‘Sita’ Dipika Chikhlia DEFENDS Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting In Ramayana Amid Growing Criticism; States, “Someone Who Can Do Animal Can Play Ram’

Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana is one of the most awaited Bollywood films of 2026 and the response the film’s trailer received upon its release is proof. While many showered praises on the epic, it also received severe criticism ranging from the costumes and jewellery, to the casting, VFX and more. While fans remain excited to see this film adaptation of the epic, actress Dipika Chikhlia has weighed in on Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Rama.

During a recent podcast, the actress – who gained immense fame and respect for playing Sita Maa in the TV show Ramayana, defended the casting. Read on to know her justification.

Dipika Chikhlia Defends Ranbir Kapoor’s Casting As Lord Rama In Ramayana

During a recent interaction with Hindi Rush, Dipika Chikhlia was asked her opinion about Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, eapecially Ranbir Kapoor’s casting as Lord Rama in it. Defending his casting, the actress, said, “He’s an actor. It’s not like we (Arun Govil and me) descended from above.”

She continued, “It’s a great thing for an actor to be able to play varied characters. Someone who can do Barfi can also do Animal. Someone who can do Animal can also play Ram. Imagine his good luck that he got these kinds of roles. He’s very lucky, and it’s very good that he’s doing it.”

RK too seems to be aware that people are doubtful of his casting as Lord Rama in Ramayana. On the sidelines of San Diego Comic-Con last week, Ranbit told Review Nation YouTube channel “The first question that popped into my head was, am I worthy? Am I the right person, and why am I being gifted this responsibility to not play Lord Rama but represent him? But very soon you understand the value, the responsibility and the noble intention of the filmmakers to present the story, which has been relevant for 4,000 years. It’s deeply ingrained in our subconscious. So I don’t think there’s a right actor to play Lord Rama.”

About Ramayana

Ramayana is a two-part epic directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios and VFX studio DNEG, in association with Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. It is adapted by screenwriter Shridhar Raghavan and features music by legends Hans Zimmer and A R Rahman

Leading this extraordinary ensemble are Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Maa Sita and Yash Ravana. It also stars Arun Govil as King Dasharath, Shobana as Kaikesi, Ajinkya Deo as Sage Vishwamitra, Kunal Kapoor as Lord Indram Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha, and Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana among others.

Ramayana – Part One will release worldwide on Diwali 2026. The next instalment is expected to release in cinemas on Diwali 2027.

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Also Read: Ramayana Trailer Out: ‘Ram’ Ranbir Kapoor, ‘Sita’ Sai Pallavi, ‘Ravana’ Yash Present ‘The Greatest Story Of All Mankind’ With Flair

Grinell Jacinto

With nearly 10 years of experience, Grinell Esther Jacinto is the Desk Head of Bollywood Bubble. Her interests lie in everything that is kaleshi and she loves to dig deeper into the lives of B-town actors. She has a problem though – she loves horror films but will have chills the minute the theatres lights dims. She’s previously worked with Koimoi, UrbanAsian and SpotboyE.