Dipika Chikhlia terms Arun Govil as Dasharath in Ramayana ‘out of context’
Dipika Chikhlia terms Arun Govil as Dasharath in Ramayana ‘out of context’
Dipika Chikhlia, who played Sita in Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 Ramayan, opined that casting of Arun Govil as Dasharath in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is out of context while admitting to find it difficult to relate to.
The first look of Nitesh Tiwari’s magnum opus Ramayana left fans in awe. Though viewers got only a few seconds’ glimpse of Ranbir Kapoor’s look as Ram in the teaser clip, excitement is already soaring to see the entire cast come together on screen.
Nitwithstanding the massive fanfare surrounding Ramayana, for many, Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 Ramayan remains the OG. Recently, it was announced that Arun Govil, who played Ram in the 1987 series, has been cast in the role of Ram’s father, Dasharath, in the upcoming magnum opus.
Dipika further went on to voice that she has seen Arun Govil as Ram herself as Sita. And for her to see him as Dasarath is really a little out of context.
Though Dipika admitted that playing Dasharath after essaying the iconic character of Ram — whom millions still associate Arun Govil with — is a “personal choice” he made. She emphasised that it’s very difficult to break’ a long-standing image. She mean, if you played “Ram”, then you are Ram
Dipika also expressed her utter disappointment over not being approached to be part of the new film. “I was never approached. It’s her guess they aren’t bothered to speak to her about it.
She further added that even if she had been approached, she wouldn’t have agreed to take on any role in Ramayana, as she can’t imagine herself playing any character other than Sita — the one she immortalised in the television series. “Once she played Sita, she doesn’t think she can play any other charalcter in Ramayan. However, she admitted she is open to acting in films or shows based on other epics like Mahabharat and Shiv Puran, but reiterated that she cannot take up any role in Ramayana.
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About Ramayana
Ramayana is directed by Nitesh Tiwari and co-written by Namit Malhotra, who is also co-producing the film along with South superstar Yash. Yash is playing the role of Ravana in the magnum opus. Ranbir Kapoor stars as Ram, Sai Pallavi plays Sita, Ravi Dubey plays Ram’s brother Laxman, and Sunny Deol will be seen portraying Hanuman. The film’s music is composed by Hollywood legend Hans Zimmer and Indian maestro AR Rahman.
Ramayana is the most expensive Indian film ever made, with a reported staggering production budget of Rs 1,600 crore. It will release in two parts. The first installment alone accounts for Rs 900 crore, while Rs 700 crore has been set aside for the sequel.
News Edit KV Raman
