Rupal Patel is a versatile actor who can step in and step out of any given character with utmost ease!! After playing the role of Meenakshi Rajvansh in Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke, Rupal got back into her cult character of Kokila Modi in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2 the newly launched show on Star Plus.
Though there are reports of Rupal’s stint in the show being a small one, she has certainly brought back the happy memories of the first edition of the popular show.
We at IWMBuzz.com got in touch with Rupal Patel on her stint in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2, and she was happy to talk to us.
Excerpts:
Kokila Modi continues to entertain us. Tell us about it!!
Well, that’s God’s grace that I got another opportunity to play the role. Thanks for the compliments.
How was your first reaction when you were offered the role initially?
Yes, I was super excited to hear about it. But I was apprehensive and tense too. As you know, after the success of Saathiya 1, there are huge expectations for Saathiya 2. So the challenge was to live to the expectations yet again. Certainly, there were butterflies in my stomach.
How easy or tough was it for you to shed the character of Meenakshi Rajvansh and immediately get into the role of Kokila Modi?
Definitely tough it was!! Both the roles are significantly challenging. They are different look wise, performance wise and also voice modulation wise. So there was a worry in me that I had to initially live both the characters simultaneously. But with God’s grace, and with so many years of experience, I was quite sure that I could manage both. I was super scared when I was giving my first shot of Saathiya 2. But post that shot, automatically, Kokila came into my body and it was a smooth flow (smiles).
Have you heard the rap of ‘Rasode Mein Kaun Tha?’ by Yashraj Mukhate? What are your thoughts on it?
When I first heard it, I was so surprised to hear the dialogues. I liked it so much that I got his number from my friend and congratulated him for his feat. He was also quite shocked and surprised that one video has changed his life.
There are so many different platforms and so many young talents with different view points. If audience likes such a representation, then why not appreciate it? I appreciate youngsters’ talent and loved it.
What is your take on the popular shows coming back with new seasons?
It is such a good feeling to relive the glorious days again. It gives positivity and happiness. We are all so happy. All the artists are getting a good opportunity to play the iconic characters again. It is an overwhelming feeling.
Is it true that Saath Nibhaana Saathiya 2 is the Hindi version of Star Jalsa’s Ke Apon Ke Por?
Oh really!! I do not know of this. I know for the fact that the Modi family is back and there is this new Desai family. Drama will brew amidst these families. The interaction of the Modi family with the new family and with Gehna will be the new highpoint.
Even if this is the Hindi version of the Star Jalsa show, I don’t think there is any harm in it. Basically, viewers should be entertained and artists should be contented.
Tell us about the variations that will be seen this time in Kokila Modi?
Kokila Modi is a very righteous and straight-forward lady. Last time around, she was Dabangg and she is double Dabangg now. She will choose the righteous path and there will be a devotional aspect in Koki. She is as usual very strong and very powerful.
How is it to gel with the old cast as well as the new cast?
I am meeting the Modi family again after a gap of three years. We all are much more mature and professional in our approach now. There is lot of clarity in characterization. There is more space, freedom and respect towards each other. Of course, there is a lot of understanding between us.
The new cast is hard-working. We are all working very hard to make the final product good to watch.
What would you want to tell about Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke?
Well, the journey was very nice with Yeh Rishtey Hain Pyaar Ke. Rajan Shahi Sir is one of the best Producers I have ever worked. Each and every artist of the TV industry should work atleast once with Rajan Shahi Sir. He is very positive and for him, humanity means a lot.
How important are such challenging characters for you as an actor?
As an artist, I always strive to gain perfection. I am very proud to play such righteous characters that have become iconic. I am really fortunate to find all the love from viewers. I will like to show my gratitude to audience through your medium. My humble request to all is that they need to shower all the love on Kokila Modi even in Season 2.
What are your expectations from the role?
I leave it to the viewers. As an artist, it is my duty to work hard with honesty and discipline. I am doing my work and it is time now for the viewers to tell us how much they love us.