Did you know 'Udne Ki Asha's' Radhika Vidyasagar has adopted ALL stray dogs on sets? REVEALS real CHALLENGE

Radhika Vidyasagar, who is currently seen in Udne Ki Aasha, is winning hearts not just for her on screen presence but also for her compassion off screen. The actress has quietly taken it upon herself to care for stray dogs on the sets of the show, ensuring they are fed daily and looked after. In an industry often driven by hectic schedules, her consistent effort towards animal welfare stands out as both rare and deeply meaningful.

For Radhika, this love for animals is not new but something that has been a part of her life since childhood. She shares, “I have always been a dog lover. We have had pets since I was a child. Growing up, we had dogs, including a Lhasa that my father brought from Tibet when he was posted there with the Indian Army. Since then, our love has extended to all animals, but dogs have always held a special place in our hearts. It comes very naturally to me, almost instinctively.” She adds that this compassion continues in her family today, especially in her daughter and nephew, which gives her immense joy and reassurance that kindness towards animals runs in their blood.

Her connection with animals goes beyond affection as she finds it impossible to ignore any injured animal she comes across. “I find it impossible to ignore any injured animal, whether it is a kitten, a puppy, a dog, or even a larger animal. I have come across many such situations, especially around Film City and on the roads, where I have tried to help in whatever way I can. Being able to do even a little for them gives me immense satisfaction. That sense of joy and fulfillment is truly beyond words,” she says, explaining what pushed her to go beyond just feeding the strays on set.

I have always been a dog lover. We have had pets since I was a child. Growing up, we had dogs, including a Lhasa that my father brought from Tibet when he was posted there with the Indian Army. Since then, our love has extended to all animals, but dogs have always held a special place in our hearts. It comes very naturally to me, almost instinctively. I find it impossible to ignore any injured animal, whether it is a kitten, a puppy, a dog, or even a larger animal. I have come across many such situations, especially around Film City and on the roads, where I have tried to help in whatever way I can. Being able to do even a little for them gives me immense satisfaction. That sense of joy and fulfillment is truly beyond words

- Radhika Vidyasagar

While feeding, according to her, is relatively simple, the real challenge lies elsewhere. She explains, “Feeding animals is relatively easy. Many people offer leftovers, and in most cases, that is what stray animals survive on. Even otherwise, simple food from home like lentils, rice, or roti can be shared, so providing food is not really the difficult part.” However, she is quick to highlight the bigger issue, adding, “The real challenge comes when it is time to take care of their medical needs. Treatment requires money, and in a country like ours, where many people are managing a hand to mouth existence, it is not always practical to expect them to spend on animal care.”

Radhika also acknowledges the realities that limit people from stepping in. “Another important factor is that not everyone is fond of dogs or animals in general, and that is completely valid. You cannot force someone to feel a certain way. All these realities together make it difficult to ensure proper care for stray animals beyond just feeding them,” she says, offering a balanced perspective on the issue.

Speaking about the emotional side of this responsibility, she admits that it can often feel overwhelming. “Yes, it does get overwhelming. Most of the time, it brings anxiety and stress, especially when you truly care for these animals. Feeding them is one thing, and thankfully, many of them do get food regularly, but when they fall seriously ill, that is when the real struggle begins,” she shares. Despite this, she continues to show up, drawing strength from the support she has received and from organisations that step in during critical situations.

Feeding animals is relatively easy. Many people offer leftovers, and in most cases, that is what stray animals survive on. Even otherwise, simple food from home like lentils, rice, or roti can be shared, so providing food is not really the difficult part. The real challenge comes when it is time to take care of their medical needs. Treatment requires money, and in a country like ours, where many people are managing a hand to mouth existence, it is not always practical to expect them to spend on animal care. Yes, it does get overwhelming. Most of the time, it brings anxiety and stress, especially when you truly care for these animals. Feeding them is one thing, and thankfully, many of them do get food regularly, but when they fall seriously ill, that is when the real struggle begins

- Radhika Vidyasagar

Recalling one such incident, she says, “There are several NGOs that step in during critical situations. One such organisation is Awaz NGO, led by Amit Pathak, which has helped me immensely in a particular case. A dog had met with an accident and suffered a serious injury near the spine, a neurological issue that required urgent care. He was treated at a good private hospital, and the expenses went up to around 60 to 70 thousand. Honestly, we did not think he would survive or even make it back to the set, but thanks to their efforts, he is much better today. His treatment is still ongoing, and I continue to look after him.”

She also reflects on the harsher realities of nature, sharing how some animals around the Film City area have fallen prey to wildlife. While she understands it as part of the natural ecosystem, she draws a firm line when it comes to human behaviour towards animals. “You may not want to help, and that is okay, but cruelty should never be an option. Please do not harm or abuse animals,” she says, adding an important message for potential pet owners. “Do not bring a pet home unless you are ready to take full responsibility for its entire life. It is a lifelong commitment, and it should never be taken lightly.”

There are several NGOs that step in during critical situations. One such organisation is Awaz NGO, led by Amit Pathak, which has helped me immensely in a particular case. A dog had met with an accident and suffered a serious injury near the spine, a neurological issue that required urgent care. He was treated at a good private hospital, and the expenses went up to around 60 to 70 thousand. Honestly, we did not think he would survive or even make it back to the set, but thanks to their efforts, he is much better today. His treatment is still ongoing, and I continue to look after him

- Radhika Vidyasagar

Through her actions and words, Radhika Vidyasagar sets an example of quiet responsibility and empathy, reminding everyone that even small, consistent efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals around us.