She is not only a mother but also an independent woman: Rajshree Thakur of 'Appnapan'

Sony Entertainment Television's latest offering 'Appnapan... Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan' has everyone in the grips of curiosity with its endearing narrative that sheds light on the dilemma and complexities in relationships. Premiering on 15th June at 10 pm, the family drama featuring Rajshree Thakur and Cezanne Khan in the lead, brings forth the story of an estranged couple Pallavi and Nikhil who are also single parents and separated due to their differences. Both are parents of five children. While Harsh and Manna stay with their father in New York, Barkha, Gagan and Badal lead a quaint life in Meerut with their mother, Pallavi. With Pallavi and Nikhil journeying away from each other, what remains to be seen is if fate's brings them back together, on the same road once again but this time for the sake of their family. Briefly talking about the same, actress Rajshree Thakur who plays the role of Pallavi got candid about her character, the concept of the show and how she sees prepared herself to get into the skin of the character. 

From 2005 to 2022, you have charted a long journey in the television industry. Tell us about this voyage you took and how people have come to perceive you as a popular face on television?

It's been a very good journey for me. Luckily and by god's grace, I was able to do the roles which I wanted to do, right from Saloni's character in my debut show and then in my second show as Jaiwanta Bai's character (Maharani Jaiwanta Bai Songara). I think I was very lucky to portray these characters because these were pivotal and strong roles. By god's grace, people appreciated all my characters, even my recent show. Thus, it's been a very good journey, even though after my debut I took a break after which I was offered the second historical drama. For people, Saloni was still there in mind, I think it is still there because most people don't even know my real name, that's the impact of these characters. Even in the initial stages of my career, I met many female actors who would call me and talk to me even though I did not know them personally and so I was welcomed warmly and openly by the TV industry and I think not everyone is blessed like me. I remember the senior and legendary actor Mr Parikshit Sahani who was my co-actor in my debut show for a few episodes, we met at a mall and he called me and said, "hey Saloni, I always watch you when you perform" and he wrote a note for me, appreciating my work. I still have that note with me. And so I believe I was welcomed warmly by the industry and I am lucky that I was appreciated much by actors. In conclusion, I would say that it has been a very good and beautiful journey so far.

Divorces are a very normal thing in our society. Even though the Indian society has always maintained the "family culture" whether it be joint or nuclear families. The focus here is on relationships and how we as a society will always give importance to families. Even if people get divorced, we believe in our family values and maintaining relationships. When two people separate or get divorced the impact falls heavy on the children and so I think divorces are still not as much accepted by our Indian society.

- Rajshree Thakur

What made you choose Appnapan as your comeback after a hiatus of 1 year from the small screen?

It was the story. Though it's the character of a mother and people may think that it is a "typical" mother's role but as the serial starts people would come to know what and how the character is. Though it is a mother's role, she has her own characteristics which are very different from other "mother" roles. She is not only a mother but also an independent woman and has her own individuality as in she thinks very differently. She is the mother of three kids who is a very strong-willed person and can go to any extent for her kids. She can be tough on her kids but at the same time loves them dearly just like any other mother would do. But, that’s what a mother’s love is and that is something that makes it so relatable.

Your character in the show, Pallavi, is seen as an overprotective mother who is also selfless for her children and puts them first before anything. Being a mother, do you see glimpses of yourself in Pallavi?

Yes and I also see the culture of our Indian society in her. I have been brought up in this archetypal Indian society so we know and have been taught the ways of being a strict mother. Any mother who loves her children can find herself in Pallavi to a great extent. Mothers are always selfless and don't think about themselves. Their husbands, their family and their kids come first and their interest comes last. Similarly, I am no exception to that, but, I think because of financial independence and maybe even education now, there is a balance between the home and the world. In today's day and age, the important aspect of financial independence has made a woman think about herself as well and unless and until that happens, she will not be able to make her family and her kids happy. I practice this balance as well and so even for me my daughter comes first but I try not to spoil her. Pallavi is also like that and to some extent even I am like that. We should not let our children take us for granted and this is an endless effort as a mother. Teach children the value of valuing things.  

Many times, the media puts women in either of two boxes, either a working woman or a housewife and mother. In what ways do you think Pallavi negates that equation and puts being hardworking at all three in the centre?

Pallavi tries to balance all these things because she is not just a housewife or a mother. She has to balance everything. She is earning for her children but at the same time, she wants to correct her children's wrongdoings and bring them back on the right path. Pallavi balances things- she is a housewife, a working woman and a mother. She is an all rounder which is quite common in today's society. In the earlier days the woman would be barricaded inside the house, taking care of her children and her home so much so that the father would half the time be clueless about his own children, being the bread earner of the family. Since, Pallavi is a single mother, she is trying to balance everything, being a father, a mother, a working woman and a caring mother keeping her eyes on her children always. This makes her seem "controlling" to her kids but she is merely being a mother. The discipline that comes with a father figure, Pallavi has adapted that as well.

Do you think shows like Appnapan brings the viewers to the 21st century where talking about separation between parents in the mainstream media is normal?

Divorces are a very normal thing in our society. Even though the Indian society has always maintained the "family culture" whether it be joint or nuclear families. The focus here is on relationships and how we as a society will always give importance to families. Even if people get divorced, we believe in our family values and maintaining relationships. When two people separate or get divorced the impact falls heavy on the children and so I think divorces are still not as much accepted by our Indian society. We keep trying till the end to keep the family united and look for solutions. With Appnapan, there is a concious effort being made to put across the message of "trying to make things work" for the sake of "appnapan". And, through this show viewers will get to see how this estranged couple, Pallavi and Nikhil who are single parents and separated due to their differences will give their relationship a second chance but this time for the sake of their kids.

In one line or less how would you ask viewers to tune into Appnapan.... Badalte Rishton Ka Bandhan?

It’s a promising story with brilliant characters. The kids, the parents, all of them have their own stories to tell in this combination. People will love watching this because it is not a typical story where an estranged couple, Pallavi and Nikhil who are single parents and how they deal with single parenting while battling the challenges of their daily lives. Pallavi and Nikhil are stuck in their own problems as parent. How has parents they are trying their best to keep their kids happy in their own capacity. How kids are trying to sort the problems in their own life. The story is about how they come together for the sake of their kids to make things better; How they give their relationship a second chance.