Actor Sunil Lahri, best known for his portrayal of Lakshman in the iconic television series Ramayan, extended heartfelt birthday wishes to his on-screen bhabhi, Dipika Chikhlia, who essayed the role of Sita. The actress celebrated her birthday on the 29th, prompting Lahri to share a warm message on social media. Fondly addressing her as his bhabhi, he recalled their enduring bond that predates Ramayan, tracing back to their collaboration on the show Vikram Aur Betaal.
Warm Birthday Message
In a video message posted on his social media account, Lahri said, Pranam friends, today is the birthday of Mata Sita of Ramayan. I have already wished her in advance. When we went to the holy land of Akshaya Vat in Prayagraj, I prayed to God to keep her happy, healthy and grant her a long life. He further added, Once again, I wish her a very happy birthday and pray for her well-being and longevity. I have known her since the days of Vikram Vetal, and even today we share a bond of love and respect. May God always keep this relationship intact. Jai Shiv.
Ramayan's Enduring Legacy
Sunil Lahri and Dipika Chikhlia became household names with their iconic roles as Lakshman and Sita in the television classic Ramayan. The show, which remains one of the most iconic television series of all time, catapulted its cast to massive fame and success following its initial airing in the late 1980s. The stellar cast included Arun Govil as Lord Ram, Sunil Lahri as Lakshman, Arvind Trivedi as Ravan, Dara Singh as Hanuman, and Dipika Chikhlia as Sita.
The serial originally aired on Doordarshan in 1987 and ran for a year, concluding in 1988. During its original run, the show commanded unprecedented viewership, with streets emptying every Sunday as audiences gathered around the few available television sets. In 2020, during the COVID-19 lockdown, Ramayan was re-telecast on Doordarshan, running for over two months and once again capturing the nation's attention.
The bond between Lahri and Chikhlia, as reflected in his birthday message, continues to resonate with fans who grew up watching the epic tale unfold on screen. Their enduring friendship serves as a testament to the lasting impact of the show and the connections forged during its production.
