Mumbai: Sony SAB’s popular show Tenali Rama continues to win hearts with its compelling narratives and rich historical backdrop. The character of Tenali Rama, portrayed by Krishna Bharadwaj, has always remained a talking point for his wit and sharp intellect. In the latest chapter of the series, Tenali faces the daunting challenge of reclaiming his lost honour after being exiled from the kingdom.
Returning to the screen as Lakshmi Amma, Tenali’s mother, veteran actress Nimisha Vakharia plays a pivotal role once again. Previously seen helping her son rise to fame, this time, she stands beside him through his fall—without uttering a single word. Though Lakshmi Amma doesn’t speak, her emotions and expressions powerfully convey her unwavering support and inner strength.
In an exclusive conversation, Nimisha Vakharia opened up about her character, the enduring popularity of Tenali Rama, and the challenges of portraying a speechless role.
How has Lakshmi Amma’s character evolved in this season?
“When I first accepted this role, I simply knew I was going to play the mother of a hero. I never imagined Lakshmi Amma would resonate so deeply with audiences. Since she doesn’t speak, I had to rely entirely on expressions and gestures, while Sharda (Priyamvada Kant) would often interpret her thoughts for the viewers. Initially, we were unsure if audiences would connect with such a silent character, but they embraced her with open hearts. This season, she’s no longer just guiding Tenali—she’s fighting for his lost honour and pushing him to stand up for his rights.”
What role does Lakshmi Amma play in Tenali’s journey this season?
“There was a time when Tenali was the pride of Vijayanagar. After his exile, Lakshmi Amma’s sole mission is to help him regain his dignity. She scolds him when needed, but her faith in him never wavers. This season shows a deeper emotional layer in their bond. Though she keeps him disciplined at home, she doesn’t allow anyone else to humiliate him—not even the powerful Tathacharya (Pankaj Berry). Despite all odds, she ensures her son keeps fighting and doesn’t give up.”
What new shades of Lakshmi Amma’s personality will we see in this chapter?
“This time, her biggest challenge is helping Tenali rise again. He may not express his pain in words, but a mother understands everything. Their bond is truly special. Lakshmi Amma’s biggest strength lies in her resilience. No matter how much she suffers, she never cries in front of Tenali. She knows if she breaks down, he will too. Her strength becomes his strength.”
What were the challenges in portraying a character without dialogue, and how did you overcome them?
“I saw this role as a personal challenge. In previous shows, I was praised for my dialogue delivery. Here, I had no words—only expressions. I wanted to prove to myself that I could perform without speaking. Most actors memorise lines and emote accordingly. But for me, I had to memorise the script and find the right expressions for each line—without moving my lips—while mentally processing every dialogue. It required intense focus and discipline, but I’ve enjoyed every moment of this journey.”
Is there an emotional scene between Tenali and Lakshmi Amma that will particularly move the audience? Also, tell us about your bond with co-stars.
“There’s one deeply emotional scene where Tenali returns home defeated and unable to provide food for the family. He finds nothing to eat, but Lakshmi Amma still serves him a plate. When he insists she eat first, she lies and says she’ll eat later. That’s when Tenali realises she hasn’t eaten in days, just so he could have a meal. That scene made my eyes well up, but I had to stay strong in character. When the director called ‘cut’, I couldn’t hold back my tears. This moment reflects the deep on-screen and off-screen connection we share. The bond between Tenali, Sharda, and Lakshmi Amma is incredibly special—and it shows even when the cameras stop rolling.”
How has working on Tenali Rama been different from your past projects?
“This has been an entirely unique experience. Usually, actors rely on dialogues to perform. Here, I had to translate every word into expressions and body language. It was something I had never done before. It demanded immense mental discipline. I’ve always believed in living my characters, not just playing them—whether they’re positive or negative. Transitioning between such diverse roles is challenging, but also extremely rewarding.”
