Balika Vadhu: Toral shines as Praytusha's memory fades
The new 'Anandi' seems to be getting it right finally
Almost a month ago when small screen actress Pratyusha Banerjee quit Indian television soap 'Balika Vadhu' hearts broke, anger spilled in the virtual world and devout audiences vowed not to watch the show unless Pratyusha is brought back.
But as the adage goes time is a great healer; we see the anger subside and 'Balika Vadhu' has sailed through the rough patch after bringing in Toral Rasputra as Pratyusha's replacement.
'Balika Vadhu' is a tale of a girl child pushed into wedlock, hurled in the harsh world of adulthood and early responsibilities.
The serial moved ahead in thought and stage along with the protagonist. The many twists and turns with social reform messages saw 'Balika Vadhu' being propelled as one of the most watched Indian television programmes.
First it was child artist Avika Gor who epitomised the character 'Anandi' till the serial took a five year leap and Pratyusha took the baton in 2010. Playing 'Anandi' for 4 years Pratyusha ruled the roost and enjoyed the adulation of the viewers.
The outburst was expected when she decided to quit the show due to personal reasons.
Colors, the channel airing 'Balika Vadhu', seemed prepared to face the consequences. It brought Toral to fit in the void created by Pratyusha.
Scared yet determined just like 'Anandi', Toral decided to take on the challenges of fulfilling a rather daunting task.
In her first exclusive conversation post the 'Bring Prats Back' campaign, Toral revealed to Emirates24|7 the challenges she faces as 'the new Anandi'.
"I am finding the role quite challenging as Anandi has become a household face and the character is very popular," says the 25-year old actor.
"There is pressure although now it is not as much as before and that is only because there is a lot of expectation. Pratyusha has done a great job as Anandi, hence, people are looking for something similar."
"I am learning about her (Anandi's) relationship with the different people in her family and as each day passes I am able to understand these characters better."
As for the negative feedback, she says, "I have not received any negative response from my directors; in fact they are very supportive and keep guiding me accordingly".
Toral has indeed improved in leaps and bound. From the initial stages of 'over-the-top' expressions and 'just-out-of-drama-school' act, Toral has now adapted to the natural rhythm of the character.
Time has also healed the scare left on the viewer's by Pratyusha and they are getting in the comfort zone with Toral. Even her co-stars seem to be more at ease with the new face on the sets.
The channel can hive a sigh of relief and Toral can continue playing 'Anandi'. As for Pratyusha, it would be sensible of her to sort out the personal issues and rush back to spotlight before she fades away from the forgetful minds of the audience.
Inputs by Meesha Kapoor
