SP is an inspiration-Dharmu Shetty-Pratigya fan

STAR Plus is an inspiration says Dharmu Shetty

Dharmu Shetty from Mumbai not only loves Pratigya of Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya on STAR Plus, but also relates to her. The 67-year-old winner of the Meri Kahaani contest held on Starplus.in, sees Pratigya as a younger version of herself. Read on as Dharmu shares her story and her STAR Parivaar Awards experience.

How has STAR Plus and its characters influenced or impacted your life?
Pratigya is my favourite character on television. Like her, I was married into a family dominated by my father-in-law too. There was a lot of injustice in the way women of the family were treated, but no one raised their voice against it. I gathered the courage to stand up against him and get my daughters educated. They are now strong and independent women like Pratigya.

The theme of this year's STAR Parivaar Awards is Honge Sapne Sakaar (fulfillment of wishes). What is your take on this and has STAR Plus succeeded in fulfilling your wishes?
The fact that I got the opportunity to travel abroad for the first time in my life was like a dream come true for me. I am grateful to STAR Plus for giving me this opportunity. Besides this, another big dream that was fulfilled was meeting Pratigya (Pooja Gor) and other characters from my favourite show Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya.

How was the whole SPA Macao experience?
The experience was thrilling. I had never imagined that I would get to spend time with people that I see on television every day. I can't explain the feeling of meeting and interacting with them, in words. Those moments are truly priceless.
What is your best memory from the event that you will cherish forever?
Just being present at the awards ceremony and watching it live is my best memory. The icing on the cake was when I was called on stage and presented with an award for being one of the winners of the Meri Kahani contest.

Which of the celebrities were you most excited to meet?
I was most excited about meeting Pratigya and her family, but I also wanted to meet the families of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai- The Maheshwaris and Singhanias.

What would be your message to others who are/have been in similar situations like yourself?
My message to them would be that gather the courage to fight for your rights because it's no use bearing injustice. I also want to say that STAR Plus is not just an entertainment channel but has shows that are an inspiration to people. I hope that people imbibe the messages that shows like Mann Kee Awaaz Pratigya are showing.

Don't forget to watch STAR Parivaar Awards on Sunday, April 3, 8 pm on STAR Plus.