Dabangii – Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi, the popular show produced by Nilanjana P and Herumb Khot’s Invictus T Mediaworks, has recently undergone a major change. The show has taken a 14-year leap and introduced a new protagonist, Arya, who is determined to avenge her mother’s death. Rachana Mistry, the actress who plays the grown-up Arya, has opened up about her experience of joining the show and portraying the fearless character.

Rachana Mistry is no stranger to the television industry. She has been part of several shows such as Ishqbaaz, Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji, and Naagin 5. However, she considers playing Arya as one of her most challenging and rewarding roles. She said, “I love her Dabangii nature, no matter who is in front of her. I love her courage. To fight for the right and the way Arya does it, I enjoy playing that part. Every girl has that Dabangii inside her and I feel that. It gives a different kind of freedom in your head, and it lets you be.”

Rachana Mistry admitted that playing Arya is not easy, as she has to live up to the expectations of the audience who have seen the young Arya, played by Maahi Soni, for a long time. She said, “I feel every day presents a different challenge. I have to justify the journey she has had. Getting it right is a challenge every day. She has done such a remarkable job that it is challenging for everyone to portray. For now, I want to accurately convey her emotions towards Satya, Aai, Baba, Jaan Kaka, and everyone else.”

She also confessed that there is always performance pressure post the leap, especially to make the audience connect to the new version of the character. She said, “There is pressure on the new story that is coming forward, and it is your responsibility to make the audience connect with you and your performance. Post leap to play that character and justify that is a pressure. I take it very seriously as it’s good to feel that responsibility and pressure. Even the audience should keep an open mind towards the fact that it’s a journey, and she is not going to be the same as the behaviour changes as we grow up.”

Rachana Mistry revealed that she keeps asking Maahi Soni about things from her past and how she used to talk, and she always tries to imagine the young Arya. She said, “There is a twist to it, and she has anchored her Dabangii nature in the right direction, so I don’t want to lose that touch, but I want to make sure that her maturity is evident. The pressure to get that right is immense. The little feet have left such big footprints, and it is going to be a task.”

She also thanked the producers, the director, and the creatives for helping her with the preparation for her character. She said, “They are very professional and accommodating. It’s been 10 days since we have been shooting, and the whole team is very polite. They are very considerate about your personal life as well and that is very rarely found. They are very understanding and understand the reasons for your adjustment. They are such nice people. I like the way they are so thoroughly involved.”

Rachana Mistry teased the audience about what they could expect from her character next. She said, “You can expect a beautiful twist in Arya and a different kind of spin on her personality. You will see a very different side of her. She is the same Dabangii girl but with a hint of maturity and sensibility. I hope that I can pull off half of the cuteness that Maahi has on screen.”

Dabangii – Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi airs on Star Plus and Disney+ Hotstar. The show also stars Shashank Vyas, Shrenu Parikh, and Ankit Siwach in pivotal roles. Don’t miss the exciting episodes of the show and watch how Arya takes on her enemies with her Dabangii attitude.