Barely two months after Meenakshi Seshadri announced that she had relocated to Mumbai for good and was seeking acting opportunities, she has bagged a Prime Video series. What’s even better is that the project, titled Nanavati vs Nanavati, reunites the actor with Jackie Shroff, alongside whom she had delivered her first smash hit Hero (1983) at the start of her career. mid-day has learnt that the series went on floors this week.

Sources have told us that the eight-episode series, directed by Vipul Shah, is currently being shot at Bar Stock Exchange in Andheri West, with a packed ensemble that includes Bhagyashree, Ram Kapoor, and Anupriya Goenka.

An insider said, “Bringing Meenakshi and Jackie, the hit pair of the 1980s, together again after four decades is one of the show’s biggest talking points. Their scenes are expected to tap into the nostalgia associated with Hero, while placing them in age-appropriate characters. Bhagyashree and Ram will play the other couple. Since Ram is on another show right now, he will join the shoot later. The primary schedule is expected to be conducted in Powai.”

An official announcement from the streamer is expected closer to the completion of the shoot. 

mid-day reached out to Shah, who didn’t respond till press time.

Bhagyashree recently found herself at the centre of an online debate after a video of her visiting and promoting a local lassi shop in Kashi went viral. Some social media users alleged that she chose not to drink the lassi after filming because of its sugar and fat content, questioning the authenticity of the endorsement. While others defended her, pointing out that personal dietary preferences need not undermine support for local businesses, the actress says the criticism has not changed her perspective on promoting local food and vendors.

Responding to those who questioned her intentions, Bhagyashree says, “Are they upset that I didn’t drink it in front of them? Did my video harm anyone? That’s what I would like to ask. Kuch achha karne jao, toh kuch logon ki itni chhoti soch hoti hai ki unhe har cheez mein bura hi dikhta hai. It’s hilarious to read comments like, ‘Yeh paise ke liye kiya hai.’ Wouldn’t it have been a paid advertisement then, as is the norm even on social media? But if I let a few people like this affect what I do, it would be a shame. My #TuesdayTipsWithB has been liked and followed by millions over the last four years. Countless people have told me how these simple tips have helped them, whether with their health or by offering emotional support. It feels wonderful to know that I could be a guiding part of someone’s journey.”

Bhagyashree’s intent has always been to encourage support for local communities and small businesses. She reiterates, “I have always advocated supporting small businesses when we travel. Even the simple act of buying a souvenir from a Tier-II or Tier-III town gives local artisans and vendors an opportunity to grow economically. Tasting local food allows us to experience the diversity of our cuisine. Similarly, budding designers often ask me to wear their creations so that more people discover their work. It’s all interconnected. This is the kind of support we, as Indians, should extend to one another.”

Stepping into the shoes of Rajmata Jijabai came with immense responsibility for Bhagyashree, who essays the role in the recently released film Raja Shivaji starring Riteish Deshmukh in the titular role. The actress reveals that every aspect of the performance demanded precision and restraint.

She says, “Portraying a historical figure is not only difficult; it comes with a humongous responsibility. While cinematic liberty might be taken to narrate a story, the same does not apply while performing a role. The public scrutinizes every detail. Rajmata Jijabai is so highly revered that no mistake would be forgiven. I was extremely conscious of all these factors. There is a grace, gravitas, strength and serenity that I had to convey through my demeanour, look, voice and actions.”

Mastering the language and pronunciation was equally important, with dialect coach Ketki helping her achieve the required authenticity. She notes, “Yes, I am Maharashtrian, but we in Mumbai speak a very colloquial Marathi, and that would not have worked for the film. Ketki, the dialect coach, was a boon. She helped me achieve that perfection.”

Bhagyashree also reflects on the limited and often stereotypical roles written for actresses over 50, especially when compared to their male counterparts who continue to headline romantic and larger-than-life roles well into their later years.

She says, “The imbalance exists because cinema reflects society. We are gradually nudging towards equality, but things like this do not happen overnight in a patriarchal society like India. That change and its acceptance will happen with time. Meanwhile, we can only navigate those waters by choosing what we wish to do with competence.”

