Before Sai Pallavi's 'Ramayana': Iconic South Indian actresses who portrayed Goddess Sita
ETimes | July 30, 2026 2:39 PM CST
The role of Goddess Sita has always been one of the most respected, and over the years, multiple South Indian actresses have played her character. During their portrayal each actress brought her own beauty, grace, strength and emotions to the character on the big screen. Today, we see actress Sai Pallavi as Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial mythological epic ‘ Ramayana ’. Let’s look back at the actresses who played the role before her.
Sai Pallavi in 'Ramayana'In one of the most highly awaited films of the year, Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial ‘Ramayana’ stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana. It also features Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. During one of the film’s promotional events, the ‘Ek Din’ actress mentioned being blessed for the role. She also shared her preparation for it, saying, “I used to meditate and say, ‘Sita Maa, act through me.’ Whatever comes through me is what you want for the film. I was always keeping it as pure as possible, at least in my thoughts, to keep it neutral, so that I have the best version to present.”
Veterans as Goddess SitaThe legendary Sridevi also played Sita in the 1976 Tamil mythological film ‘Dasavatharam’. On the other hand, veteran actress Jaya Prada also played Sita in several mythological films, with ‘Seetha Kalyanam’ in 1976 being one of her most memorable performances. Her work in mythological cinema made her one of the well-known faces associated with the character during the late 90s. Additionally, Vijaya Nirmala played the younger version of Sita in ‘Bhookailas’.
Anjali Devi in the Telugu classic ‘Lava Kusa’ remains one of the most iconic portrayals of Sita. Many still consider it one of the greatest portrayals of the character in Indian mythological cinema.
NayantharaBefore Sai Pallavi, Nayanthara won praise for playing Sita in ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’, alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna as Lord Rama. Directed by Bapu, the film received high appreciation. Nayanthara’s performance was praised for showing Sita’s dignity, compassion, and inner strength.
Sai Pallavi in 'Ramayana'In one of the most highly awaited films of the year, Nitesh Tiwari’s directorial ‘Ramayana’ stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Kannada superstar Yash as Ravana. It also features Ravie Dubey as Lakshmana and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman. During one of the film’s promotional events, the ‘Ek Din’ actress mentioned being blessed for the role. She also shared her preparation for it, saying, “I used to meditate and say, ‘Sita Maa, act through me.’ Whatever comes through me is what you want for the film. I was always keeping it as pure as possible, at least in my thoughts, to keep it neutral, so that I have the best version to present.”
Veterans as Goddess SitaThe legendary Sridevi also played Sita in the 1976 Tamil mythological film ‘Dasavatharam’. On the other hand, veteran actress Jaya Prada also played Sita in several mythological films, with ‘Seetha Kalyanam’ in 1976 being one of her most memorable performances. Her work in mythological cinema made her one of the well-known faces associated with the character during the late 90s. Additionally, Vijaya Nirmala played the younger version of Sita in ‘Bhookailas’.
Anjali Devi in the Telugu classic ‘Lava Kusa’ remains one of the most iconic portrayals of Sita. Many still consider it one of the greatest portrayals of the character in Indian mythological cinema.
NayantharaBefore Sai Pallavi, Nayanthara won praise for playing Sita in ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’, alongside Nandamuri Balakrishna as Lord Rama. Directed by Bapu, the film received high appreciation. Nayanthara’s performance was praised for showing Sita’s dignity, compassion, and inner strength.
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