Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayana, which originally aired in the late 1980s, remains one of India’s most beloved television series, even being re-telecast during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. The show, based on the ancient Hindu epic, turned its star cast into household names and icons of Indian television.
Despite the limitations of TV budgets at the time, the actors who played key roles in the show were compensated quite handsomely, especially considering the era.
Arun Govil (Lord Ram)
Arun Govil, who portrayed the central character of Lord Ram, was the highest-paid actor in the series. He earned a whopping ₹40 lakh for his role. Govil’s portrayal was so impactful that it became synonymous with the deity himself in the eyes of the audience.
Dipika Chikhlia (Sita)
Dipika Chikhlia, who played Sita, Ram’s consort, received ₹20 lakh for her performance. Her serene portrayal of Sita made her one of the most recognized faces on Indian television.
Sunil Lahri (Lakshman)
Sunil Lahri, who played Ram’s devoted brother Lakshman, was paid ₹25 lakh. His role as the loyal and fierce protector of Ram earned him a significant fan following.
Dara Singh (Hanuman)
Legendary wrestler-turned-actor Dara Singh took on the role of Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Ram. For his portrayal of the iconic character, Dara Singh received ₹35 lakh, a substantial amount for television actors during that time.
Arvind Trivedi (Ravan)
Arvind Trivedi, who played the formidable antagonist Ravan, earned ₹30 lakh. His depiction of the demon king became one of the most memorable performances in Indian television history.
Shyam Sundar (Sugriv)
Shyam Sundar, who played the role of Sugriv, the king of the Vanaras who helps Ram in his quest to defeat Ravan, earned ₹10 lakh.
These salaries were considered quite high for the time, reflecting both the immense popularity of the show and the respect it commanded. The show not only created a massive cultural impact but also set new benchmarks for television production values in India.
The success of Ramayana is a testament to the enduring power of mythological storytelling, and the star cast remains iconic in Indian pop culture even decades later.
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