Exclusive – Dipika Chikhlia on Ramayan rerun: I am waiting to know how the youngsters react after watching the show
After 33 years, Ramanand Sagar’s immensely popular directorial Ramayan is back on the small screen. Dipika Chikhlia, who is still addressed and known as Sita by many, spoke to Etimes TV exclusively after the rerun announcement was made by the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar. Ramayan, will be re-telecast from today, keeping in mind the ongoing 21-day nationwide lockdown. One episode each will be aired at 9 am and 9 pm on DD National. Excerpts from the conversation. (By: Sukarna Mondal)
The fame of 80’s to return with re-run. What was your reaction.
I got to know last evening (March 26) about the re-run and I was excited to watch it all over again with my family beause when we were shooting we could only watch it on the edit table.
After The Kapil Sharma Show, many millennials who wanted to know you, will now get a chance to watch your show. How does it make you feel?
I can’t wait for their reaction post the telecast of the first episode. Things have evolved now from 30 years back when we shot Ramayan. So I am looking forward to see what the millennials have to say.
Will you watch the rerun with your family?
They are all very excited and looking forward to watching it together.
If Ramayan is made in this age for the millennials, do you think the show will work?
Ramayan will always work, it’s a story of relationships. The show has a deep connection to our roots.
Why do you think mythological shows don’t work with the youngsters in today’s age?
I think probably because a lot of them can’t connect to mythology nowadays.
What qualities can the youth imbibe from the show?
The show teaches you so much about relationships.
Do you think this time (the lockdown) is the best to connect with the youth as everyone is locked at home with their families?
Absolutely! I hear from my daughters how their friends are staying home and connecting with their families and the different activities they are doing.
Do you take the lockdown to be a boon for the rerun of the show after 33 years?
It’s the correct timing and it surely is a boon. I am hoping everyone enjoys watching the show with their families.
It’s been 33 years and people still see and talk about such iconic shows. What do you think lacks in today’s television?
Simplicity and it doesn’t connect to your soul. That’s what I think lacks in today’s television.
Spending the lockdown days
I have taken to painting, cooking, yoga, following my praying schedules.