Dipika Chikhlia, Arun Govil, and Sunil Lahiri played iconic roles in the Indian television series “Ramayana,” which aired in the late 1980s. The show, directed by Ramanand Sagar, depicted the epic Hindu mythological tale of Lord Rama, Sita, and their journey through trials and tribulations. The performances of Chikhlia, Govil, and Lahiri left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers, making them synonymous with their respective characters.
Dipika Chikhlia portrayed the role of Sita, the virtuous and devoted wife of Lord Rama. Her portrayal was marked by grace, poise, and a deep sense of commitment to the character. Chikhlia’s depiction of Sita captured the essence of the character’s unwavering loyalty and sacrifice, earning her widespread acclaim.
Arun Govil essayed the role of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. Govil’s portrayal of Rama was characterized by his regal presence, benevolent nature, and adherence to dharma (righteousness). His stoic expressions and dignified demeanor perfectly embodied the revered character of Lord Rama, making him a household name across the country.
Sunil Lahiri played the role of Lakshmana, Rama’s loyal and selfless brother. Lahiri’s performance as Lakshmana showcased the character’s unwavering loyalty, bravery, and devotion to his elder brother. His on-screen chemistry with Arun Govil as Rama and Dipika Chikhlia as Sita contributed significantly to the success of the series.
Dipika Chikhlia Reveals Amoment From the Sets of Ramayana When They Had to Run Away for Their Lives
“Ramayana” became a cultural phenomenon, reaching a massive audience and leaving an enduring impact on Indian television. The trio of Dipika Chikhlia, Arun Govil, and Sunil Lahiri became revered for their authentic portrayals, bringing the ancient epic to life for a new generation of viewers. Their performances not only contributed to the success of “Ramayana” but also cemented their places as iconic figures in the history of Indian television.
Dipika Chikhlia shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote related to a particular scene during the shoot of “Ramayana.” In her own words, she explained that the day was proceeding normally with the cast and crew busy learning lines and going about their usual shooting activities. However, after the scene was completed, the cameraman, Ajit Naik, approached them and urgently instructed everyone to vacate the location and avoid standing under a particular tree.
Perplexed by the sudden urgency, Chikhlia, along with her co-actors and the rest of the crew, wondered about the reason for the abrupt evacuation. Ajit Naik extended the instruction to all technicians, and even director Ramanand Sagar was left puzzled. It was then that Naik pointed out a significant detail – a large, fat snake was spotted on the tree.
Following this revelation, a sense of panic ensued, and Chikhlia and her colleagues found themselves running for their lives. She concludes the anecdote by expressing that the incident left them with many memories. This behind-the-scenes story adds a touch of unexpected excitement and adventure to the filming process of “Ramayana,” showcasing the unpredictable moments that can occur during a production.
Dipika Chikhlia wrote: “There is a story behind this scene. So I shared. We were busy with the shoot, learning lines and so on the day was as normal as could be, after the scene got over our cameraman Ajit naik (cinematography) came to tell us please vacate the place and don’t stand underneath the tree and we were wondering all the three actors as to what was the hurry and why so abrupt. He asked all the technicians also to clear the field. Sagar Saab was also wondering what happened and then he pointed out to a huge fat snake on the tree and what followed after that was we all RAN for our life. Sooo many memories.”