Dipika Chikhlia recalls Raj Kapoor rejected her for Mandakini’s role in Ram Teri Ganga Maili: ‘I would never have been Ramayan’s Sita if…’

Sharing the reason behind Raj Kapoor denying her the opportunity, she said, “I went to meet Raj Kapoor. He asked my age, I was 17 years old then. He said you are too young. Let me tell you.”

After its release, Ram Teri Ganga Maili generated significant controversy due to scenes featuring lead actor Mandakini breastfeeding and bathing in a transparent saree. Initially disappointed at not landing the role, Dipika Chikhlia later realised that missing out on the film was a blessing in disguise. Had she starred in the Raj Kapoor film, she might not have secured the iconic role of Sita in Ramayan.

She said, “I had gone to watch a movie with my mother. I was shocked after watching the movie. I thought thank God the matter did not progress, otherwise how would I have refused. I realised that if I had done ‘Ram Teri Ganga Maili’ then I would not have been able to become Sita of Ramayana.”

Ram Teri Ganga Maili was the last film directed by Raj Kapoor. It starred Rajiv Kapoor and Mandakini in lead roles. Despite the controversial scenes, the film became the highest-grossing Indian film of the year and won five Filmfare Awards.