When discussing the greatest television serials ever produced in India, one name stands above all—Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. First telecast on India's national broadcaster Doordarshan between 1987 and 1988, the serial became far more than entertainment. It transformed Sunday mornings into a national ritual, united families across linguistic and cultural boundaries, and introduced millions of viewers to the story of Lord Rama through television.

Even decades later, no mythological television series has matched its emotional, cultural, or social influence. During its re-telecast in 2020, it once again attracted record-breaking viewership, proving that its appeal transcends generations.

This article explores the making of the series, the casting process, memorable behind-the-scenes stories, its impact on Indian society, comparisons with later Ramayana adaptations, and the reasons why Ramanand Sagar's version continues to remain unmatched.

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Historical Background

The story of Lord Rama has been narrated for thousands of years through numerous scriptures and traditions, including:

• Valmiki Ramayana
• Ramcharitmanas
• Adhyatma Ramayana
• Kamba Ramayanam
• Jain Ramayana traditions
• Buddhist Ramayana versions
• Regional folk adaptations

Rather than adapting a single source verbatim, Ramanand Sagar combined material primarily from Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, while also consulting other traditional sources to present a devotional and accessible version for television.

Therefore:

Ramayan is NOT a copy or remake of another film or television series.

It is an original television adaptation based on multiple respected scriptures and traditions.

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Was Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan a Copy?

This is one of the most common questions.

The answer is No.

Reasons:

• No earlier television serial had presented Ramayana on this scale.
• The screenplay was written specifically for television.
• Dialogues were freshly composed while preserving scriptural meaning.
• Multiple ancient texts were referenced.
• Many scenes were creatively visualized for television.

Like countless films and plays based on Ramayana, it is an adaptation—not plagiarism or a remake.

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The Vision of Ramanand Sagar

Ramanand Sagar believed mythology should be understandable to every Indian household.

His goals included:

• preserving devotional authenticity
• simple Hindi dialogue
• moral education
• family-friendly storytelling
• respect toward religious sentiments
• visual storytelling that even children could understand

Instead of emphasizing spectacle, he focused on faith, values, and emotions.

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How the Artists Were Chosen

One fascinating aspect of the series is its casting.

Rather than selecting only famous film stars, Ramanand Sagar searched extensively for actors who could naturally embody the characters.

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Arun Govil as Lord Rama

Initially, Arun Govil had auditioned for another role.

However, Ramanand Sagar noticed:

• calm facial expressions
• soft voice
• dignified personality
• naturally gentle appearance

He was eventually chosen to portray Lord Rama.

The decision proved legendary.

Many viewers began touching his feet whenever they met him in public.

Even today, many Indians continue to associate Arun Govil with Lord Rama.

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Deepika Chikhalia as Sita

Deepika's graceful personality and simplicity impressed the production team.

After the serial aired:

• women treated her as Goddess Sita
• devotees sought her blessings
• public appearances resembled religious gatherings

She later revealed that audiences often struggled to separate her screen role from real life.

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Sunil Lahri as Lakshman

Sunil Lahri perfectly portrayed:

• loyalty
• courage
• discipline
• emotional strength

His performance remains one of television's finest portrayals of Lakshmana.

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Dara Singh as Hanuman

Casting Dara Singh was almost universally accepted.

Reasons included:

• imposing physique
• disciplined lifestyle
• commanding screen presence
• expressive eyes
• humility

Even today, many people consider him the definitive screen Hanuman.

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Arvind Trivedi as Ravana

Interestingly, Arvind Trivedi reportedly wished to play Lord Rama.

However, Ramanand Sagar believed he possessed the commanding personality needed for Ravana.

His portrayal balanced scholarship, devotion, pride, and arrogance, making Ravana a complex and memorable character rather than a one-dimensional villain.

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Interesting Behind-the-Scenes Stories

1. Streets Became Empty

During telecast:

• buses ran nearly empty
• markets slowed
• weddings adjusted schedules
• roads were deserted

Entire India appeared to pause.

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2. Television Became a Temple

People often:

• bathed before watching
• placed flowers before televisions
• lit incense sticks
• removed footwear

This reflected the devotional connection many viewers felt.

