Rupal Patel Datta talks about a mashup on her character, Kokilaben, from Saath Nibhaana Saathiya that has netizens in splits
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2020)

Not everyone can laugh at themselves. However, actress Rupal Patel Datta is cut from a different cloth. Her character Kokilaben from Saath Nibhaana Saathiya has been a popular subject for memes and parodies over the years. However, rather than feeling offended about it, she has taken it in her stride. She even got in touch with Yashraj Mukhate, the brain behind the internet’s current favourite Gopi Bahu mashup.

Talking about it, Rupal says, “Kokila was the role of a lifetime, and I have the deepest gratitude for the show’s makers and the channel. There is a moment, an incident or a character in an artiste’s life, that becomes a milestone. Kokila is that for me. People appreciate it for various reasons — her voice, authority, look and the way she balanced her two bahus, who were as different as chalk and cheese. The show and the characters’ simplicity is what connected with viewers.”

In the age of digital advancement and dependence, it’s surprising to know that Rupal is not on any social media platform. She says, “I am not on any social media platforms as I don’t want to be distracted when I am working. My sister-in-law sent me a message about it. Later my co-actor, Rhea Sharma, sent me the video. My immediate reaction was surprise and shock. I was perplexed about how Yashraj got this clip since I never sang on the show. Later, I realised that he has used my dialogues for it (laughs!). I liked it so much that I asked a few friends to get his number. I spoke to him and expressed my gratitude.”

The actress says that she doesn’t feel offended about memes or mashups on her character. She adds, “A viewer expresses his appreciation in different ways. It could be a funny response, too. Why should I feel offended? The character has made a mark on people’s minds, and hence, they remember it to date. In fact, a lady would impersonate me on a video-sharing social networking service. I found it funny. I don’t mind that at all, as I know the intent is not to offend anyone.”
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 DIDN’T EXPECT THE RAP TO GO VIRAL: YASHRAJ MUKHATE

Saptaparna Biswas (BOMBAY TIMES; August 24, 2020)

Speaking about the video and the attention it has received, Aurangabad-based musician Yashraj Mukhate says, “I made the music and video as a stress buster to take a break from another project that I was working on. I didn’t expect it to go viral and receive so much attention.” He further added that he was thrilled when Rupal called him on Saturday evening. “She said, ‘Main Kokilaben bol rahi hoon, Rupal Patel’. Over the years, so many memes have been made on her character, yet she liked my work enough to ring me up and congratulate me in person. She has also invited me to meet her whenever I visit Mumbai.”