Dipika Chikhlia Shares Her Thoughts on Sai Pallavi's Combat Scenes in Ramayana: Part One
Veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia, renowned for playing Sita in the 1987 television series Ramayan, responds to the action sequences featuring Sai Pallavi in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming cinematic adaptation.
Published 8 November 2026
Sai Pallavi's Combat Sequences Ignite Online Discussions
The portrayal of Sita by Sai Pallavi in Nitesh Tiwari's upcoming film Ramayana: Part One has quickly generated considerable buzz across digital platforms. This attention largely intensified after previews and clips showcasing the character engaging in direct combat sequences surfaced online.
While a section of the audience has welcomed this dynamic approach to the legendary figure, others have raised questions regarding whether such aggressive action aligns with the traditional depictions of the character found in popular retellings of the epic.
Dipika Chikhlia Weighs In on the Creative Choices
Amid the ongoing public debate, veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia has stepped forward to offer her perspective on the matter. Dipika famously portrayed Sita in Ramanand Sagar's landmark 1987 television adaptation titled Ramayan, cementing her status as the original onscreen representation of the revered figure for generations of viewers.
During a recent media interaction with The Free Press Journal, Dipika was questioned about the polarized reactions greeting Sai Pallavi's action sequences. The actress maintained a measured and thoughtful tone while addressing the viral social media clips.
Reflecting on Traditional Versions of the Epic
Discussing her familiarity with the source material, Dipika noted that the texts she grew up reading and working with did not feature similar combat moments. She mentioned that based on her understanding of Valmiki’s Ramayana and Tulsidas’ Ramayana, those particular descriptions were absent.
However, the veteran star was careful not to outrightly condemn or dismiss the filmmakers' creative decisions. She acknowledged that the epic possesses a vast literary history spanning numerous variations and regional adaptations across the country.
Acknowledging the Diversity of Ramayana Texts
Elaborating further on her viewpoint, Dipika pointed out that India is home to more than 300 different versions of the Ramayana. She observed that individual retellings frequently present unique narrative nuances that distinguish them from one another.
Consequently, the actress suggested that the creative team behind Ramayana: Part One may have drawn inspiration from an alternative text or a lesser-known regional variant of the epic that she had not personally encountered during her research or television career.
Understanding the Roots of Ramanand Sagar's Adaptations
Dipika's overall perspective on the character remains deeply rooted in the specific literary foundations that shaped Ramanand Sagar's 1987 television series. Her formative experience as Sita was guided primarily by the classical texts widely accepted during that era of television production.
Despite noting these differences in interpretation, the actress refrained from passing harsh judgment on the modern cinematic choices, emphasizing that different generations and storytellers often choose to highlight distinct facets of ancient legends.
Plans to Watch the Film Post-Diwali
When asked about her complete impressions of Nitesh Tiwari's project, the veteran actress revealed that she has yet to view Ramayana: Part One in its entirety. Her current awareness of the movie is limited strictly to the short action clips circulating widely on Instagram.
Sharing her viewing plans with the press, Dipika confirmed that she intends to sit down and watch the feature film properly once the Diwali festivities conclude, allowing herself a full cinematic experience before forming a final opinion.
Director Nitesh Tiwari's Explanation for the Portrayal
The discussion surrounding Sai Pallavi's combat role was actually anticipated by the creative team ahead of the film's official release rollout. Director Nitesh Tiwari previously addressed these specific artistic choices while speaking to international media at the Los Angeles premiere.
Tiwari explained to journalists that the inspiration for this powerful, action-oriented portrayal of Sita stemmed from the Adbhuta Ramayana. This lesser-known retelling depicts the character not merely as a passive figure, but as a potent manifestation of divine feminine energy.
News Overview
Veteran actress Dipika Chikhlia has reacted to online clips of Sai Pallavi engaging in combat sequences for Nitesh Tiwari's film Ramayana: Part One, noting that such scenes do not feature in the Valmiki or Tulsidas versions she knows. However, she acknowledged the existence of numerous retellings across India and stated she plans to watch the movie after Diwali. Meanwhile, the director previously explained that this unique characterization draws inspiration from the Adbhuta Ramayana.
Key facts
- Dipika Chikhlia played Sita in Ramanand Sagar's 1987 television series Ramayan.
- Sai Pallavi portrays Sita in Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana: Part One.
- There are reported to be more than 300 different versions of the Ramayana in India.
- Director Nitesh Tiwari explained that the action-oriented portrayal was inspired by the Adbhuta Ramayana.
- Dipika Chikhlia shared her thoughts during an interaction with The Free Press Journal.