Staying true to its legacy of powerful storytelling, Zee TV has unveiled Saru– a compelling and emotional narrative of a young woman from a village fighting for her dreams in the big city. In a striking contrast to Saru’s heartfelt journey with the introduction of Anika—played by the spirited Anushka Merchande. Bold, image-conscious, and unapologetically ambitious, Anika is someone who thrives on attention. As the antagonist, she brings sharp conflict and unpredictability, becoming a key catalyst in the drama that unfolds. Her strong dislike for Saru fuels her every move, and she leaves no stone unturned in her quest to pull Saru down. Sharing insights into the show, Anushka Merchande opens up about her experience of playing Anika, her bond with her co-stars, and her approach to developing Anika’s character.
1) The show’s backdrop is in Rajasthan, which is known for its rich cultural heritage. How was the experience of shooting in the city and did shooting in a real location help you portray Anika better?
Shooting in the Khares village in Rajasthan, was truly an unforgettable experience. The natural beauty, vibrant colors, and rich cultural backdrop of the place added so much depth to the storytelling and authenticity. There’s a raw energy there that reflects Saru’s grounded roots, and stepping into that environment helped all of us to bring out the realness and sharp edges of our characters even more.
2) Anika is a mix of confidence, emotional volatility and arrogance. How did you approach bringing out these layers in her personality?
Anika is definitely one of the most layered characters I’ve ever portrayed on-screen. She’s confident but that confidence often masks her emotional instability and the need to always be on top. To bring out these layers, I had to dig deeper into why she behaves the way she does. I didn’t want to portray her as just another ‘mean girl’— I wanted to show her vulnerabilities too, even if they’re not always visible on the surface. One moment she’s sharp and controlling, the next she’s reacting emotionally to something trivial — and that unpredictability was both challenging and exciting to perform. I’m constantly learning more about her as the story unfolds.
3) What convinced you to take up this role and how do you think Anika’s character will influence the story for Saru?
What drew me to Anika’s role instantly was how pivotal she is to the story—not just as an antagonist, but as someone who constantly pushes Saru out of her comfort zone. I love playing characters that aren’t one-dimensional, and Anika is exactly that. She’s bold, emotionally unpredictable, and always craves the spotlight. What excited me most was the chance to explore how her actions, though often rooted in insecurity or ego, become key turning points in Saru’s journey. Anika challenges Saru at every step, and in doing so, she unknowingly strengthens her. That kind of character—one who disrupts, provokes, and still manages to leave a lasting impact—was just too exciting to pass up. She’s not here to play it safe, and neither am I with this role.
4) How has the experience been from Anushka to Anika so far? What kind of preparation have you done to get into the skin of the character?
The journey from Anushka to Anika has been intense, transformative, and honestly, so creatively fulfilling. Anika is nothing like me in real life—she’s sharp-tongued, image-obsessed, and always wants to stay in control. So, stepping into her shoes meant I had to unlearn a lot and tap into emotions and reactions that don’t come naturally to me. I spent time understanding her emotional graph—what triggers her, what she fears, and what she craves. I also worked on body language, posture, and even subtle expressions to make her presence felt every time she’s on screen. Dialogue delivery was another key area, because Anika speaks with a certain edge and flair. It’s been a process of constantly observing, reflecting, and pushing myself, and I’m loving every bit of it.
5) What has your bond been like with the cast of Saru?
It’s been an amazing experience! We all enjoy performing scenes together because everyone is doing very well. Additionally, when we sit together, we take the time to get to know each other and create a bond, which happens naturally over time. It’s great how quickly we’ve formed a big family on set. My co-stars like Saru and Shagun, and my senior co-stars, who play my mother, grandmother, are incredibly nice. It’s so much fun to sit and chat with everyone. I feel that our bond is developing very well.
6) What do you hope audiences take away from Saru’s story and her journey?
I hope viewers are inspired to believe that no dream is too big when you have the courage to pursue it. Saru is someone rooted in her culture and values, and today’s audience easily connects with such characters. On the other hand, Anika is also relatable in her own way. She didn’t turn out this way on purpose – her upbringing made her like this. Her mother and grandmother pampered her so much that she became spoiled. I think even parents will find something to reflect on in this story.