Meaningful, narrative-driven roles continue to interest her. She shares, “All the characters I play should be catalysts that move the story ahead. The absence of that role should derail the story. That means the character should be imperative to the narrative. In that way, I am assured that the character I play will be remembered.”

The actress will next be seen in The Great Grand Superhero - Aliens Ka Aagman alongside Jackie Shroff. She says, “I have collaborated with Jackie Dada for a children’s film. Though it is a special appearance, I wanted to be associated with it for two reasons: one, to connect with children, and second, to enjoy sharing screen space with Jackie.”

Amid a packed shooting schedule, Bhagyashree could easily have treated her birthday on February 23 like any other working day. Instead, she chose to pause and make the day about family and reflection. This year, she has taken off with her daughter Avantika for a long-overdue mother-daughter holiday.

She says, “This year on my birthday I am taking a off with my daughter Avantika for a mother-daughter bonding holiday. We used to do these regularly, but we haven’t been able to for the last two years. I think now is the time to break that jinx. This feels like the perfect way to celebrate my birthday.”

At home, birthdays are usually a three-day affair. Her father-in-law celebrates on February 21, her son Abhimanyu on the 22nd and she on the 23rd. She adds, “After two massive celebrations, all I want to do is sit in a spa and relax. But like I said, this year is going to be different, as I am taking off for a holiday.”

One ritual, however, remains non-negotiable. She says, “As you grow older, birthdays are just a circle around the sun for another year. But something I follow religiously every year is a full body health checkup. As women, we often take our health for granted. The only way to remember it is to fix it to a significant date. I make sure that happens year after year.”

Her birthday wish this time is closely tied to her work. Having recently wrapped Raja Shivaji, she hopes for the kind of lasting impact that once defined her early career.

“God has always given me more than I have ever wished for, and I feel truly blessed. Since I have just finished Raja Shivaji, I am looking forward to a lot of love coming my way and hopefully having this character etched in people’s minds, just like Suman from Maine Pyar Kiya,” she concludes.

From holistic living to putting her family first, the actress talks about how she prioritizes the important things in life & more. It’s a pleasure going on the set now. There are so many enterprising women at work – right from directors, cinematographers, assistant directors and more,” said Maine Pyar Kiya star Bhagyashree about the transformation of the film industry since her debut. In a candid chat with us on the sidelines of a recent event in town, the actress and wellness advocate also shared insights into her acting career, her experiences as a mother, her wellness journey, and more.

“That’s because cinema reflects society,” she said. “For instance, audiences now embrace women in roles once reserved only for men. Earlier, an on-screen cop had to be a man, but now, women are doing fine in those roles,” she added.

Speaking about the turning point that led her towards wellness advocacy, she revealed it began with a shock. “I woke up one morning, unable to move my right hand. Initially, doctors explained the condition with clinical terms like calcification and cervical issues, but soon, I realized a lot of it was emotional and mental distress manifesting in my body. The pandemic also reminded us how important health is for everyone,” she said, adding that after recovering, she felt a sense of responsibility to share what she had learnt.

“I realized I must help women my age going through similar struggles,” she said, adding that her methods are accessible to all. “These are things people can do at home – no side effects, simple, but regularity is mandatory.”

Looking back on her decisions early in life – choosing marriage, embracing motherhood, and pausing her career – she said those weren’t sacrifices, but priorities. “Family needs nourishment like a plant needs water and sunlight till it can stand on its own. That’s what I did – nourished my family,” she said.

On the timeless appeal of the 1989 blockbuster, Bhagyashree pointed out why her character resonated with the audience. “People wanted a daughter or a daughter-in-law like Suman... The role embodied love, innocence, respect, and deep-rooted Indian values,” she said, adding, “No matter how modern we become, we want respect for elders and relationships. That belief system doesn’t change. That’s why Maine Pyar Kiya is close to people’s hearts even today.”

When asked which actors would do the film justice if it were made today, she said, “Honestly, I don’t think it should be remade. It would lose its essence. But hypothetically, if it was ever remade, I think Alia Bhatt would be perfect for Suman. She has the face, grace, naughtiness, and demeanour for the role. As for Prem, it could be a mix of Ranbir Kapoor and Ranveer Singh. Ranveer would bring the energy to the first half, and Ranbir, the sincerity in the second half.”

