DNA/TOI:Neha Marda make comeback with DKDM/Nt pg 4 - Page 11

Neha Marda returns with..Mahadev

Chaya Unnikrishnan

eha Marda best remembered as Gehna of Balika Vadhu had quit acting to get married to Patna- based businessman last February. After a year of marital bliss, the actress is all set to make a comeback to TV with the mythological Devon Ke Dev Mahadev. She will play Brinda, wife of Jalandhar, who is a lookalike of Lord Shiva, albeit with grey shades. Says producer Nikhil Sinha, "We were looking for a good actress and our search ended with Neha. Brinda will have positive influence in Jalandhar's life." Neha, who has started shooting for the serial is excited being part of a show that is about her 'Ishtdevta, Bholenath'. "It was my vrat of 16 somvar that got me my husband so when I got this serial there was no question of saying no," smiles Neha who was looking for a show in which she would have a prominent role. "Though I am doing a cameo (her role will last as long as Jalandhar's track is there), my character is very strong," she informs. Ask her whether she has seen the earlier episodes of Mahadev and she confesses that she hasn't been an avid watcher. "My mother-in-law watches it religiously and she felt I should have played Parvati!" smiles Neha. Ask her what kept her away from acting for so long and she quips that she wanted to take a break after seven years of non-stop shooting. "I did Balika Vadhu for four years and before that was doing other serials. When I got married I wanted to spend time with my husband and indulge in all those things that I had missed earlier. Also, for most part I was abroad," she says. As for her husband's reaction to her facing the arclights again, Neha says that he is elated as he used to think that she is missing out on work. "It was I who had to convince him that I needed this break," she quips.
Chaya Unnikrishnan