9 Cast Members Of Ramayan: Where Are They Now?
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Doordarshan had lately resurfaced as the popular choice for the average Indian household. The national channel has always aired some of our favorite shows and a lot of us grew up watching Doordarshan (especially when the regular cable went out). If you’re someone who had Doordarshan growing up then you’re probably aware of Ramanand Sagar’s epic, Ramayan. This show remains one of the most popular and viewed Hindi shows and is being aired on the DD National channel right now (for those of you who are interested in the show). It must be interesting watching the show on our fancy HD flat screen TVs now. The popular show first hit the DD screens between the years of 1987-1988. Well, it’s been 32 years since the show first aired and this is what the actors are up to now:
- Arun Govil (Ram)
Although Arun Govil acted in numerous movies and shows before he took on the lead role of Ram in Ramayan, he is most beloved for his performance on this show. The talented actor has not just played Ram once, but thrice! After his outstanding performance on the show, we reprised his role as Ram in the TV show, Luv Kush. Arun also voiced the character of Ram in the beautifully artistic Indo-Japanese film, Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama. The actor has also donned the roles of a producer and director for the Laughing Colors channel.
- Deepika Chikhalia (Sita)
Deepika skyrocketed to fame and became a household name after she played the role of Ram’s wife, Sita. After her role as Sita, Deepika acted in many other roles. She acted in Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, and Marathi films. She also went on to become a member of the Lok Sabha party from the years 1991 to 1996. Deepika was seen last in the Ayushman Kurrana film, Bala. In the film, she plays the mother of Yami Gautam’s character.
- Sunil Lahri (Lakshman)
Although the actor played the role of Ram’s loyal and hot-headed younger brother named Laxman, he later decided to take up a role that didn’t involve acting in front of a camera, instead. The actor is currently in charge of an ad agency and recently joined the Twitter verse.
- Arvind Trivedi (Ravana)
Arvind Trivedi is a true veteran actor of Gujarati cinema. He was extremely terrifying in the role of Ravana and scared both children and adults alike. Like many actors before him, he too participated in politics and was an active member of the Lok Sabha between the years of 1991 to 1996. Arvind is now 81 years old and mostly remains within the confines of his home due to his health issues.
- Dara Singh (Hanuman)
Dara Singh was not just an actor but he was also a politician and a professional wrestler. The actor played the role of the humorous and much loved character, Hanuman, on the show. He was also the first sportsman to be nominated to the prestigious Rajya Sabha. The actor met his untimely demise in the year 2012.
- Bal Dhuri
Bal Dhuri is a well-known theater actor of Marathi origins and has appeared in very few Hindi films. His role as Dashrath in Ramayan still remains his most popular Hindi role till date. The actor was last seen in the 2011 Marathi film, Sadarakshanaay.
- Jayshree Gadkar (Kaushalya)
Jayshree Gadkar was a notable Marathi and Hindi film actress. She played the role of Dashrath’s rist wife, Kaushalya on the show. Unknown to many, she was also the life partner of Bal Dhuri (Dashrath) in real life. The actress passed away in the year 2008.
- Padma Khanna (Kaikeyi)
Padma Khanna played the role of Kaikeyi and had appeared in various films of Bhojpuri and Hindi cinema. The actress made her last appearance in the film Yaar Meri Zindagi in the year 2008. Padma currently lives in the United States and is in charge of a dance academy. The actress had started the academy with her late husband.
- Lalita Pawar (Manthara)
Lalita Pawar was one of the biggest names in this star cast. The actress had a notable career before she signed on to play Manthara in Ramayan. The character actress had appeared in over 700 films spanning from Phir Wohi Raat to Shree 420. She was famous for playing femme fatale roles or the roles of a mother in Hindi films.
How does it feel reliving some of your (or your parents) childhood memories? Although this show ended 32 years ago, it has taught many of us life lessons and will hopefully continue doing so for generations to come. Who was your favorite actor on Ramayan?
