Usha Nadkarni who plays Savita Deshmukh (Manav's mother) in Zee TV's Pavitra Rishta tells us why everyday is a joyous occasion for her.

Although her career has maintained a level of decency, according to Usha it was Balaji's Kuch Is Tarah on Sony, in which she portrayed Shantabai,  that gave her real time recognition. Usha says, "I've been working in this industry for so many years. Ados-Pados gave me my first dose of getting recognized by the people. After that, the role of Shantabai took me to new levels of popularity. But the response for Pavitra Rishta is phenomenal!"

Age is catching up on Usha but the tremendous love and adoration of her fans renews her strength every single day. She says, "I'm not young anymore. Time has its own way of asking you to slow down. The hectic schedule of a daily soap takes a toll on my health. But the public display of affection by my fans keeps me going (smiles)."

She elaborates on the PDA of her fans. "Everyone is instantly recognizing me as Savita tai of Pavitra Rishta. They call out to me whenever and wherever they spot me. Even people travelling in air-conditioned cars, take a minute out, roll down their windows, say a kind word or two, and only then move away." On a funny note she adds, "It's amazing, at this age I can stop traffic in the busy roads of Mumbai!"

Usha further tells us, "I'd been to a wedding where even the tiny tots came running up to me and called me Savita tai! It was truly a wonderful experience. Right from day one, scene one, the role clicked with me. But this wide recognition and barrage of praises is completely out of the blue. But I'm loving every second of it!"

We wish Usha a long and wonderful career filled with such joyous surprises ahead!

Reporter: Srividya Rajesh
Author: Susan Mony