the lead roles.
Dipika Chikhlia rose to fame in the late 80s for her portrayal of Goddess Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s TV show Ramayan, based on sage Valmiki’s ancient text. In a recent interview with India Today, Dipika shared her views on Ranbir Kapoor’s upcoming film based on the same epic. She expressed her concerns, stating that people shouldn’t tamper with religious texts.
Dipika Chikhlia Cautions Against Tampering with Ramayan
Dipika spoke about the reason behind why she doesn’t like the idea of Ramayan being remade. She said, “Honestly, I am quite disillusioned by people who keep making Ramayan because I don’t think you should be doing it. People are making a mess of it. I don’t think people should be making Ramayan again and again because every time they make it, they want to bring in something new; a new story, a new angle, a new look. Like for Kriti Sanon, they gave her a pink coloured satin (saree in Adipurush). They gave Saif (Saif Ali Khan who played Ravana in Om Raut’s film) a different look because they wanted to do something different, creatively. But then what you are doing is you’re spoiling that whole impact of what Ramayan is all about.”
She further said, “One should not tamper around with religious texts. I don’t think one should be doing it and just leave it aside. Just don’t do this. There are so many stories that you can talk about besides Ramayan. Speak about a lot of freedom fighters. There’s so much that one can talk about; unsung heroes who were valiant in history for freedom. Why only Ramayan?” Also Read – Ramayana: Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi’s Upcoming Film Gets a New Title, Along With Updates on Filming Progress and Other Major Developments!
About Nitesh Tiwari’s Epic Drama
Various entertainment portals have reported that Ranbir Kapoor is following a disciplined health and fitness regime for Nitesh Tiwari’s film. He is adhering to a strict vegetarian diet and training rigorously to achieve the necessary physique for his character. Ranbir and Sai Pallavi’s pictures as Lord Ram and Goddess Sita were leaked from the sets of the epic saga two months ago. Arun Govil and Lara Dutta’s pictures in royal attire from the period drama were also leaked. The duo is rumored to be playing King Dashrath and Queen Kaikeyi. There have also been reports about Bobby Deol, Vijay Sethupathi, and Sunny Deol essaying Kumbhkaran, Vibhishana, and Lord Hanuman, respectively. So far, neither Nitesh nor the producers have given any official confirmation about the same.
About Ramayan
The Ramayan was originally written by the sage Valmiki and later adapted by the sage Tulsidas as Ramcharitmanas. Both of these ancient texts narrate the story of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, depicting the victory of good over evil. There have been many shows and films based on these texts, but Ramanand Sagar’s show is still highly revered by Indians. When the series was re-aired on Doordarshan during the pandemic, it was once again well-received by viewers. Dipika portrayed Sita, Arun Govil portrayed Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri portrayed Laxman, and Dara Singh portrayed Lord Hanuman, and they all received huge acclaim from a diverse audience base.
The Enduring Legacy of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan remains a seminal work in Indian television history. Its portrayal of the epic’s characters and its adherence to traditional storytelling resonated deeply with audiences. The show not only became a household name but also shaped the cultural and religious understanding of the Ramayan for generations. The performances by the cast were lauded for their authenticity and depth, and the series’ re-telecast during the pandemic brought back a wave of nostalgia and reverence.
The Modern Retellings and Their Impact
Modern retellings of the Ramayan have faced scrutiny for various reasons. Many feel that these adaptations often prioritize style over substance, focusing on visual grandeur and contemporary aesthetics at the expense of the epic’s core values and messages. This was evident in recent adaptations like Adipurush, where creative liberties with costumes and character portrayals sparked controversy and disappointment among traditionalists. Also Read – Ramayana: Legal Trouble Has Arisen for the Film Starring Ranbir Kapoor, Leaving All Hopes Now Pinned on Yash
Dipika Chikhlia’s Perspective
Dipika Chikhlia’s concerns highlight a broader debate about the sanctity of religious and cultural texts in modern adaptations. Her call to focus on other historical narratives, such as the stories of freedom fighters and unsung heroes, reflects a desire to see diverse aspects of Indian history and mythology explored on screen.
Future Prospects
As anticipation builds for Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation, it remains to be seen how the film will balance reverence for the original text with contemporary storytelling techniques. The involvement of celebrated actors like Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi adds to the intrigue, promising a potentially powerful rendition of the Ramayan. However, the film’s success will likely depend on its ability to honor the epic’s legacy while resonating with modern audiences.
The Ranbir-Sai starrer is expected to release in October 2027, and until then, audiences and critics alike will be watching closely to see how this new adaptation unfolds.
