“She helped me discover the emotional complexity of Saru with compassion”, says Mohak Matkar on working with Nilam Panchal

Zee TV’s Saru continues to resonate with viewers, winning hearts with its emotionally charged storytelling and complex character arcs. As Saru (Mohak Matkar) adapts to life in a new city with Ved (Shagun Pandey) by her side, it’s her relationship with her on-screen mother, Gauri (played by veteran actor Nilam Panchal), that has emerged as one of the most soul-stirring equations on the show.

While Mohak is a promising young talent stepping into the lead spotlight, Nilam Panchal brings decades of experience and grace, creating the perfect dynamic of mentorship, both on and off camera. But what makes their on-screen bond feel so deeply authentic? According to Mohak, the magic lies in the real-life connection they built behind the scenes—from bonding over chai during long shoots in Rajasthan to intense rehearsals that blurred the line between fiction and real. The duo’s comfort with each other translates into moments of vulnerability, strength, and raw emotion on screen, bringing alive the essence of the mother-daughter relationship at the heart of Saru’s emotional core.

Speaking about their relationship, Mohak Matkar shared, “There are certain connections in life that feel instinctive from the very beginning—and my bond with Nilam ma’am has been exactly that. From our very first reading during the audition process, there was a natural ease and sincerity in our interaction. From the pre-shoot workshops to our long schedule in Rajasthan, she has been a pillar of support and wisdom. Whether it was rehearsing late into the evening or sharing quiet conversations over tea between takes, every interaction with her has been a learning experience.”

She added, “She helped me discover the emotional complexity of Saru with compassion and encouraged me to push deeper into the role. Working alongside her has not only shaped my portrayal of Saru but has also contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth. I feel truly privileged to share the screen with someone so immensely talented and grounded.”

As Saru heads into a powerful new chapter, with Saru finally standing up against Anika, viewers can look forward to heartfelt performances filled with genuine emotion and real-life connection in every scene.

Tune in to Saru as the drama escalates in the show every day at 7:30 PM only on Zee TV