MUMBAI: Colors brought about a change in Indian TV when it launched Balika Vadhu in 2008. It focused on child marriage and shocked many, especially in urban areas. People who still practised it realised its implications.
Now, the channel is all set to relaunch Balika Vadhu and showcase how families decide the destinies of their children, sometimes even before they are born. While Shreya Patel and Vansh Sayani will play the leads, the original Anandi, Avika Gor has also been associated with the launch of the show.
The actress opened up about her association with Balika Vadhu and her expectations from the new season. Have a look at excerpts.
The video shared by Colors where you watch your old episodes was quite emotional. How was the experience for you?
So the team had asked me to watch a few clips and then react to them. Honestly, I tried so hard to not cry but as soon as it was done, I couldn’t hold my tears. I cried almost for 20 minutes. I can’t even express in words the emotions right now. Also, with Colors involving me for promoting new season really means a lot.
Have a look at the post.
It’s a story that was told already. Why do you think Balika Vadhu 2 will work?
The way of saying the story, and reaching out is quite different. Also, the way the characters have been built, with a completely new family. This time the show is based out of Gujarat, and hence the audience will be in for a few cultural shocks. Also, it’s a completely new set of viewers. I have had people messaging me, who weren’t even born when the first season came out. And I had seen the excitement when the show had a rerun on Rishtey and even Colors, during the lockdown. There are so many reasons, and I hope the new season also manages to have the same bonding. I remember there was a track where I was shot in the head, and it was a Friday episode. People in Nashik stopped eating and were waiting till Monday to find out if Anandi survives. There were no social media back then but the buzz has always been loud around the show. I think this time it would be easier for the makers to build that attachment.
Given a chance, would you want to be a part of Balika Vadhu 2?
I would love to. This show has given me everything. I have reached here because of Balika Vadhu. This show means a lot to me, and I also have a soft corner for Colors. So if an opportunity comes, I would definitely say yes.
Over the years, you have worked on the ground with people. Do you think television shows have the power to impact audiences and bring about social change?
Honestly, I hope so, and also people need to understand what we are trying to say. In no way are we trying to promote child marriage. Honestly, when the show came, in the initial months I really thought it was something to do with history. Born and raised in Mumbai, it did not make sense to me. When I actually got to know the reality, I was shocked, and actually shattered. I had a conversation with my parents on why would anyone do this with their children. They told me that they don’t know any better. And the more we give them information, they would be able to know the difference between right and wrong.
I remember I was in Delhi in 2010, and a man, in his sixties came up to me and said, “Baccha humein maaf karna par hum aapka show apne parivar ke saath nahi dekh sakte. Humein sharam aati hai (Please forgive us, we cannot watch your show with our family as we feel ashamed). When I asked him why he said that because his family practices the same thing. However, he promised me that it won’t happen again. I was so shaken that I didn’t know how to react but his statement made me so proud. TV serials have the sole responsibility to entertain but with that, if we manage to change one life, one family, it’s just such an achievement.
Credits: Indian Express
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