Dipika Chikhlia on Sita: 'She Was a Strong Woman', Says Ramayana Actress

In a recent interview, Dipika Chikhlia spoke about the personality of Sita and challenged the perception that being quiet or speaking less makes a woman weak. She said Sita always expressed her views firmly and demonstrated strength through her decisions.

Recalling Sita's decision to accompany Lord Ram into exile, Dipika explained that both her father, King Janak, and her father-in-law, King Dasharatha, had advised her to return to her parental home. However, Sita remained firm in her decision and chose to spend 14 years in exile alongside Lord Ram. According to Dipika, Sita never described this decision as a sacrifice because it was her own choice.

Speaking to 'She The People', the actress described Sita as a role model and said, "Sita was a role model. People thought she was not a strong woman because she spoke less. Not speaking much or remaining quiet does not mean that you are not strong. Sita always expressed her opinions firmly. When she decided to accompany Lord Ram into exile, her father, King Janak, and her father-in-law, King Dasharatha, advised her to return to her parental home. However, she stood by her decision and endured 14 years of exile with Lord Ram. She did not even call it a sacrifice because it was her decision."

Dipika further described Sita as the first single mother and said she considered her a strong woman whose character remains relevant even today. She explained that Sita understood everything around her but emphasised that expressing one's views and speaking up for oneself are equally important.

"Sita was the first single mother. That is why I feel she was a strong woman who remains relevant even in today's times. Sita understood everything. However, I believe that sometimes it is also important to express what we think. We must speak up for ourselves too," she said.

The actress also discussed the Agnipariksha episode from Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan and referred to the scene in which Sita finally raised her voice against Lord Ram.

Recalling the moment, Dipika said, "Sita raised her voice when she told Lord Ram that she could no longer live with him. She asked him to take care of their children and said that Mother Earth would embrace her. However, I feel that if Sita had stopped her husband at the right time, things might not have reached that stage. If there had been proper communication between them, I believe the situation would never have reached that point."

Through her remarks, Dipika Chikhlia highlighted Sita's ability to make independent decisions, stand by her choices and speak up when necessary, presenting a perspective on the character that continues to attract discussion alongside the release of the new Ramayana film.