Dabangii Mulgii Aayi Re Aayi actress Yashashri Masurkar says, “Working with kids does bring out my inner child”

Sony Entertainment Television's 'Dabangii - Mulgi Aayi Re Aayi' has intrigued audiences with its gripping narrative, centered around the feisty and Dabangii tevar waali - Arya (Maahi Bhadra). Arya believes that her father is a super-cop, but unbeknownst to her, she is the daughter of Satya (Aamir Dalvi), an unscrupulous gangster willing to go to any length for power. After her mother, Chhaya's death (Sai Deodhar), Satya’s brother Ankush (Manav Gohil) brings Arya home, and his wife Bela (Yashashri Masurkar)decides to takes care of her like her own daughter. Amidst all this turmoil, Satya’s wife, Kasturi (Himani Chawla), tries to spark a misunderstanding between Ankush and Bela stating that Arya might be Ankush’s illegitimate child. Acclaimed actress Yashashri Masurkar, who is essaying the role of Bela, shares insights about the show, her character, life on set, and camaraderie with her co-stars, in a candid conversation.

Describe your character, Bela?
•    Bela is idealistic and trusting; her simplicity is what defines her. She is a doting mother, dedicated daughter-in-law, and a loving wife, who unconditionally supports her family especially when it comes to supporting any sort of decision made by her husband, Ankush. The most beautiful part about Bela’s character is that she possesses a natural motherly instinct, which I hope I have been able to bring alive in the show. 

Despite not being a mother in real life, who or what has been your primary inspiration for portraying this role?
•    Mothers around me are my biggest inspiration. I love observing people, and that has helped me prepare for Bela. I also draw inspiration from the 'Gilmore Girls' as the mother-daughter bond portrayed in the series is the best I have seen by far. There is always a sense of motherhood within you, and I believe we grow up watching our mothers taking care of us, and we naturally imbibe these qualities.
What's it like working with children, all of whom play pivotal roles on set?
•    It has been amazing. I haven’t been around children that much. Working with these amazing and bright kids has allowed me to reconnect with my inner child. Their innocence and love are so pure that no extra effort is required to make the scene look real. We do all our scenes so effortlessly, and they are amazing actors. The passion for acting is visible in them.

How would you describe your bond with Manav Gohil?
•    Manav is like having a big brother onset. Very few people know Manav is also very spiritual, and it has been a delight for me to discuss my thoughts with him. He is also very mischievous on set, and we are always laughing when he is around.

Does working alongside children bring out your inner child?
•    Working with children does bring out my inner child. I mentioned that earlier. It’s been great working with these children. Children are so pure; they never have an ulterior motive. It has helped me find that innocence within myself. The vibe of the set changes and lights up when children are on set.

Reflecting on your journey from Radio to Television, how would you characterize this transition?
•    Reflecting on my journey from television to radio, I would characterize this transition differently. I began my career in TV first. Radio was an experiment when I didn’t have work and felt lost in life. I am thankful for that experience because it helped me discover another talent within myself. 

It's unusual for people to opt for an Auto as their mode of transport; what influenced your decision to take this step?
•    Auto is like a love story for me. Someone rode that Tuktuk for me from Kathmandu to India under difficult circumstances. It was such a beautiful gesture that I decided to purchase an auto and drive it regularly, and now, it has become my identity. And I enjoy riding it; it’s an unconventional ride. 

Being part of both the Marathi and mainstream industry, how do you perceive the content differences between the two?
•    I feel Marathi content is driven by its richness because of the abundance of great literature in Marathi. However, the Hindi entertainment industry naturally has a broader and larger reach. Even in Bollywood, many films are adaptations of Marathi movies. I believe the content is notably strong in the Marathi industry.