How 'Wagle Ki Duniya' Cast Strives To Balance Relatability Through Content

Sony SAB's beloved series, Wagle Ki Duniya, marks three years of success. During an insightful conversation with SheThePeople, the show's leading actors, Pariva Pranati and Chinmayee Salvi, delved into its popularity among viewers. They discussed the show's ability to connect with audiences through relatable storylines and its commitment to portraying gender equality in the television industry.

Chinmayee Salvi began by describing her character Sakhi as independent, and a wise child drawing a parallel with younger individuals who possess a similar level of independence. She said she relates to Sakhi's character because, like her, Sakhi cares a lot about her family. Even though she's independent, she always considers her family's feelings before making decisions. Chinmayee explained that for her, it's not about whether her family will agree or not, but about making sure they're part of the decision-making process

Discussing why the show resonates with viewers, Salvi and Pranati explained that it's because the audience can see themselves in the characters. Pranati said, "Our show tells stories that everyone can relate to. We talk about things that happen in regular families,  We cover both small and big issues, showing how life can be complicated. We keep things fresh by looking at what's happening around us every day and like, even today, we try to look around at the entire cast and crew of the show to see what issues happen on a day-to-day basis and give ideas to the writers or to the producer. And they create stories around it. So, even though time has passed, our show is still interesting and meaningful."

Navigating the Challenges of the Fast-Paced Television Industry

Pranati, with nearly two decades of experience in the industry, shared her perspective on the equitable treatment of men and women in the television industry. She emphasised that women receive equal respect and involvement both onscreen and offscreen. She said, "I've solely been involved in television, and I find respect accorded during shooting hours is equal for both men and women. If you observe the shows, television predominantly features women-centric themes."

She added, "Television, in general, caters to a broad audience, offering a variety of shows to suit different preferences. While there's an audience for melodramatic serials and stories centred around affluent lifestyles, there's also a demand for content that reflects real-life struggles and challenges. Therefore, television necessitates a diverse range of shows to cater to its diverse viewership."

During the interview, Chinmayee also delved into her journey in acting, spanning a remarkable seven years. She reminisced about her humble beginnings, starting with dance in fourth grade, evolving into a classical dancer, and ultimately venturing into college theatres. It was her father's unwavering support and aspiration for her to become a choreographer or an actor that she eventually realised.

Reflecting on her experiences, Salvi emphasised the significance of resilience and self-assurance in navigating the relentless pace of the entertainment industry. She shared an incident where she had a lot of pimples on her face during a shoot. People were pointing it out and suggesting remedies, which made her feel underconfident. Although she pretended to brush it off with a smile, she was actually hurting and crying in her room for hours. It was during this vulnerable period that she received invaluable advice from Pariva, who portrays her on-screen mother. Pariva's wisdom resonated deeply with Salvi, as she urged her to embrace her true self and not be swayed by external judgments. This pivotal moment catalyzed Anushka's personal growth, instilling in her a newfound sense of confidence and resilience.

Sharing her own experience of balancing personal and professional life over the years, Pranati mentioned, "There are moments when my child is at home and I have to work long hours, as television shows typically require 12-hour workdays due to their daily format. However, I've been fortunate to have supportive colleagues and an understanding team. When I need to attend to matters at home, they are accommodating and adjust accordingly. I'm grateful for their support, which helps me manage both aspects of my life effectively.”

Connecting with Viewers Through Relatable Storylines

Discussing Wagle Ki Duniya's dedication to highlighting women-related issues and socially relevant narratives, both actors shared specific episodes that have sparked discussions and resonated with viewers, ultimately leading to positive changes in societal perceptions and attitudes. Pranati noted, "We receive numerous messages from fans and viewers who relate to the stories portrayed in the show. The relatability factor is significant, and various women's issues have been addressed, such as episodes depicting abusive marriages, a lack of respect towards wives and children, and the undervaluing of homemakers.”

She added, "For instance, there was an episode centred around the challenges faced by homemaker women on Sundays when their husbands and grown-up children are occupied with work or other commitments. This resonated with many, as it shed light on an often overlooked aspect of homemaking. Another episode explored the stereotype associated with a woman's attire, reflecting a common experience observed in my personal life as well. These episodes address fundamental yet significant aspects of life, and the portrayal of women's participation has consistently been a focal point."