From Arun Govil and Dipika Chikhlia being worshipped as Lord Rama and Sita by fans to when they ran for their lives on set; Revisiting Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan

As Ranbir Kapoor’s Ramayana first look stirs buzz, fans fondly revisit Ramanand Sagar’s 1987 epic serial Ramayan. The show wasn’t just a TV phenomenon—it was a spiritual experience. Characters were revered as real deities, streets emptied during telecasts, and the cast became household names. Let’s look back at the original magic that defined Indian television history.

Arun Govil’s portrayal of Lord Ram set the gold standard. With calm composure, divinity in his eyes, and righteous grace, he wasn’t just acting—he became Ram for millions. People bowed to him in real life, often touching his feet. Now, he will appear as King Dashrath in the new version, passing the legacy to Ranbir Kapoor.

Dipika Chikhlia embodied Sita’s poise, devotion, and quiet strength. Viewers adored her serene beauty and faithfulness to dharma. Her portrayal was so impactful that she was often invited to religious functions as Goddess Sita herself. Decades later, her performance remains iconic, and Sai Pallavi now shoulders the heavy mantle of this divine and deeply loved character.

Sunil Lahri brought youthful energy, loyalty, and passion to Lakshman’s role. His intense scenes—especially his fierce protection of Sita and arguments with Ram—made him a fan favorite. His on-screen chemistry with Arun Govil was praised, and his portrayal inspired admiration for his unwavering devotion. Ravie Dubey now steps into this revered character’s shoes in 2025.

The mighty wrestler Dara Singh’s portrayal of Hanuman was legendary. His physical strength, childlike innocence, and devotion to Ram made him unforgettable. Kids bowed, elders prayed—he was Hanuman for India. His expressions during the Sanjeevani Booti scene are etched in memory. Now, Sunny Deol takes up this mighty role with high expectations and nostalgic comparisons.

Arvind Trivedi’s Ravana terrified and fascinated viewers. His booming voice, dramatic flair, and layered portrayal of ego and tragedy gave the villain depth. Despite being the antagonist, he became iconic. His scenes were gripping, often ending in emotional complexity. Yash now reimagines this powerful role with a modern twist but faces enormous expectations from epic fans.

Dipika Chikhlia shared a nostalgic behind-the-scenes moment with Arun Govil and Sunil Lahri from Ramayan, recalling a shoot interrupted by an unexpected visitor. While filming under a banyan tree, their cameraman suddenly asked everyone to vacate the spot. Confused at first, they were stunned to learn a massive snake was coiled above them in the branches. Director Ramanand Sagar and the entire crew panicked, leading to a chaotic dash for safety. “We all RAN for our lives,” Dipika remembered.

The original Ramayan was more than a TV show—it was a national event. Streets emptied during broadcasts, and viewers lit incense before their TVs. Actors were treated like gods, offered garlands and blessings in public. It unified families and generations, making it sacred viewing. The show shaped Indian culture and devotional storytelling for decades to come.