The online debate reignited after a section of internet users questioned whether Kapoor, following his volatile role in Animal (2023), possessed the serene screen presence traditionally associated with the deity.
Dipika Chikhalia’s Defense: "We Are Actors"
Speaking in an interview with media outlet Hindi Rush, Chikhalia dismissed online backlash, asserting that an actor's versatility should be celebrated rather than limited by past roles:
"We are actors. We haven't come from above. As actors, we get the opportunity to play different kinds of characters, and that's the biggest thing.
If someone can do Barfi!, they can do Animal. And if they can do Animal, they can also play Ram. Just imagine how fortunate he is to get such a wide variety of roles. He is very lucky, and it's wonderful that he is doing it."
Chikhalia also praised the immense scope of the project, noting that the reported ₹4,000 crore ($500 million) budget across both parts would allow Nitesh Tiwari and Namit Malhotra to bring the epic's war sequences and visuals to life at an unprecedented level.
Contrast With Nitish Bharadwaj’s Statement
Chikhalia's supportive stance arrives hours after Nitish Bharadwaj—famous for portraying Lord Krishna in B.R. Chopra's Mahabharat—offered a different, advice-driven perspective to Kapoor. Addressing the actor publicly, Bharadwaj urged him to embrace greater social responsibility:
"RK, always loved you as an actor, but now start your social responsibility to uphold Bharat's heritage, values, culture & ethos. So no more 'Animal' even if the goldmine is offered to you. Please do not pollute your Vaani anymore."
Support for Sai Pallavi as Sita
Addressing questions about Sai Pallavi’s casting as Sita, Chikhalia praised the actor's performance caliber:
Praising Her Craft: "I have seen Sai Pallavi's South Indian films, and in my opinion, she is a very, very good actor. She is playing Sita, and I don't want to say anything negative about it... It's very important to be a good actor to fit into a role."
Grounded Expectations: She added that while audiences will evaluate her screen presentation once the full film arrives, Pallavi's foundational talent makes her well-suited for the complex emotional range required for the role.
Trade Verdict:
As Ramayana: Part 1 prepares for its Diwali 2026 worldwide theatrical debut, endorsements from veteran stars like Dipika Chikhalia help neutralize online casting skepticism, framing Ranbir Kapoor’s transition from gritty dramas to mythological epics as a testament to acting range rather than a narrative conflict.
