Highlights
- Lara Dutta has defended Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita as a warrior in Ramayana.
- The actor says Sita would not have remained helpless during 14 years of exile in the forest.
- Lara also revealed that her character, Kaikeyi, was a skilled horse rider and archer.
Lara Dutta has responded to the criticism surrounding Sai Pallavi's portrayal of Sita in Ramayana, urging audiences to be more open-minded about the film's creative interpretation of the Hindu epic.
The backlash intensified after the film's release, with particular criticism directed at scenes showing Sita fighting demons, using weapons and training children and young people in combat. Some viewers questioned whether the warrior portrayal was appropriate for the character.
In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Lara, who plays Kaikeyi in the film, defended the creative decision and encouraged audiences to appreciate the cinematic experience.
Lara Dutta explains why Sita can be portrayed as a warrior
Lara pointed out that there are several versions of the Ramayana and argued that royal children in ancient times could have received training in martial arts and weaponry, regardless of their gender.
“So when you look at things like that, there are so many possibilities of what could have happened, should have happened, whatever. So I think it's not that far off or it's not that far-fetched to think that Sita was also possibly very much trained in the art of warfare,” she said.
The actor added that Sita's decision to accompany Rama into 14 years of exile meant she would have needed to be prepared to protect herself.
“Especially, I mean, I just say that when you're put into a situation like that also as a woman, you're not going to be a helpless woman,” Lara said.
She argued that Sita would eventually have to defend herself against the dangers of living in the forest.
At the end of the conversation, Lara had a direct message for those criticising the portrayal.
“You have to stop being so small-minded, you know, and also embrace the cinematic experience,” she said.
Lara Dutta reveals Kaikeyi's warrior background
Lara also discussed the background of her own character, Kaikeyi, who is often portrayed as the antagonist responsible for Rama's exile.
In the film, she is presented as a warrior princess from the kingdom of Kekaya, known for its horses and mountainous terrain.
“Kaikeyi came from the kingdom of Kekaya and Kekaya was known for its horses. It was highland, you know, sort of country, rocky, mountainous country, and they were known for their mountain horses,” Lara explained.
She revealed that Kaikeyi was also trained in combat and grew up with several brothers.
“She was an excellent horse rider. She was an excellent archer. She grew up a girl among boys. You know, she had only brothers,” the actor said.
Lara has previously described Kaikeyi as one of the most misunderstood characters in the epic, pointing to her internal conflicts, vulnerabilities and remorse.
Through its portrayals of Sita and Kaikeyi, Ramayana places women with strength and agency at the centre of its retelling.
