Latest news with #Saru
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saru: Shagun Pandey gets into teacher mode, shares his homework for the role of Ved
TV's latest fiction offering, Saru, brings to the screen the inspiring journey of a determined young woman from Khares village in Rajasthan, who dares to challenge societal norms in pursuit of higher education. Bringing this powerful and ambitious story to life is debutante Mohak Matkar as Saru alongside the charming Shagun Pandey as Ved. Both actors have gone above and beyond to lend authenticity to their roles, not just through performance but by truly immersing themselves in the culture and spirit of the region. While Mohak captures Saru's raw determination and innocence, Shagun takes on a refreshing departure from his earlier roles to portray a thoughtful and composed English professor, Ved. Known for his high-energy performances, this role gave Shagun the chance to tap into a more intellectual and grounded persona, one that required him to consciously recalibrate his tone, body language, and overall presence. What sets his preparation apart is the depth of involvement he brought to the classroom sequences. Not content with just performing scripted lines, Shagun actually curated and wrote his own lectures to impart to the students, carefully deciding what to teach, how much to teach, and how to present it in a way that felt both informative and engaging to viewers. His goal was simple: make it look and feel like real lectures, not just another Television scene. Portraying Ved has been an eye-opening and enriching experience for Shagun, who is keen to do justice to the role of a teacher. As Shagun said, 'As soon as I found out that Ved is an English professor, I realised this role would be unlike anything I've done before. Unlike my previous characters, who were often caught in intense family dynamics, Ved had to teach a classroom and connect with students in a calm, composed way. That meant doing my homework, literally. I didn't just want to memorise lines; I wanted the classroom scenes to feel real, like something a viewer could actually learn from. So, I sat down and designed short, impactful lectures for the students, deciding what topics to cover and how to deliver them in a way that was simple yet effective. Since Zee TV reaches such a broad audience, I felt it was important to break things down, starting with basic tenses and grammar, something a lot of people still struggle with.' He added, 'There's a certain skill and responsibility that comes with playing a teacher on screen. Hence, I worked hard on how Ved communicates—how he explains ideas, the kind of examples he gives, and how he simplifies even complex things. I took input from people around me, did a fair bit of reading, and tried to get into the head of someone who teaches not just with knowledge, but with empathy. I also took inspiration from my teachers and how they taught us as well! I truly hope I've done justice to the role and that the audience connects with Ved. ' Clearly, Shagun Pandey has not only reinvented himself as an actor for Saru, but also attempted to bring a grounded realism to the role of an educator on screen. His dedication and detail-driven approach promise to make Ved a standout character in a show that's already winning hearts with its message of empowerment through education.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Saru aka Mohak Matkar sparks a stirring conversation on Ragging: It's a reality many students silently suffer
TV's latest fiction offering, Saru, has touched a chord with audiences across the country with its heartwarming tale of a village girl who dares to dream big. As Saru (essayed by Mohak Matkar) steps out of the comforts of her home in Khares, Rajasthan, to pursue higher education in Mumbai, her story takes a hard-hitting turn in the coming episodes when she becomes the target of ragging in her new college. What starts as subtle hostility soon escalates into public humiliation when her classmate Anika (Anushka Merchande) deliberately tears her blouse, prompting students to record the incident on their phones and turning it into a spectacle of humiliation. The experience pushes Saru into a moment of intense shame and self-doubt. But instead of breaking down or retaliating, Saru finds strength in her silence and courage in the support of her professor, Ved (Shagun Pandey), who stands by her like a pillar. For actor Mohak Matkar, portraying Saru during this emotionally charged track was both challenging and personally moving. Opening up about the experience, she said: 'Ragging isn't just a fictional twist—it's a reality many students silently suffer through. Portraying Saru through this track was emotionally tough, but it made me reflect on how vulnerable students can feel when they're away from home, trying to find their footing in a new world. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like A perfect start needs the perfect ride – Shine 125! Honda Learn More Undo What struck me most is Saru's quiet resilience. She doesn't lash out in anger; she just holds on to her dignity with the help of Professor Ved.' She adds, 'No dream should be broken because of someone else's cruelty. I truly hope that this storyline not only sparks a conversation against ragging and bullying but also encourages students to seek support and reminds teachers to stay alert and compassionate. Even one voice speaking up—or one teacher standing by a student—can make all the difference.' With this poignant narrative turn, Saru highlights the pressing issue of ragging and the power of empathy, courage, and mentorship in a student's life. As the show continues to explore Saru's journey in the big city, viewers will be left wondering—will she rise above the humiliation and reclaim her dreams, or will Anika succeed in derailing her path?
