Rakshanda Khan, seen as Bhavri Devi in Yash and Mamta Patnaik’s Dhaakad Beera on Colors TV, shares that stepping into this rural character was a first for her. “When I was first offered Bhavri Devi, I hesitated. Most of my previous characters have been fully urban. Bhavri is completely rural, representing the interiors of India and its traditions. I wondered how anyone could imagine me in this role,” she admits.
The show is set in a region inspired by Haryana, with the title itself reflecting the essence of its characters. “‘Dhaakad’ means fearless or dabang, and ‘Beera’ signifies the elder brother. The story revolves around an incredibly protective, strong, and courageous elder brother, willing to go to the ends of the earth to safeguard his younger sister,” Rakshanda explains.
For Rakshanda, one of the most enjoyable parts of the shoot has been working with the child actors. “We had Choti Kishmish, who is just four years old, and Samrat, who is 11. Shooting with them was a riot, but also incredibly eye-opening. The dedication these kids bring is unmatched—I can honestly say that even after 20 years in the industry, I have rarely seen such commitment.”
The preparation for the show was extensive. “We had almost nine months from concept to screen, including three months of workshops, dialect training, and detailed sessions with director Sangeeta, who was hands-on with Bhavri’s mannerisms and performance. We also chose not to rely heavily on character references so that we could bring our own flavour to Bhavri Devi,” she says.
Rakshanda is particularly drawn to Bhavri’s strong yet loving nature. “She is passionate, strong-willed, and deeply devoted to her grandson. Her love is unconditional and absolute, which adds positivity to her character alongside her firm beliefs.”
Reflecting on this new chapter, Rakshanda says, “This role challenged me in ways I haven’t experienced before. Portraying a rural, multi-layered character like Bhavri Devi has been refreshing and rewarding. It is a completely different journey.”