-------------------------------------------

Many of my in-laws stay in Kolkata, so in a way this city is my sasural. Puchka, mishti doi & gur ke rasgulle are my favourites

-------------------------------------------

I would love to work in a Bengali film someday. I’ve met Prosenjit Chatterjee, who everyone calls Bumbada, and we often talk and hope we can do something together

-------------------------------------------

When my son Abhimanyu told me he wanted to be an actor, I was against it. Not because I doubted his abilities, but due to my fear of the emotional toll, the intense competition, and the constant public scrutiny he would experience

Bhagyashree, Salman Khan’s first leading lady from Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), looks back at her journey with the superstar and reflects on how much and how little he has changed over the years. From their early days on set to reuniting decades later in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), she says Salman continues to hold a special place in her life.

Recalling their bond from the very beginning, Bhagyashree says Salman always had a rare balance of fun and responsibility. “In those days, Salman was a total prankster. But we bonded as friends, and he was very protective of me. That hasn’t changed,” she shares.

She adds that even during the early years of her marriage, Salman remained a constant presence. “He was a mix of fun and maturity. While he would be pranking someone or the other all the time, he was also the steadfast friend one would want. He would regularly ask me after my marriage if I was okay, knowing I did not have my family with me at that time.”

That sense of care, she says, has extended to her family over the years. Speaking about their reunion on Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Bhagyashree shares, “On the sets of the film, the way he took care of me, my husband Himalaya ji, and our son Abhimanyu was amazing. Over the years, I know we have grown in different directions and therefore do not meet often, but ever since he met Abhimanyu, he has always kept track of him and his work. And it works both ways. Abhimanyu also likes to share his journey with Salman and take advice from time to time. Salman has always been special. Back then and now, for me, my first hero will never change.”

Bhagyashree also points out a softer side of Salman that many may not be fully aware of. “One thing that has come to light over the years is his bonding with kids. He loves them. He dotes on his nieces and nephews.”

Reflecting on how life has shaped him, she notes visible changes in his temperament. She says, “Salman was livelier and more fun-loving then. He has become more serious now. Life has thrown a lot of oddballs at him, and because of that, he has become more closed off. He vibes only with people who are closest to him.”

She also addresses how his larger-than-life presence is often misunderstood. “People get intimidated by the aura that surrounds Salman the moment he walks in. I do not think he does anything to make people uncomfortable. He is just himself. He does not create noise or any hoo-ha about his entry, but because there are always people around him, everyone knows he has arrived. He has simply become quieter than he was earlier,” she concludes.

Asked what makes Salman an enduring brand beyond box office numbers and superstardom, Bhagyashree attributes it to something far more intangible. “Blessings and duas he gets from all the people he has helped over the years. There are loads of people who swear by his generosity. I think kindness begets blessings,” she says.

Historical dramas seem to have caught the attention of many filmmakers. Months after Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava gave Bollywood the year’s first blockbuster, Riteish Deshmukh is giving shape to Raja Shivaji, a biopic on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The actor, who will direct and star in the ambitious period drama, took it on floors in February. Now, Deshmukh has called action on the second schedule that is being conducted at Film City in Goregaon, Mumbai.

Raja Shivaji, which will be released in Marathi and Hindi, marks his second directorial venture after Ved (2022). While Mahesh Manjrekar plays a key role in the period drama, Bhagyashree steps into the role of Shivaji’s mother, Rajmata Jijabai. Sources tell us that the ongoing schedule will cover many crucial chapters of the Maratha warrior king’s reign.

“The film will chronicle his life, from his young warrior days to him becoming the founder of the Maratha Empire. Riteish began the second leg by shooting the scene where Shivaji meets his wife, Rani Saibai. Going ahead, the team will shoot Shivaji’s coronation ceremony that had taken place in Raigad Fort. A massive set depicting portions of the fort has been constructed in Film City. Additionally, a major battle sequence has been lined up for this stint that will go on till mid-April,” reveals a source. 

