Shruti Punaik on being part of Dabangii: Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi: Playing Maina is like discovering a new facet of myself

There are some characters who are so endearing, that they make a place for themselves in your heart. Actress Shruti Punaik, who plays the role of Maina in Dabangii: Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi, produced by Invictus T Mediaworks’ Nilanjana Purkayasstha and Herumb Khot, says that this is one such role. 

“The name alone intrigued me! Dabangii: Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi embodies a blend of boldness and vibrancy that immediately drew me in. Plus, the opportunity to dive into such a sweet and endearing character and storyline was simply irresistible,” she says.

She adds, “Playing Maina is like discovering a new facet of myself. While we both value family deeply, her outgoing nature and adventurous spirit bring fresh energy to my portrayal. It's like stepping into a comfortable pair of shoes, yet finding unexpected twists with each step.”

Ask her if tough to play Maina on screen, and she says, “Portraying Maina on-screen is a bit of a balancing act, to be honest. On one hand, it's easy because I feel a natural connection to her as a sister to Satya and Ankush. But on the other hand, it's challenging because I want to ensure I capture her unique personality and bring out her individuality amidst the dynamics of the storyline. So, while it's familiar territory in some ways, there's also a constant push to explore and deepen her character, which keeps me on my toes.”

She adds, “As an audience member, I believe what would truly attract me to Maina is her genuine warmth and unconditional love for her family. In a world filled with complexities and conflicts, her pure-hearted innocence and selfless devotion stand out like a beacon of hope. Maina is the only character who is very ‘bhola bhala’ in the show, even the most nefarious villains might hesitate to disturb her.”

Meanwhile, Shruti is confident that the show would be loved by the audience. “The strength of Dabangii - Mulgi Aayi re Aayi lies in its powerful performances by the cast, authentic portrayal of characters, engaging storyline, captivating cinematography, and impactful dialogues that resonate with the audience. The strength of the show also stems from its high-quality production values, including impressive set designs, meticulous costume choices, and skilful direction by Rohit Dwivedi Sir. The director's vision brings the narrative to life, creating a seamless blend of drama, action, and emotion that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish,” she says.

Talking about her equation with her fellow co-actors, she says, “As Maina, my role as a younger sister, mirrors my real-life dynamics with my fellow co-actors. Despite being younger than some senior actors, they continuously motivate me, offering suggestions during scenes and guiding me through the process. As a Maharashtrian, I often assist with Marathi lines and pronunciation, enhancing the authenticity of our performances. Our camaraderie extends beyond the set as we engage in playful moments and bond with the kids. However, with the serial taking a leap, bidding farewell to the kids is truly heartbreaking for all of us.”

She adds, “Aai (Bharati Patil) has been my best screen partner so far because our mother-daughter connection extends both on and off-screen. We share a special bond. During scenes, we're completely focused, but off-screen, we enjoy chatting about old films, music, and singing classic 80s and 90s songs. Aai is also one of my favourite actresses, and I've admired her work since I was young.” 

Meanwhile, Shruti loved working with Invictus T Mediaworks’ Nilanjana Purkayasstha and Herumb Khot. “Working with Invictus T Mediaworks, led by Nilanjana Purkayasstha and Herumb Khot, has been an incredibly positive and fulfilling experience for me as an actor. While I've had the opportunity to work across various platforms in Hindi films, web shows, and the Marathi industry, this venture into a Hindi daily soap holds a special place in my heart. It's my first Hindi daily soap. Thanks to Nilanjana mam and Herumb sir for trusting me to portray Maina. Their guidance, vision, and support have made this journey truly special and enriching. I'm grateful for the opportunity and thrilled to be a part of such a great team,” she says.