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dill Mill Gayye fame Pankit Thakker responds after advertising company files complaint against him
'Dill Mill Gayye' fame Pankit Thakker has broken his silence regarding the recent issue involving a complaint lodged by an advertising agency against him. A complaint has been filed against actor Pankit Thakker currently seen in TV show, Saru and a notice has been issued to him by the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI). The complaint against Thakker is related to his recent ad campaign, which some have alleged is misleading or deceptive. While details about the complaint are still emerging, According to reports, the actor has been given 7 days to respond to the complaint. Failure to do so may lead to further action, which could potentially impact his reputation and future endorsement deals. When we reach out to the actor, he confirmed and added, "I shot for the D247 gaming app ad film. Upon receiving a complaint from the Advertising Standards Council of India, I'm consulting my legal team and will fully cooperate with the process. I will do whatever is required to address the concerns regarding potential violations of laws in the advertisement." Pankit Thakker stepped into the world of OTT with his debut film Moh Maaya, directed by Ankush Bhatt. Reflecting on his first digital venture, Pankit had earlier expressed, "It's a challenging role, I'm enjoying the process of bringing this character to life. This is a lead role, and I see this film as an opportunity. I love exploring new characters and bringing their stories to life. I think it's all about understanding the character's motivations and backstory. I try to connect with their emotions and experiences and then bring that to life on screen. This helps me manage to fully inhabit my characters and make them unique and memorable." Pankit Thakker has made a name for himself with notable roles in several popular television shows, including Kabhii Sautan Kabhii Sahelii, Dill Mill Gayye, Bahu Hamari Rajni Kant, Aapki Nazron Ne Samjha, and Bohot Pyaar Karte Hai, among others. Ankita steals the spotlight in a snazzy outfit
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kamalika Guha Thakurta on playing the role of Kamini Nani in Saru; says ‘I was instantly drawn to her unapologetic ambition'
The newly launched show Saru is making waves with its compelling story of resilience, ambition, and social defiance. Set in the culturally vibrant village of Khares in Rajasthan, the series follows a young girl's journey as she fights societal expectations to pursue higher education. At the heart of her struggle lies a powerful antagonist—Kamini Devi, better known as Kamini Nani—played by seasoned actress Kamalika Guha Thakurta. Marking her return to television, Kamalika steps into a role that is both commanding and cunning. Kamini Nani is not your typical villain; she is a master manipulator, fiercely ambitious, and unapologetically ruthless. Her ultimate goal? To seize control of the wealthy Annapurna estate. As the grandmother of Anika (played by Anushka Merchande), Kamini serves as both mentor and co-conspirator, willing to manipulate, betray, or even kill to gain power. Speaking about her character, Kamalika shared, 'I am excited to be playing Kamini in such an inspiring show like Saru. Kamini is intelligent, dangerous, and always five steps ahead. I've played strong characters before, but Kamini is something else entirely.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Become strategic & tech focused finance expert BITS Pilani WILP Apply Now Undo She further added, 'I was instantly drawn to her unapologetic ambition and the chance to play a woman so fearless and cunning. Being an obstacle for the protagonist, Saru, she definitely brings a layer of intrigue to the plotline. As an actor, roles like Kamini don't come often—they allow you to explore the greyest shades of human nature. It's been thrilling to tap into her manipulative mind, and I'm genuinely excited to see how the audience reacts. ' In a story that celebrates female empowerment, Kamini Nani provides the perfect opposition—a powerful reminder that strength comes in many forms. The question remains: Will Kamini's shadow dim Saru's rising light?
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Pankit Thakker recalls filming for Saru in Rajasthan; says ‘The scenic beauty added a unique charm to our scenes'
Television actor Pankit Thakker , currently seen as Chandru in the newly launched show Saru, opened up about his enriching experience shooting in Rajasthan. The show, which premiered on May 12, 2025, also stars Mohak Matkar , Anushka Merchande, and Shagun Pandey in pivotal roles. Reflecting on the scenic backdrop, Pankit shared, 'Our time filming in Rajasthan was truly unforgettable. The scenic beauty added a unique charm to our scenes, and I'm grateful to have been a part of it. But what made it even more special were the car rides back to the hotel, where we'd blast our favorite songs and have epic sing-alongs. I remember we'd even tell our driver to wait a minute longer just because our jam was playing! Moments like those made the whole experience feel so special. ' Beyond the shoot, it was the off-camera bonding that left a lasting impact on the actor. 'The entire cast would come together for dinner sessions, which helped us to know each other and connect well. We are now like a family and share a really good bond. We'd share stories, laughter, and impromptu comedy sessions would erupt, making those moments pure joy,' he said. Pankit also praised the show's young lead, Mohak Matkar, who plays Saru, his daughter on screen. 'Mohak is a breath of fresh air – warm, humble, and talented. Her dedication is inspiring and her passion is contagious. As we bonded over meals and shared our journeys, we quickly went from co-stars to a close-knit family,' he added. Known for his popular roles in Dill Mill Gayye, Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli, and Special Squad, Pankit continues to bring warmth and depth to his characters, both on and off screen.
