Amar Upadhyay, who had to return from the dead in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as his character’s demise sent the entire country in an emotional meltdown is reuniting with Ekta Kapoor after 15 long years. He had quit the show to try his luck in films but that did not bear fruits and none of his subsequent roles could match that of Tulsi’s husband Mihir Virani. Now, he will join hands once again with Ekta for a new serial titled Maulkki.
Amar spoke about collaborating again with Ekta and said, “We are friends and in 2015-’16, she had offered me a show, but at that time I was already committed to another. During the lockdown, I got a lot of offers, but this was the one I felt I should be associated with. Doing Kyunki... was one of the best experiences of my life and now, it feels like I am back home.”
Talking about his reasons for quitting Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, he told a leading daily, “That’s in the past. I was young and did not want to play an older man at that stage. To add to it, people around me also kept saying that you should be playing a hero in films. So, when I took the step to quit the show, it felt like the right decision at the time, today, I feel differently about it — it wasn’t a wise decision! Having said that, I don’t regret the decision, because I have learned from the experience. When you are at the crossroads, you have to pick a direction and walk. Whether it is right or not, you’ll know only after you have walked down the path.”
The series is based on the story of an 18 year-old Molkki bride, Purvi, played by Priyal Mahajan who is sold and married off to a widower, Vijender, who is twice her age, played by Amar. Talking about the show, Amar told a leading tabloid, “It is based on a real-life practice that still exists in northern states like Haryana. When I was approached for the show, I didn’t know much about it, so I went online and most of the stories had a tragic end. I was deeply moved. Our show sends out the right message, telling people that even while following this age-old practice, you can treat women well.”
He further added, “I keep reminding myself that when God gives you something, you should not throw it away unless he takes it away from you.”
(Source: Mumbai Mirror/TellyChakkar)