In February 2024, on the occasion of Shivaji Jayanti, Deshmukh had announced the magnum opus. He had apparently long harboured the ambition of bringing the biggest Maratha king’s story to the screen. “Riteish was working on the project over the past five years. But he couldn’t shoot it during the pandemic because logistically, it’s a demanding film. So, he helmed Ved instead at that point,” says another source.

Deshmukh’s passion project finally rolled this February. “The team started with the early years of Shivaji. A set of Shivneri Fort was constructed at Film City for that leg.”

National Award winner Santosh Sivan is serving as the cinematographer. Deshmukh is said to have approached his actor-friends Sanjay Dutt, Abhishek Bachchan and Fardeen Khan for key roles.

Actor Bhagyashree, who recently got to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, says she “couldn’t be happier”.

“Aap khaali haath aate ho, par bahut kuch lekar wapas jaate ho,” shares Bhagyashree, when asked about her experience at one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. “That’s the beauty of Maha Kumbh,” she adds.

For Bhagyashree, this trip was especially significant as she got to travel with her kids, actors Avantika and Abhimanyu Dassani. “Since my children grew up, saath mein travel ho hi nahin pata hai. Maha Kumbh is the reason we travelled together after years. It was a sangam for our family at the real Sangam,” she says.

Her son Abhimanyu adds, “It is said that you can wash away the karma of your past life [at the Kumbh Mela]. It was a cathartic feeling for me, as I’m finding my own place in life.” Agreeing with her brother’s sentiments, Avantika also shares: “We have a strong religious side to us and love letting spirituality lead our paths.”

Bhagyashree chimes in and notes that this trip has been long overdue. “Having dealt with certain health issues, my spiritual inclination has become stronger... It has always been a deep-seated desire of mine to attend the Kumbh in all its grandeur,” she tells us.

The actor goes on to elaborate, “Coming here was inevitable for me. During the last Kumbh (held in 2019), I tried my best to attend. I reached, but it was all over by that time. It was then that I felt I needed to manifest harder. One can only attend the Kumbh when their calling comes.”

Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha’s wedding festivities began with a chooda ceremony in Udaipur yesterday. Parineeti’s maternal uncle gifted her a set of red chooda. The wedding venue, situated beside Lake Pichola, was adorned with floral decorations. Following the chooda ceremony, mehendi and haldi rituals unfolded with close family and friends in attendance.

The welcome lunch, named ‘Blooms and Bites’, offered a taste of Rajasthani culture through its cuisine and decor. In the evening, guests enjoyed a sangeet night with a ’90s Bollywood theme, titled ‘Let’s Party Like the ’90s’.

Guests seen at the airport included Bhagyashree and Himalaya Dasani, Aamna Sharif and actor-poet Shailesh Lodha. The shaadi is set to be a starstudded affair, with politicians and Bollywood celebrities expected to attend.

As per reports, along with Rajasthan police officials, a team of 100 private security personnel has been deployed at the wedding venue. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot are expected to attend the reception.

Raghav’s outfits for the wedding have been designed by his uncle, fashion designer Pawan Sachdeva. The designer says, “Raghav likes it subtle and classy, as it goes with his style, persona and profession. He hates embroidery or anything flashy. So, I created textures on fabrics without any embroidery, so it looks like a wedding attire. For the wedding, he will be wearing a sherwani. For the haldi and mehendi ceremonies, he wore different styles of kurtas.”

The Delhi-based designer also revealed that the groom’s trousseau comprises “Indo-western outfits, tuxedos (that he will wear for the wedding reception tonight), asymmetrical cuts and bandi set.” Sachdeva adds, “All of them are a mix of sharp cuts with minimalistic designs.”

Parineeti’s cousin Priyanka Chopra won’t be coming down from the US to attend the wedding. Yesterday, Priyanka took to social media to wish her sister for her big day. She shared a picture that has Parineeti smiling and wrote, “I hope you are as happy and content as this on your big day little one.. always wishing you so much love #newbeginnings @ parineetichopra @ raghavchadha88 (sic).”

After making his debut with the 2014 film Alludu Seenu and enjoying a successful career down south, actor Sreenivas Bellamkonda is excited about his foray in Bollywood, with Chatrapathi which hits the theatres on May 12. “The film offers the audience everything they have been longing for, including a good theatrical experience. I can’t wait for them to watch it,” says the actor in a candid chat with us. Excerpts:

I’m happy we could show a glimpse of all the blood, sweat, tears and most importantly, all the love that we put in to make this film. It’s a great feeling to see the audience react the way they did to what we have to offer. I was confident before, but now I’m really pumped up to see how the audience will react to the film. They’re in for a ride!

I’ve made my mark in Telugu cinema and was ready for something new. When I saw how my films, like Jaya Janaki Nayaka and Kavacham that were dubbed in Hindi had received a huge number of views on YouTube, it excited me. This film is my way of thanking everyone who loved my work because when the perfect script came my way, I just couldn’t say no.

More than a remake I’d call it an adaptation of the story penned by K V Vijayendra Prasad. I play a refugee who comes to Gujarat after losing touch with his mother and stepbrother. The film delves into how local politicians tend to take advantage of displaced immigrants, apart from showcasing how my character revolts for the people, becoming their ‘chatrapathi.’ The bond my character shares with his mother is also very relatable.

Honestly, I’m not. Mujhe sirf pahad chadna, girna, aur phir chadna hi malum hai. I love challenges and that’s exactly what this film offered me. My character is intense, and I loved playing it. The story written in 2005 has been adapted to suit today’s generation, as today’s cinema space is completely different. I believe the audience will see this as a straight-out Hindi film, and not a remake, because that’s how we have treated it.

My first film ever was with director V V Vinayak, he’s my guru. So, I’m glad my ninth film is with him too and I believe it’s my lucky number (laughs!). Nushrratt Bharuccha is a fantastic co-star, she brought such great energy to the set. In fact, the entire cast did, including Bhagyashree and Sharad Kelkar. Ravi Basrur’s background score and Tanishk Bagchi’s OST will be something to watch out for, so will the VFX in some exciting scenes that I can’t reveal now. I feel grateful that I’m working at a time when the lines between north or south cinema have blurred – a good film is all that matters now. And this one will be a visual spectacle for sure.

Bhagyashree hasn’t been the conventional actor. Right after delivering a blockbuster like Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), she got married and wasn’t seen in films for three years. Of late, she has been steadily working again and wants to make sure she doesn’t end up picking any wrong projects.

“I am looking for a good script overall. My role should make a difference to the story, I don’t want to play a character which has no arc, and it doesn’t make any difference to the journey of the protagonist,” she says, revealing what makes her turn down offers.

The actor adds that she is not asking for the main role. “It is not necessary for me to play the lead. Scripts which come to me, they mostly say ‘You have to look pretty, beautiful’... that’s it! I don’t want to stick to that, that is just not me. I have a lot of work coming up, so that’s not what I want to do,” she exclaims.

Bhagyashree, who has been a part of Thalaivii (2021) and Radhe Shyam (2022), will be seen next in Happy Teacher’s Day. The 54-year-old feels times have changed since her film debut. “Female actors have it good today, but we still have a long way to go. There are so many lovely romantic films being made in Hollywood with mature romance. That is still to come to Indian cinema though things are changing gradually. Who says romance goes away after the age of 50?,” she questions.

Avantika Dasani, daughter of actress Bhagyashree, was in Lucknow recently. Avantika, who debuted on the OTT this year, talked about her relationship with her mother and how she plans to make her mark in the industry. Calling herself an ‘OTT Baby’, she says, “I am very excited to see where the web space takes me. Characters that we see on the web are not all goody two shoes. OTT gives you a lot more than what commercial cinema does. There is room being made for everyone and yes, I am very excited about that. The kind of stories, the character, the engagement, that is something that is really exciting. Also, it is a platform where there are different types of people, there isn’t any age barrier, look barrier or anything to be an OTT star. You have to be good at what you do as an actor. Take for example Raveena (Tandon) and Sushmita (Sen) ma’am, who are doing awesome stuff on OTT.”

Just like her mom, Avantika also has drawn some lines for herself for the kind of roles she would like to do. “I don’t like to use the word bold when it comes to such content. However, if ever I do such a scene, there has to be a proper reasoning for that. My openness to doing ‘bold’ stuff in films or OTT definitely has a lot of limits. There is a limit on what is allowed and what is not allowed and maybe it is in my blood and what I have seen around me. I do have my boundary set for bold content.”

Ask Avantika if the younger lot of actors crave to be a film star or if are they happy making their own space on the web, and she says, “To see yourself on the big screen as an actor is lovely and exciting. At the same time, I worked with Rohan Sippy on my web project, where Huma Qureshi was my co-actor along with Parambrata Chattopadhyay and Rajit Kapur. The craving for the big screen is definitely not that much today for the simple reason that the script that we are getting to see on the web is exciting for an actor.”

Avatika’s mom Bhagyashree got married at a very early age. We ask what Avantika has to say about her mom’s decision. “Well, there is a reason why my mom was ready to give up all of her life for a man so interesting like my dad Himalay Dassani. Also, when my mom got married that time was really different than what it is today. The kind of opportunities that I have got are very different from what my mom got. For example, I went to London to study for three years, while my mom didn’t. Today, my mom is a certified nutritionist and has had a successful business and has also done different things in life. Things are really different today,” she signs off.

— With inputs from Vivek Kumar

Bhagyashree can easily give younger stars a run for their money; she has maintained herself that well. The actor, who turned 54 on February 23, shares that she feels incredibly happy when people praise her: “I can’t express how I feel when people compliment me. Some time back, I was in a really bad condition and had some health issues. But this is a motivation for me to keep my journey healthy.”

She is, however, saddened by the unhealthy dieting fads practiced by many, including those within showbiz: “I feel very sad when I see the younger generation aiming to become slimmer, and not healthy. Health comes first. You can fit into a size four dress and have a cinched waist, but at the end of the day, if you faint, don’t look after yourself and you can’t do your work, then it is pathetic.”

Bhagyashree adds, “I keep laughing at youngsters who go out on dates. The whole idea of having a dinner date is to eat and meet. You have to enjoy your meal! I tell this to all of my daughter Avantika’s friends.”

But what about the changing beauty standards in showbiz? “Fortunately, OTT content has opened up everyone’s minds to more real people. That is what matters right now,” says the actor, who will be seen next in the film Happy Teacher’s Day.

Lastly, she says that what makes her birthday special is that her son, actor Abhimanyu Dassani, celebrates his birthday a day before her! “I just feel happy about that, it surpasses anything that could possibly happen on any other birthday,” she laughs.

Bhagyashree is set to make her television debut as a judge in DID Super Moms. In a chat, the actress spoke about how this is a great phase for her in terms of work, her future plans and if she regrets not pursuing acting post her superhit film Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989. Excerpts:

I am happy with the way things are shaping up. It feels great that people still remember me, it’s thanks to their love that I am here.

(Laughs) My children laugh at this. My son, Abhimanyu, who has been promoting his film, says everyone asks him the same question again and again. I told him that I have been answering this question for the past 33 years!

I had the opportunity to look after my family and my home, and now when I have almost fulfilled my responsibilities, there’s good work coming my way. I am grateful for that. My children are the wind beneath my wings. So, no regrets because I feel I got the best of both worlds.

Just like my children tell me, go live your dreams, he does the same.

When Abhimanyu expressed his desire to join films, I even tried to deter him because I know that life here isn’t stable, and you have to bear with the emotional upheavals that come along with this line of work. Initially, he felt angry that I wasn’t supporting him, but over a period of time, children understand things better. We can only be there to support them. They will have to take care of the brickbats that will come and enjoy the laurels of the hard work that they put in. The only thing I told him was, enjoy your work. If you do that, you will give it your 100 per cent.

I have a comfort level with the makers and the channel, because I had acted in the show Jaan many years ago, which was when I got back to working post Maine Pyar Kiya. Super Moms is a show filled with positivity and after Coronavirus, I feel that we all need something happy and positive. Unfortunately, a lot of reality shows have a negative vibe and voyeurism, which had put me off. For the longest time, I didn’t want to do a reality show because of that.

But in this case, it was different. I feel that women need a platform to come out and showcase their talent. It’s not necessary for everyone to be at the top, just the fact that they are showing the courage to stand up in front of so many people and do what they are good at, must be appreciated. I am happy to be a part of a show that can give women such a platform.

If there is truth in a story, then why not? If a journey is factual, then it’s fine because one has to give some details about the participants. Every situation does not have to be made melodramatic, but if a story is inspirational, then it should be told because that will inspire thousands. Even my last TV show, Smart Jodi, was about inspiring couples to bond again in case something was missing in their relationship. I think each one of us, in our own small way, can inspire others to better themselves.

Ankita Lokhande and her husband, businessman Vicky Jain, have won Smart Jodi, a reality show that revolved around celeb couples. Ankita and Vicky, who got married in December 2021, are thrilled about their victory, especially because through the show, they also learned new things about each other. In an exclusive chat with BT, the actress shares how it was all about spending quality time with her husband on the show, and how Vicky has been her constant strength through life’s ups and downs. Excerpts:

We were offered this show when we just got married in December. Initially, I wasn’t keen because I wanted to spend time at home, but Vicky motivated me by saying, ‘Let’s do it, it will be fun.’ More than participating in the show, for me, it was all about spending time with him since he is in Bilaspur (Chhattisgarh) most of the time and I am in Mumbai. Other couples on the show have been living together for many years, but this was a new beginning for us, and we discovered many things about each other while being a part of the show.

I also learnt that Vicky shares the same competitive spirit like me, and in fact, he is better than me. What helped us win the show is the good communication that we have between us, our physical fitness and the fact that we were honest about what we like and don’t like about each other. I thought Vicky would be camera-shy, but he was a perfect entertainer, lovable and could even outshine me in many ways. He is lucky for me even though I keep telling him that I am lucky for him.

Bhagyashree madam and Himalay sir. They have been married for so many years, but they communicated well and had that competitive spirit to win the trophy. Neil Bhatt-Aishwarya Sharma and Arjun Bijlani-Neha Swami were also good.

Sushant and I broke up in 2016 and I started dating Vicky in 2018. Vicky knew Sushant and I got to know Vicky through our common friend Arjun Bijlani. While I knew Vicky, we were never friends, and it is only in 2018 that we grew close. One day I had called him for some work and the conversation led to discussing each other’s lives and that’s how it all began. In June 2020, Sushant passed away and people started trolling Vicky. They started saying, ‘Ankita was best for Sushant and she should always be with Sushant’. Social media turned abusive towards Vicky telling him to leave me because I was good for Sushant. It is not easy for a man to watch his to-be wife giving interviews on her ex-boyfriend on television and talking about her past. There were different stories emerging everyday and I was right there talking about Sushant all the time. Vicky comes from a very respectable family. I remember they called me and supported me saying, ‘Don’t worry, all will be well’. It was not only tough for Vicky, but my parents, too. Had it been some other guy, he would have quit, but Vicky stood by me and became my strength and told me, ‘Do whatever you think is best for Sushant’ and that’s why I could do my best for Sushant.

Shocking! We were both living in a state of shock and trolls made life even more difficult for us. When Sushant died and I started talking about him, I was in a constant state of confusion whether I was doing the right thing, and Vicky was the one who supported me. Now it looks easy because it is in the past, but at that point, it was not easy. For six months, there were constant stories of my past with Sushant emerging. If I was in Vicky’s position, I would not have been able to see him talking about his past with a woman. I had taken a stand for Sushant and I could do that because Vicky was on my side.

Vicky and I are shifting to a new home in Andheri and I am very excited about it. The apartment is big, so sometimes I wonder what I will do in such a big place. We will soon do a pooja in our new home. After marriage I have realized that life is not just about work, it’s about balancing your personal life with work. Vicky and I are in a long-distance marriage, so it becomes tough especially when you are moving into a new home. Not now, but in the future we will have kids and I want him to be around during that phase of our life. Video calling has made things easier, of course. As of now, his work is in Bilaspur and mine is in Mumbai, so we both can’t relocate. I have stopped going to parties because it’s mostly couples who are there at parties and they keep asking me how it feels with Vicky being away. Now, for every party he can’t travel to Mumbai! I understand his work and I am glad that he understands my profession.

