Raksha Bandhan Beyond Rakhis: Sun Neo’s Suraj Pratap Singh, Aarti Birajdar and Neha Solanki Share What Siblinghood Means to Them

For some, Raksha Bandhan is about a brother and sister, while for others, the bond goes beyond the traditional ritual. This Raksha Bandhan, Sun Neo actors Suraj Pratap Singh, who plays Prem in Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani, and Aarti Birajdar, who plays Vaidehi in Thodi Si Umeed Thoda Sa Aasman, and Neha Solanki who will be seen as Rajandini in the upcoming show Raajnanndini, open up about their special bonds with their siblings. From childhood memories and playful moments to the promise of always standing by each other, the actors share why, for them, Raksha Bandhan is about much more than just tying a rakhi.

Suraj Pratap Singh shared, “I don’t have a sister, as we are three brothers in the family, but some of my fondest Raksha Bandhan memories are from my childhood. Since I was the youngest, my mother and my two brothers would take me out for a movie on Raksha Bandhan, followed by my favourite outside food and, of course, lots of rasmalai at home—I could easily eat 10–15 at a time! Today, we see sisters tying rakhis to each other or celebrating the festival together too, but I never really got that chance. However, my elder brother has always protected and looked out for me, and I think that is what Raksha Bandhan is truly about. Whether it is a brother-sister, brother-brother or sister-sister bond, siblings may express their love differently, but at the end of the day, they are always there to protect, support and stand by each other. And this year, I have a special reason to celebrate because Shuddhi from my ongoing show Divya Prem: Pyaar Aur Rahasya Ki Kahani will be tying a rakhi to me and is going to become my little sister.”

Aarti Birajdar said, “ I don’t have a brother, I have a younger sister, and we celebrate Raksha Bandhan in our own special way. We may not have followed the traditional ritual of tying a rakhi since childhood, but we have always known that we will be there for each other no matter what. As her elder sister, I know I will always protect and support her, and she knows her didi will always stand by her. One of my favourite childhood memories is from when we used to cycle to school and tuition together. She didn’t like cycling, so she would often make excuses about her cycle just so she could sit behind me and I would do all the work! She was very mischievous, but those memories are very special to me. Today, even though we are both busy with our work, our bond remains the same. For us, Raksha Bandhan is not just about tying a rakhi; it is a promise that whenever she needs me emotionally, financially or in any way I will always be there for her. Whenever we get the chance, we celebrate together with our mother, enjoying good food and spending time with each other.”

Neha Solanki also added, “I have a younger brother who lives in Uttarakhand with my parents, and sadly, I won’t be able to go home to celebrate Raksha Bandhan with him this year. It does feel a little incomplete to be away on a festival that is all about celebrating the bond between siblings. But I believe distance can never change the love and bond we share. I may not be there to tie him a rakhi this year, but I will definitely make sure he feels my love from wherever I am.”