It took Saakshi Tanwar almost a year to get convinced to essay the role of Parvati. Eventually the decision changed her life and that of all those involved in the show. Parvati (Saakshi Tanwar) soon became a household name as Kahaani.. went on to be one the longest running soaps on Indian television. Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii has run its course after eight long years and now its curtains for this Balaji show.

On October 9 the show will showcase the penultimate episode imbibing the spirit of Dussera – the triumph of good over evil. This episode will once again see the Agarwal household together striving for their unity.

It was on this emotional day that Tellychakkar caught up with a rather reticent Saakshi Tanwar to share her emotions and experiences on the show.

With Kahaani coming to an end, what are your emotions?

It would be very hard to explain what I am going through as it’s not just one emotion but this is a mélange of emotions that I am feeling now. We have completed a journey of eight years. It does feel a bit incomplete and hollow.

Eight long years. How does this feel?

Why single out this serial? Any show, play or any other medium of entertainment runs only if touches the right chord of the viewers and if the janta relates to the show. The show will be a success only if the audiences connect with it emotionally. May be this is the reason we have been successful and that too for eight long years. We persistently tried to strengthen the connection with them and that is the only USP of the show.

Kahaani.. was like a daily newspaper for viewers?

As long as people were reading it was fine. It is a great achievement for any show to be a part of people’s routine and to become a habit. So even if they knew what was coming or had no clue about the track but still they would watch it regularly like a habit.

Any emotional scene that you would want to share with us?

This show was all about emotions. In these eight years we have shot some 1500 episodes and every episode has 10 – 12 episodes so it would be very difficult to pick and choose just one scene.

Any out of the ordinary incident or experience on the show?

This is something I have never shared with the media as this incident is very funny and everytime we discuss it at home it has us all in splits. My bhabhi (sister-in-law) was pregnant for the second time and around 9:30 pm she started having her labour pains and we could easily make out from her face the immense pain she was going through. So she told my mother and without realising my mother her if she could wait so that they could see Kahaani and then go to the hospital. To which my father got really angry and told my mother that one can watch the repeat telecast of the show. So to develop a habit of watching a show is a real big achievement for all those who are working in it and behind it.

Would you like to change your image or stick to Parvati?

Eight years ago I didn’t even know I would do this role. God has been extremely kind to me and I think I have a good image in the public eye. It’s better to have a good image than to have none or a bad image. It feels nice to meet people who always have good things to say about you and they greet you with respect and love. I can’t say anything about future.

How much are going to miss the routine?

I can answer this question once I stop shooting. It has not yet registered and sunk in as I am still shooting. I would be able to tell you probably once the telecast is over and I experience it. At present I am still very much a part of this show.

What is next in the pipeline?

Like I said I live for the moment and can’t tell you anything about what’s going to happen in the future.

What are you shooting today?

We are celebrating Diwali and co-incidentally the show started on Diwali eight years ago. My first scene had me making rangoli. So whatever we did eight years ago is going to be repeated today.

Any message for your fans?

I just want to thank all your readers for their unconditional love and I would ask for forgiveness if we have hurt them by any chance. We would get to meet you one last time on the eve of Dussera through Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii.