Mumbai: Actress Sai Pallavi, who is set to portray Goddess Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, has revealed how an unexpected experience during a trip to Kasol in Himachal Pradesh inspired her to learn the Hanuman Chalisa. The actor said she now chants the devotional hymn at least once every day, describing it as a source of courage.
Sai Pallavi shared the incident during an appearance on actor Jagapathi Babu’s talk show, Jayammu Nischayammu Raa with Jagapathi, streaming on ZEE5. During the conversation, she spoke about her journey from medicine to acting, her approach to choosing films and experiences from her personal life.
Recalling a visit to Parvati Valley with her sister, Pooja Kannan, and a friend, the actor described how the group found themselves walking downhill after missing the last bus. What happened during that walk left a lasting impression on her and encouraged her to learn the Hanuman Chalisa.
Why Sai Pallavi decided to learn Hanuman Chalisa
Sai Pallavi said she had visited Kasol a few years ago with her sister and a friend. During the trip, the group decided to explore Parvati Valley, a destination known for its mountainous landscape, forests and association with Hindu mythology.
The trio reportedly did not realise that the last bus back would leave at around 5 pm. By the time they prepared to return, the bus had already departed, leaving them with no option but to walk the entire stretch downhill.
The actor recalled that moonlight helped illuminate their path, but the surroundings were dark, with a dense forest on one side of the road.
As they continued walking, a puppy suddenly appeared and began accompanying them.
The unexpected presence of the animal became the defining moment of the journey. Sai’s sister, Pooja, knew the Hanuman Chalisa and began reciting it as the group continued along the road.
Sai said the experience made her realise that she did not know the devotional hymn herself, prompting her to learn it.
She recalled thinking about the importance of knowing the prayer and wanting to learn it after hearing her sister chant.
A puppy guides the group towards safety
During the talk show, Sai Pallavi described how the puppy continued walking alongside the three women as they made their way downhill.
According to her account, the dog stayed with them until they approached a row of shops illuminated by lights. The group had been walking through the dark stretch when the animal appeared, and its continued presence became a source of reassurance.
The actor said her sister had barely finished reciting the opening lines of the Hanuman Chalisa when the puppy appeared and began accompanying them.
The dog remained with them until they reached the shops, where it turned around and left.
For Sai Pallavi, the timing of the encounter made the experience particularly memorable. She interpreted the incident through her faith and felt that the animal’s presence had helped them through a difficult situation.
Recalling the moment, she said, “I think it was God walking with us in the form of a little puppy.”
The actor’s recollection reflects her personal interpretation of the incident. She described how an unexpected encounter during a nighttime walk became closely associated with her spiritual beliefs.
Sai Pallavi now chants the hymn every day
The experience had a lasting impact on Sai Pallavi’s daily routine.
She said she began chanting the Hanuman Chalisa after the Kasol trip and has continued the practice ever since.
“I started chanting the Hanuman Chalisa from that day onward. I chant it every day, at least once,” the actor shared during the conversation.
She also explained that the practice helps her feel brave.
For Sai, the decision to learn the hymn was not simply about memorising a devotional text. It was connected to an experience in which she felt uncertain while walking through an unfamiliar, dark stretch of road.
Her sister’s recitation and the puppy’s unexpected appearance became memories that she continues to associate with courage and faith.
The story offers a personal glimpse into the actor’s spiritual life, which she generally keeps separate from her professional commitments.
The mythology associated with Parvati Valley
The place Sai Pallavi visited also has a connection to Hindu mythology.
Parvati Valley, in Himachal Pradesh, is associated with legends involving Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. One traditional account connects the Parvati River to a story involving a precious jewel lost by Goddess Parvati while bathing.
According to the legend, Lord Shiva became angry over the loss and opened his third eye. The serpent deity Shesha then hissed, causing water to boil and the jewel to return to the surface.
Another account says Lord Shiva meditated in the valley for thousands of years, while Goddess Parvati performed penance there. The valley is believed to have been named after her.
These stories form part of the region’s religious and cultural associations. Sai Pallavi’s experience, however, centred on the unexpected encounter during the walk back from the valley rather than on the legends themselves.
Sai Pallavi’s journey from medicine to films
Beyond her personal experiences, Sai Pallavi has built a career known for her performances across several Indian film industries.
The actor studied medicine before pursuing acting professionally. She rose to wider recognition through films in Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil, earning attention for her performances and her preference for character-driven roles.
Her film choices have often drawn interest because she has spoken about prioritising the strength of a role and the overall story while selecting projects.
Her appearance on Jagapathi Babu’s talk show provided an opportunity to discuss aspects of her life beyond cinema, including family relationships, personal beliefs and experiences that have shaped her outlook.
The Kasol story added another dimension to that conversation, revealing how a seemingly ordinary travel mishap became an important personal memory.
Sai Pallavi prepares for Ramayana
Sai Pallavi is set to play Goddess Sita in the upcoming film Ramayana, directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The project is among the major mythological film adaptations being developed for Indian cinema.
Ranbir Kapoor plays Lord Rama, while Yash portrays Ravana. The cast also includes Ravi Dubey as Lakshman and Sunny Deol as Lord Hanuman.
Other actors associated with the film include Sheeba Chaddha as Manthara, Kajal Aggarwal as Mandodari, Lara Dutta as Kaikeyi and Rakul Preet Singh as Surpanakha.
The film brings together a large ensemble to retell the epic for contemporary audiences. Sai Pallavi’s portrayal of Sita is one of the central elements of the project, drawing attention from audiences following its development.
Her recent comments about chanting the Hanuman Chalisa have also offered a glimpse into the personal faith she associates with courage and reassurance.
A personal story about faith and courage
Sai Pallavi’s account of the Kasol trip stands out because of the way an unexpected encounter became a lasting part of her life.
After missing the last bus from Parvati Valley, she, her sister and their friend had to walk downhill in the dark. The appearance of a puppy, followed by her sister’s recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, left her with a strong personal association between the prayer and the feeling of being guided to safety.
The actor said she has chanted the hymn daily since that experience, using the practice as a way to remain brave.
While the encounter remains a matter of personal faith and interpretation, Sai’s recollection illustrates how an unexpected moment during travel can influence someone’s beliefs and everyday habits.
As she prepares to appear as Goddess Sita in Ramayana, the story has also offered fans a rare insight into the spiritual practices that form part of her life away from the screen.