After one round of selection, when Ekta Kapoor couldn't finalise Tulsi's granddaughter-in-law, and the show's Haridwar shoot was around the corner, she went in for a second round — shortlisting candidates from Shimla, Kolkata, Delhi and Chennai.
"But I couldn't find my Krishna Tulsi," says Ekta. Moni, had not even been shortlisted in the final 10 list drawn up by my team.
When I was going through the other lists, I found that Moni had star quality. She was just right to play Tulsi's granddaughter-in-law." The 19-year-old Moni is a student of Jamia Millia University, New Delhi.
Nandini and Ansh
Bhumi Virani — played by Reshmi Ghosh.
Reshmi is a former Miss India contestant. Earlier, Suvarchala Narayan (another former Miss India) had been finalised for the role, but it didn't work out and she was replaced by Reshmi.
Reshmi Ghosh
Who is she? Ansh and Nandini's daughter, brought up by Karan and Tanya. She's excessively spoilt by Tanya, and very close to Karan, and has loads of attitude. She's bold, tomboyish, outgoing, brazen and a woman of a few words. She loves to do evil things, just for fun.
Her look: Sultry and very stylish, trendy casuals, and Indian attire.
Krishna Tulsi — played by Moni Roy (Tulsi's granddaughter-in-law)
It's all hush-hush for this girl. Star Plus has strictly told Balaji not to reveal any photograph of Moni till her episodes are on air.
Who is she? Krishna Tulsi is what Tulsi was... but a mischievous version of Tulsi Ba.
She's been brought
Tanya and Karan
by Tulsi Ba to Haridwar and is very strongly rooted in culture and family values.
Manthan Virani — played by Amit Tandon (Karan and Tanya's son). He plays Prithvi in Kaisa Yeh Pyar Hai.
Headstrong, relationships are worship for her, and she thinks Tulsi Ba is next only to God.
Tulsi Ba is her friend, philosopher and guide, and they share a very special bond.
KT is innocent, sweet, very sharp, naughty, intelligent, sincere and honest to the core. She hates to lie.
Her look: Simple salwar-kameez, with her hair in a high pony, or let loose sometimes.
Sahil and Ganga
Nakul Virani — played by Naman Shaw.
(Naman plays Pia's husband, Pushkar, in Kasamh Se)
Who is he? Ganga and Sahil's son, he belongs to the poorer section of the family. Overshadowed by his younger brother, he hates him for walking away with all the attention.
Naman Shaw
Has been neglected since childhood due to extra attention given to his brother, Krishna. Silent guy, not exuberant or talkative. Very bitter, which will come out later in a big way. Feels strongly for his dad, Sahil.
His look: His look will be simple plain or striped shirts and trousers, since he is poor.
Krishna — not yet finalised.
Who is he? Ganga and Sahil's younger son. As the name suggests, he is very like Krishna — with gopis around him all the time. A harmless flirt, very good-looking and stylish, mischievous yet sweet boy, who values relationships and is very closely attached to Ba. An adventure freak and daredevil, he loves to do stunts for fun.
His look: Casuals and semi-formals.
Damini and Gautam
Eklavya Virani — played by Akashdeep Saigal.
Who is he? Ansh and Shraddha's son, adopted and brought up by Gautam-Damini, Super positive, very religious and completely in contrast to his father, Ansh Virani.
Akashdeep Saigal
He's a good and obedient boy of the family, loves to help everyone.
His look: His look will casuals and formals... clean-shaven, and short hair.
Mayank — not yet finalised.
Who is he? Gautam and Damini's mentally slow child. But one part of his brain works like a computer. He's very calculative and sharp, but when it comes to logic, he fails.
Mayank's absorbed in his own world — till he falls in love with Krishna Tulsi.
Joydeep – played by Manav Vij (Sahil's friend's and staying with the Viranis at Shantiniketan). Has acted earlier acted on DD shows.
Who is he? He's staying with Sahil and Nakul. Geeky character, gentle and sweet.
His look: Something on the lines of Tusshar Kapoor's character in Gayab. He'll marry Bhumi.