‘Nobody was happy when I came..’: Vasudha’s Parineeta Borthakur opens up on REPLACING Nausheen Ali Sardar

Television show Vasudha is currently enjoying a remarkable run on the ratings chart. The family drama has emerged as the number one Hindi General Entertainment Channel show for four consecutive weeks, cementing its position as one of the most watched programs on Indian television. Led by Priya Thakur and Abhishek Sharma, the show has steadily built a loyal audience, and its recent performance has only strengthened its popularity among viewers.

Amid the show’s impressive success, actor Parineeta Borthakur has opened up about her journey as Chandrika Singh Chauhan, a character she stepped into nearly ten months ago. The actress, who joined the show after the departure of Nausheen Ali Sardar, says the overwhelming response she has received from audiences has been beyond anything she imagined when she first took on the role.

Reflecting on her experience, Parineeta admitted that the transition was not entirely smooth in the beginning. Replacing an actor who has already established a character can be a challenging task, and she was aware that some viewers might need time to accept the change.

“When I came on board, not everyone reacted nicely to the news. People who hadn’t seen my work were a bit reluctant. Obviously everyone has fans, and those fans aren’t going to be happy right away.”

The actress explained that viewers who were already familiar with her performances in shows like Swaragini, Bepannah and Spy Bahu were more welcoming from the start. However, she believes it took time for others to warm up to her interpretation of Chandrika.

“But that was only at the start. Now people are giving a lot of love way more love than I ever expected. I definitely didn’t think it would be like this at the time.”

When I came on board, not everyone reacted nicely to the news. People who hadn’t seen my work were a bit reluctant. Obviously everyone has fans, and those fans aren’t going to be happy right away

- Parineeta Borthakur

For Parineeta, this project marked a significant first in her career. Despite working in the television industry for years, she had never before stepped into a role previously portrayed by another actor. The experience brought with it unique challenges and lessons.

“Yes, it is my first replacement ever,” she said. “I don’t know if I want to replace anybody again.”

She further explained that she does not particularly like the word “replace” when describing the situation.

“It wasn’t even I don’t know if ‘replace’ sounds a bit bad. I mean, she mutually left, and they couldn’t obviously end the character. They had to continue the character. It’s one of the leads of the show.”

It wasn’t even I don’t know if ‘replace’ sounds a bit bad. I mean, she mutually left, and they couldn’t obviously end the character. They had to continue the character. It’s one of the leads of the show.

- Parineeta Borthakur

Taking over an established character requires a careful balance. Audiences already have expectations, and comparisons are almost inevitable. Looking back on her own experience, Parineeta shared what she believes are the most important things actors should keep in mind when entering such situations.

“So I think the do’s and don’ts I would say are: do study the character understand why people love the character. And don’t take negativity initially. Prove yourself. I think that’s very important.”

The actress credits her eventual acceptance among viewers to her understanding of Chandrika as more than just a powerful matriarch. While she initially paid attention to the character’s existing mannerisms, she gradually found her own way of portraying the role.

According to Parineeta, it was important to maintain Chandrika’s authority and strength while also highlighting her emotional depth and maternal instincts. This balance helped audiences connect with her version of the character and allowed her performance to evolve naturally over time.

Today, with Vasudha continuing its successful run at the top of the ratings chart, Parineeta is taking a moment to appreciate the support she has received from viewers. The initial skepticism has largely given way to admiration and acceptance, something she says she remains deeply thankful for.

“The love from the audience, it’s just indescribable. I’m beyond grateful.”

As Vasudha continues to dominate the television landscape, Parineeta’s journey serves as a reminder that winning over audiences often takes patience, persistence and faith in one’s craft. While stepping into an already loved role can be intimidating, the actress has managed to make Chandrika Singh Chauhan her own, earning appreciation from viewers and contributing to the show’s continued success.