As Raksha Bandhan approaches, Sukhada Khandkekar, renowned for her role as Saraswati in the popular TV show Pukaar: Dil Se Dil Tak, is eagerly looking forward to celebrating the festival. In a recent interview, Khandkekar shared her deep affection for Raksha Bandhan, saying, “Raksha Bandhan is one of my favorite festivals. While I cherish all festivals, Raksha Bandhan holds a special place in my heart. My elder brother, Sudeep Deshpande, resides in Bahrain, and we have always celebrated Raksha Bandhan through video calls.”
Celebrating Raksha Bandhan Across Continents
Khandkekar continues, “Every year, I send him Rakhi, which ensures that I never feel like I’m missing out. In addition to Sudeep, I have another brother, Abhijeet Guru, who lives in Mumbai and is a renowned writer and actor. Being in the same city, I am fortunate to tie Rakhi to him in person each year. Although our acting schedules can be unpredictable, we make it a point to celebrate Raksha Bandhan together, whether before or after the actual day. This year, we plan to have dinner together after our shoots, and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Managing Festival Sequences on Pukaar: Dil Se Dil Tak
Khandkekar also shed light on the intricacies of filming special festival sequences for TV shows. She explains, “The pressure of creating festival sequences depends significantly on the production team and the working culture of the show. In the case of Pukaar, the team and our director, Prateek Sharma, are extremely disciplined and well-planned. This meticulous planning allows us to have a good bank of episodes, enabling us to work without unnecessary stress. Whether it's traffic issues, rain, or delays, we are well-prepared in advance.”
LSD Studios and the Art of Festival Planning
“All credit goes to our production team, LSD Studios, and our fantastic director, Prateek Shah. Their excellent planning means we never feel pressured while working. During festival times, we have a mutual understanding that important days or events are accommodated with planned breaks, allowing the team to rest after intense shooting schedules. This was evident during the summer, and with the upcoming festive season filled with vibrant celebrations, we anticipate everything will run smoothly due to our solid planning,” she adds.
Raksha Bandhan and Family Gatherings
Khandkekar concludes by sharing her plans for Raksha Bandhan this year, “In addition to my two brothers, I have five more cousins who are like siblings to me. In total, we are seven brothers and two sisters. We always gather to celebrate Bhai Dooj, and Diwali is celebrated in Nashik with all my cousins and in-laws. Raksha Bandhan, however, is usually celebrated through video calls with all my brothers, even if we’re not physically together.”
Read also: