Mumbai: Veteran actress Neelu Vaghela, who is best known for her much-loved role as Bhabho in Diya Aur Baati Hum, is all set to enter Rajan Shahi’s Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai after the upcoming leap. The actress will be seen playing the role of a Pardadi and is excited to begin a new chapter with one of Indian television’s longest-running shows.
Talking about joining the show, Neelu says that it was an opportunity she had been waiting for.
“Joining this show honestly feels very special to me. I had wanted to work with Rajan Sir’s production house for a long time, but because of my earlier shooting commitments, it never happened. This time, everything worked out at the right time, and I am very thankful to Rajan Sir, Director’s Kut Productions and Star Plus for giving me this opportunity. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has such a strong legacy of 18 years, so being welcomed into a show like this is a huge honour.”
Neelu will be seen as the Pardadi in the new family that will enter the narrative. While she has only recently started shooting, the actress says she has already developed a fondness for her character.
“I play the Pardadi, and she is a very lovable character. We have only just started shooting, so I am still getting to know her, but I can already say that she has an interesting journey ahead. The family includes my son, daughter-in-law and grandson, and there is a nice dynamic between all of us. I feel this family will add a different flavour to the show. There will be emotions, drama, fun and a lot of entertainment, and I hope viewers enjoy watching us.”
Stepping into a show that already has a strong and established cast can naturally come with its own set of challenges. However, Neelu says she felt comfortable from the moment she arrived on the sets. She also spoke about working with Rohit Purohit, Samridhii Shukla and the rest of the team.
“Of course, when you enter an established show, there is a certain responsibility because the existing actors have already created characters that people are deeply connected with. But the welcome we received was extremely warm. Right from my first day, everyone made us feel comfortable. The atmosphere on the set is very positive and the entire team has been supportive. That encouragement has helped all of us settle in and give our best. Now we are hoping that the audience also accepts our family with the same warmth.”
The beginning of Neelu’s journey on the show was made even more special when producer Rajan Shahi organised a havan for the new cast and team. The actress says the gesture left a lasting impression on her.
“The havan was a very beautiful experience. I want to sincerely thank Rajan Sir for organising it and welcoming the new family in such a special way. He also told us about the temple where prayers have been offered for Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai for the last 18 years. I found that extremely touching because not everyone gives this kind of importance to traditions and blessings. Starting our journey after receiving those blessings made us feel very fortunate. All of us in the new family genuinely feel blessed.”
Neelu is careful not to reveal too much about what viewers can expect from her character or the new family. According to her, the characters are still developing as the shoot progresses.
“It is honestly too early to talk in detail about the character because we have only recently started shooting. Even I am discovering the character and understanding her journey with every scene. I would not want to reveal anything that gives away the story. What I can say is that the family will bring something fresh to the narrative.”
She further adds, “The idea is to bring a new energy to the show without losing the emotional connect that has always been at the heart of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. There will be drama, emotions, entertainment and positive moments. We are all excited about this new chapter and hope viewers find something they can connect with.”
As she begins this new association, Neelu also has a heartfelt message for the show’s loyal viewers who have supported it through the years.
“The audience has given Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai so much love for 18 years, and that kind of loyalty is truly special. I hope they welcome our family too and give us the same affection. We will work hard to meet their expectations and give them our best. We feel very fortunate to become part of this journey, and I hope audiences enjoy seeing our family become a part of the world of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.”
