Consent is very important while playing Holi: Neeharika Roy of 'Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan'

Zee TV’s fiction show Pyaar Ka Pehla Naam Radha Mohan is a romantic drama based in modern-day Vrindavan that has been an audience favourite since its launch in May 2022. Essaying the intense character of Mohan is famous TV superstar Shabir Ahluwalia, who was last seen as Abhi in Zee TV’s longest-running, top-rated show – Kumkum Bhagya. On the other hand, the role of Radha is played by Neeharika Roy. While the journey of Radha and Mohan has seen a lot of ups and downs over the last year, in recent episodes, viewers witnessed how after marrying Mohan, Radha is on a journey of uncovering the truth behind Tulsi’s death while dealing with Damini (Sambhabana Mohanty) and her mother's evil plans. In this process, unknowingly, Radha and Mohan are gradually getting close. 

 In the upcoming episodes, viewers will get to watch the entry of Mohan’s maternal uncle who will bring in new twists and turns in the Holi celebration of the family. While every family member is happy with Mama Ji’s arrival, they are unaware of his intentions towards Radha. Even as colors soar high and a spirit of festivity is all around, the audience will get to see a very disturbing side of Mamaji in the course of an adverse turn of events that will happen during the auspicious festival of Holi. Mama Ji will use this festival to his advantage and try to inappropriately touch Radha.  

 This is where the show lands an extremely relevant message for its audience with regard to women's safety and dignity. Initially seen as a docile girl, Radha is far more confident now and it will be interesting to see how she will take a stand not only for herself but also become the voice of countless women who have gone through similar experiences.  Radha will teach Mohan’s Mama the lesson of his life when she calls him out for his indecent behavior. This track will reinforce how no woman should ever silently face unwanted advances, the unsettling male gaze, or an unwelcome touch, they should always stand up for herself. The bigger question here is that despite their recent misgivings and disputes that are going on between them, will she be able to make Mohan understand the gravity of this situation... would Mohan and the whole family come out in support of Radha?

Talking about the same, Neeharika Roy mentioned, “In our show, we’re gearing up for a popular type of Holi. It’s called the ‘LathMaar Holi’ that gets played in Vrindavan– something unique that viewers haven’t seen on television so far. The story will talk about an extremely relevant message for its audience, that is, women's safety and dignity. I feel it’s very important for every person who plays Holi that consent is very important, regardless of gender. So, through this track, we want to convey that no one should put up with any kind of inappropriate touch.”

While Neeharika is really excited for the Holi celebration, it will be interesting to watch how Radha will take stand for herself and teach Mohan’s Mama the lesson of his life. But will Mohan support her despite having recent disputes with Radha?