With the lockdown gradually lifting and people across the country stepping out into the new normal, Zee TV resumed shoots of its shows and it reconnected its audiences with the journeys of their beloved characters from 13th July. Kumkum Bhagya, which has been one of the most popular shows on the channel, also offered a rather interesting twist to its viewers after its comeback. Disclosing the little secrets of Ranbir (Krishna Kaul) and Prachi’s (Mugdha Chapekar) love life, the show unveiled a new face to the grey character of Rhea formerly essayed by Naina Singh. Television actress Pooja Banerjee joined the cast of Kumkum Bhagya as Rhea and stirred up Ranbir and Prachi’s life. But she’s not the only one who has joined the Kumkum Bhagya family. Pooja Banerjee’s niece also became an integral part of the show recently. In fact, Pooja’s resemblance to her niece has worked wonders for the show.
Rhea’s (Pooja Banerjee) room as seen in Kumkum Bhagya is decorated with a lot of photographs, especially her childhood pictures. Reassembling and redesigning elements of the room to suit the new face of the character, the production requested for pictures of Pooja as a child or of a child who looks similar to her. That’s when the actress suggested that they use pictures of her 3-year-old niece, Ridhaanya. With the toddler resembling the actress, it was a win-win situation for Pooja as well as the makers of the show. As Pooja Banerjee revealed, “The creative team wanted pictures from my childhood to decorate my room. However, I did not have many pictures of my childhood that could be used at the moment. I was told by a lot of people that my niece, Ridhaanya looks similar to me and hence, I suggested the team to use her pictures instead. She truly loves acting and I can see that in her, so I thought why not put her pictures in my room and make her look as my younger self. As soon as the team saw her pictures, they were convinced and now everyone can see her pictures as my childhood snaps on the show.”
Pooja added, “She is just three years old and I love her so much. Ridhaanya loves to pose and dance and is a full on dramebaaz. She being a part of the show through these pictures has really made it even more special for me. I am sure when she grows older and sees this, she will be surprised and happy. I can’t wait to see her reaction after seeing herself on the TV screen.”
While Pooja’s niece has made her way on to a TV show at such a tender age, wait till you see the actress turn Prachi and Ranbir’s life upside down as Rhea on the show.
