She has everything that could have made her an unsuccessful starlet on Indian television— she is dusky, not pretty in the traditional sense, upright and yet soft-spoken. Traits a successful heroine (that too in a family drama) are not supposed to have. Yet, Rajashree Thakur (better known as ‘Saloni’ from Saat Phere) is one of the most successful heroines on small screen today. Thanks to her acting skills, backed by a very powerful script.

A lawyer by education, Rajashree ventured into news reading before trying her luck in acting. “I never thought that Saat Phere would create such a sensation. Though all my well-wishers were pretty excited about my role in the show, I never really thought that it would be so big. Only after ‘Saloni’ started getting accepted by the viewers did I realise what a big responsibility it is to play the lead role in a serial,” says the dusky beauty who oozes intelligence. “In fact, so involved have I become in the serial that all my colleagues there form part of my extended family. I have a very good rapport with Sharad Kelkar (who plays the role of ‘Nahar’ in the serial). We clicked right from day one, and touch wood, we have a good chemistry,” explains Rajashree.

How is it acting in the same soap for three years? Doesn’t she get bored of the script? Given the choice, would she like to change the script? Rajashree smiles before responding, “I do not interfere in the script and thus once I decide to do a serial, I don’t feel I should interfere or comment on the script. However, when it comes to acting, I definitely value the creative freedom given to me and strongly feel that spontaneity is a key element of acting. One of the main reasons for the success of my character in Saat Phere is the freedom given to me.”

But a change in script can change the fortune of a serial as well, as was evident in Dulhan (a show on Zee that topped the TRP charts after changing their storyline). Ask Rajashree this and she will respond, “Nobody is denying the fact that the script is important. But a new storyline alone cannot change the fate of a serial.”

What else is up her sleeve? Participation in a dance-based reality show? “Not at all! I am not at all comfortable doing such a reality show, though I did some dance-based shows before a live audience. Plus, I am not too comfortable with the idea of voting the winner,” says Rajashree. What about her law degree? Does she plan to pursue it as a career any time? “Where’s the time now!” says the dusky beauty, adding, “But, once I have retired from acting, I would like to sincerely and wholeheartedly consider this as a career. However, before that if there is a need for me to adorn the black dress, I would definitely rise to the occasion!”

Unlike her reel life, her real life family story is very happy and peaceful. Rajashree recently completed her first anniversary with husband Sanjot Vaidya. “It has been a memorable time for both of us. I took four days off from my shooting schedule and went to Dubai. Since the shopping festival was going on at that time, we had a gala time. Sanjot gave me a diamond-studded pendant,” says a shy wife!

Believe it or not, but Rajashree’s biggest critic and fan is her mother-in-law. “She watches every episode of my show religiously!”