”I found the character of Kusum Mishra very endearing and real", says Dosti Anokhi’s actor Sushmita Mukherjee.

Sony Entertainment Television’s is known for its refreshing content and now with the upcoming show, Jagannath aur Purvi Ki ‘Dosti Anokhi’, the viewers are in for an entertaining treat. Set against the backdrop of Banaras, the show will take the viewers on an endearing journey of an elderly gentleman, Jagannath Mishra finding his lost sense of life’s purpose through a young stranger-turned-friend Purvi. Playing an integral role in the friendship of the two polar opposites individuals, will be the talented and versatile actress, Sushmita Mukherjee. Having worked in numerous films and TV shows, Sushmita Mukherjee is all set to leave a mark in the hearts of the audience with her character Kusum, wife of Jagannath in Dosti Anokhi. In a candid conversation with Sushmita Mukherjee, here's what the actress had to say about the show’s concept and her character. 

You are returning to television after a long gap, what made you decide to return with a show like Dosti Anokhi?

I started my career in TV with Karamchand 37 years ago and I have been acting since then. I have not stopped acting in movies and also theatre, which is my first love. But TV was not providing me with any challenge since the role of Ammaji in the serial  Ganga. So when Rajita Ji, the co-Producer and writer of Ganga, approached me with the role of Kusum Mishra, I knew instinctively that I could trust her because she had conceived the beautiful role of Ammaji. Though  Dosti Anokhi is framed within an innocent yet unusual friendship between an elderly gentleman and a young girl, the context is very much of an old couple who are now living in their proverbial empty nest. I found the narration of the character of Kusum Mishra very endearing and real to life and so I decided to be part of the project. I am very happy with my decision.

What makes ‘Dosti Anokhi’ a unique story?

Dosti Anokhi is a unique story because it taps into the hidden, unexplored, unexpressed angst that 2 successive generations have with each other. Within the structure of a  generation gap, it is a beautiful attempt to peel down the unexplored emotions that are buried in the subconscious of the characters and how they ultimately face their darkness. 

Tell us something about your character ‘Kusum Mishra’ in the show?

Not highly educated, married off at an early age to a government servant, she has lived within the parameters of a joint family, headed by her stern mother in law, and taught to carry forward the traditions of the Brahmin family she has been married into for maybe 5 decades, But she is a woman who has sacrificed her desires, longings and fears for the sake of her family. And, the story as it moves forward will  attempt to unravel some of them.

What similarities can you draw between yourself and your character?

The main similarity between Kusum and me is that I can identify her position of being a middleman to the tug-of-war between her husband and her kids. She adores them equally and often finds herself in the crossfire between them. This is a very common phenomenon in Indian society where traditional women always try to repair, adjust, maintain relationships rather than breaking them.

How is your rapport with your co-stars, especially Rajendra Ji?

I have known Rajendra Gupta Ji since 1985 when he reached Mumbai and I have had a family kind of relationship with him. He has been my revered senior from NSD and is a wonderful director and actor par excellence. I am privileged to work with him.

Any message that you would like to give to the audience?

My message to our audience would be to see your parents in a new light. To accept them in their old age because at this stage they are like " DIL TO BACCHA HAI JI". Both generations should learn to love unconditionally, without judging, while accepting each person's journey with detachment and love. The trick is to not foist one's opinion on anybody, to express oneself when asked and not to be controlling. The young generation should know how lucky they are to have their parents present in their lives because time with them on earth would be short.