I never said I don’t want to do TV, but I was continuously working for six years when I did Pavitra Rishta. In acting or any profession, I feel there is a level and you have to grow to another level after you do something. I can’t be doing something that I did for six years again and in TV, it seldom happens that you get to do something totally different. However, I feel I am young, talented, energetic and want to explore different roles. I have the patience and I have all the time, so I have turned selective. And now people have just seen me on TV in Smart Jodi. They saw that I could entertain crowds and therefore, I want to explore different things as an actor.

Not now. Currently, my stars are looking good and I am hoping to land more interesting projects. I will also go on my honeymoon soon. Hopefully, we will fly to some beautiful destination in July or August, I think Vicky will surprise me.

After making her acting debut with Mithya, where she shared screen space with actor Huma S Qureshi, Avantika Dassani feels it’s inevitable to feel some pressure of hailing from a film background. The daughter of actor Bhagyashree says, “I am not going to say there is no pressure. I want to do it exactly the way my mother or brother (actor Abhimanyu Dassani) did on their own.”

Ask her if being referred to as someone’s daughter or sister gets to her, and she says, “Before the show released, it was ‘Bhagyashree’s daughter’, but all the reviews had my name in the title. So that was nice. Obviously, she is my mother, Abhimanyu is my brother, and I am very proud of them. I am more than happy to be referred to as her daughter and his sister. But I am here to make my name, my identity with my work, and make both of them proud as well.”

In fact, the 27-year-old believes it further motivates her to carve her own path. “They came out with their own decisions and the choices have paid off for them. If there’s something to learn from them, it is the ability to make strong choices which resonate with who I am,” shares Dassani.

Elated with the response her first acting stint fetched her, the actor says it’s an amazing feeling to be appreciated. “The show had such a great cast and crew... I knew it was going to be good when I read the script. The response was just overwhelming,” she ends.

Where Bhagyashree made her comeback with a supporting role in Thalaivii last year, her actor-son Abhimanyu Dassani is making his presence felt, one film at a time. Now, following in their footsteps, Bhagyashree’s daughter Avantika Dassani is making her acting debut with Mithya.

At a time when the nepotism debate has highlighted star kids’ easy access to the industry, Avantika insists she landed the show after several rounds of auditions. “I was auditioning for this role just as other actors do. When I told my mom that I got the project, she looked up at me and asked, ‘Which one?’ [Since] I had auditioned for a couple of other projects, she didn’t know which one I had bagged,” says the actor.

She firmly believes that the advantages or pitfalls of being a star kid fall to the wayside when one is facing the camera. “I don’t think the baggage [of being a star kid] affects you as an [artiste]. On set, you are the actor [regardless of your background]. Whether you’re a star kid or a newcomer gets sidelined as long as you stay focused.”

The ZEE5 series sees Avantika as a student who is accused of plagiarism by her professor, essayed by Huma Qureshi. What begins as a matter of academic deception soon snowballs into a mind game between the two. Even as she is proud to have bagged a venture on her merit, the actor admits her family was initially apprehensive about her foray into the industry.

“I am an emotional and sensitive person. Any protective family would be concerned, since this line of work has so many ups and downs, and one has to take criticism [on the chin]. But when you are passionate about [your craft], everything takes a backseat. My family saw I wouldn’t be happy if I wasn’t doing this. From then on, they have been encouraging.”

It’s evident that Bhagyashree’s kids have inherited her love for movies. In 2019, the Maine Pyar Kiya star’s son Abhimanyu Dassani forayed into Bollywood with the quirky Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Three years on, his sister Avantika is ready for her brush with showbiz. mid-day has learnt that she has bagged Rohan Sippy’s yet-untitled psychological thriller, which also features Huma Qureshi and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.

It’s evident that Bhagyashree’s kids have inherited her love for movies. In 2019, the Maine Pyar Kiya star’s son Abhimanyu Dassani forayed into Bollywood with the quirky Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota. Three years on, his sister Avantika is ready for her brush with showbiz. mid-day has learnt that she has bagged Rohan Sippy’s yet-untitled psychological thriller, which also features Huma Qureshi and Parambrata Chattopadhyay.