'Saloni is the show's USP':Article

Even as 'Saat Phere' celebrates its 200th episode, Rajashree Thakur looks forward to her marriage.

Model-turned-actor Rajashree Thakur, redefined norms of attractiveness by playing the dusky Saloni in 'Saat Phere' (Zee). Even as the successful show celebrates its 200th episode, the actor is eagerly awaiting her marriage to businessman fianc Sanjyot Vaidya in February 2007.

Rajashree says, "As saawli Saloni, I have already rehearsed for elaborate wedding rituals. The scenes were so authentic that even my on-screen parents shed tears during the bidaai. Now, I am looking forward to my D-day ('D' for dulhan), which will be a traditional Maharashtrian wedding."

On the professional front, her show has been a top TRP grosser. "Well 'Saat Phere' scoring a double century is a dream come true. Originally, I wanted to get into Bollywood. I even acted in an Indo-French production 'Hawaa Aaney Dey' before I did TV," smiles Rajashree who is also a qualified lawyer.

What would she define as the USP of her show? "It's Saloni's character. Because she is dark-skinned her parents were worried about her marriage prospects. In the 'marriage market', people overlook positive qualities in a girl and frown upon dark skin. She refuses to suffer from an inferiority complex as she feels that beauty is not skin-deep." Rajashree continues, "Those who have been victims of this unfair discrimination have identified with my character and have said that it gave them hope."

Incidentally, Rajashree began her career as a news-reader on radio. About her modelling stint she says, "My dusky complexion was an occasional speed-breaker as they preferred gori models." But on the personal front her being dusky was no issue. Rajashree says, "Ours would be a love marriage. Sanjyot was my college mate. So I didn't have to face scrutiny from my would-be in-laws." On her professional aspirations she says, "It's my dream, to work with Mani Ratnam and Shah Rukh Khan someday!"