Dipika Chikhlia, the actress who achieved iconic status for her portrayal of Sita in Ramanand Sagar's 1987 television series Ramayan, has recently voiced her opinions regarding Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming cinematic adaptation of the epic. While the teaser of Ramayana has garnered considerable attention, particularly for the casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Yash as Ravana, Chikhlia has revealed that she was not approached for any role in the film and has expressed her reservations about repeated adaptations of the Ramayan.

Chikhlia, in an interview with Times of India TV, stated that she was "never approached" for Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana. She added, "I guess they've not even bothered to speak to me about it". This revelation has led to speculation about whether the actress feels slighted by the makers of the new film.

Furthermore, Dipika expressed that she wouldn't feel comfortable taking on any role within the Ramayana again. "Once I played Sita, I don't think I can play any other character in Ramayan. It's something I'm not sure about," she explained. However, she added that she might consider roles in mythological narratives like Mahabharat or Shiv Puran.

In earlier interviews, Chikhlia has conveyed her apprehension about filmmakers repeatedly recreating the Ramayan. She told India Today, "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". She also raised concerns about how modern adaptations might "spoil that whole impact of what Ramayan is all about". Chikhlia has emphasized the importance of not tampering with religious texts and suggested that filmmakers should explore other stories, such as those of freedom fighters and unsung heroes.

Moreover, Dipika found Arun Govil's casting as King Dasarath in the upcoming film a little "out of context" due to their strong association with their original roles.

Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana is envisioned as a two-part epic, with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The film is reportedly being made on a massive budget, making it one of the most expensive Indian films ever. The first part is expected to be released in Diwali 2026 and the second part in Diwali 2027. The film will feature cutting-edge VFX and a large-scale production, aiming for both Indian and global audiences. Other rumored cast members include Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi, and Rakul Preet Singh as Shurpanakha. Arun Govil is reported to play the role of Raja Dasharath.

Despite her reservations, Dipika Chikhlia has gracefully accepted the fact that people still identify her with Sita. Her portrayal of Sita remains a benchmark of grace and devotion, and she continues to be celebrated as a living embodiment of Sita Maa by fans even today.