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3. Community Viewing

Many villages owned only one television.

Hundreds of people gathered together every Sunday.

Television became a community experience.

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4. Cast Members Received Divine Respect

Actors portraying Rama, Sita, Hanuman, and Lakshman often received reverence from the public.

Many viewers bowed before them, reflecting how deeply audiences identified them with the characters.

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Technical Excellence Despite Limited Technology

Compared with today's CGI-heavy productions, Ramayan had limited resources.

Yet it succeeded through:

• powerful storytelling
• meaningful dialogues
• memorable music
• devotional atmosphere
• practical effects
• strong performances

Visual effects were modest but effective for their time.

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Impact on Indian Society

The influence extended far beyond television.

1. Family Unity

Every Sunday:

• entire families watched together
• grandparents explained stories
• children learned moral values

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2. Cultural Education

Millions learned about:

• dharma
• duty
• sacrifice
• honesty
• devotion
• ideal leadership

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3. Rise of Mythological Television

Its success encouraged later productions including adaptations of:

• Mahabharat
• Shri Krishna
• Jai Hanuman

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4. Television Industry Growth

The series demonstrated that Indian audiences would enthusiastically embrace high-quality historical and mythological storytelling, encouraging larger investments in television production.

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Re-telecast During 2020

During the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Doordarshan re-telecast Ramayan.

It became one of the world's most-watched television programs during that period, introducing a new generation to the classic series and reviving interest in India's television heritage.

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Other Ramayana Television Versions

Over the years, several new adaptations have appeared.

Ramayan

Produced by the Sagar family.

Features:

• improved visual effects
• modern production
• younger cast

Strengths:

• better CGI
• high-definition visuals

Weaknesses:

• many viewers felt it lacked the emotional simplicity of the original.

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Siya Ke Ram

Focused heavily on Sita's perspective.

Strengths:

• strong female viewpoint
• elaborate sets
• cinematic visuals

Differences:

• creative liberties
• expanded characterization
• modern narrative style

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Ram Siya Ke Luv Kush

Concentrated on Lava and Kusha after the events of Ramayana.

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Animated Versions

Several animated Ramayana productions have also been released, primarily aimed at younger audiences.

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Why Later Versions Could Not Match Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan

Several factors explain the enduring legacy of the original:

1. Simplicity

Minimal distractions.

Maximum emotional impact.

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2. Devotional Presentation

Characters felt sacred rather than theatrical.

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3. Powerful Dialogues

The language was dignified yet easy to understand.

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4. Perfect Casting

Many viewers still associate the original actors with the characters they portrayed.

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5. Memorable Music

The title track and devotional background score continue to evoke nostalgia and reverence.

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6. Cultural Timing

In the late 1980s:

• only one major television channel reached most households
• audiences watched together
• there were few competing entertainment options

This created a shared national experience that is difficult to replicate in today's fragmented media landscape.

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Criticisms and Different Perspectives

While widely admired, scholars have also discussed aspects of the series critically:

• It primarily reflected North Indian devotional traditions, especially those influenced by Ramcharitmanas.
• Some regional versions and interpretations of Ramayana received limited attention.
• Production values, visual effects, and pacing appear dated by modern standards.
• Later adaptations explored alternative viewpoints, such as Sita's perspective, in greater depth.

These observations do not diminish its historical importance but highlight the diversity of Ramayana traditions across India.

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Cultural Legacy

Nearly four decades later, Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan continues to influence:

• religious programming
• mythological storytelling
• Indian television production
• devotional music
• public memory
• festival celebrations
• popular culture

It remains one of the defining works of Indian television history.

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Conclusion

Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan was much more than a television serial—it became a cultural phenomenon that shaped how millions of Indians visualized the epic of Lord Rama. By blending scriptural authenticity, thoughtful casting, memorable performances, and accessible storytelling, it created a lasting emotional connection with audiences.

Although later adaptations benefited from advanced technology, larger budgets, and sophisticated visual effects, many viewers continue to regard the original as unparalleled because of its sincerity, simplicity, and devotional spirit. Rather than competing with other versions, it occupies a unique place in India's cultural history as a landmark television production that united families, inspired generations, and demonstrated the power of storytelling rooted in tradition.

 

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