Dipika Chikhlia on Arun Govil's playing King Dasharath in Ranbir Kapoor starrer Ramayana: It will be out of context

Arun Govil as Ram in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. (Photo credit: Daksh43506 via Wikimedia Commons)

It is no longer a secret that the OG Ram of TV and veteran actor Arun Govil, will now play Dashrath in Nitesh Tiwari-directed mythological film Ramayana.

While everyone is thrilled with Ranbir Kapoor's first look as Lord Ram, actress Dipika Chikhlia, who was seen as Sita maa in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayana, believes Arun Govil's casting as Dasharath may appear "out of context".

In an interview with the Times of India, Dipika said: “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. I mean, if you played Ram, then you are Ram," the actress said.

Dipika had earlier mentioned in another interview that people should stop making films based on the Hindu legendary epic.

The actress-turned-politician revealed that in an attempt to introduce something fresh, the Ramayana producers twist the Hindu epic.

"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. Discuss many freedom fighters. There’s so much that one can talk about; unsung heroes who were valiant in history for freedom. Why only Ramayan?" she had told India Today.

Also Read: Riddhima Kapoor Sahni’s loving birthday tribute to mother Neetu Kapoor: Unseen family moments with Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt and others  

Meanwhile, the teaser for Ramayana was recently published, which has only increased everyone's enthusiasm for the film. It opens with the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, who control the world. The film then presents characters from the Ramayana, including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana, through stunning animation.

The Ramayana will be released worldwide, with Part 1 on Diwali 2026 and Part 2 on Diwali 2027.