New Delhi: As the nation gears up to mark the 78th anniversary of its Independence Day, a surge of patriotic fervor is palpable across India. Among those who have captured the spirit of this day is Brinda Dahal, better known for her role as Vaishnavi in Sun Neo’s widely-loved show, ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya.’ Brinda, hailing from Nepal, opens up about the significance of this day and her journey of relating to India on a personal and cultural level.
Brinda Dahal draws a poignant picture of her bond with India. “Actually, I am from Nepal but by heart I am Indian. Independence means freedom, and when India got independence from the British, everyone understood the true essence of freedom and how it can transform a country. The upcoming Independence Day is the first one I will celebrate in India, and I am so excited for this celebration,” says Brinda, encapsulating a shared sense of unity and belonging. She speaks enthusiastically about the festivities and draws an emotional connection with Indian culture. “My favorite patriotic movie is ‘Swades’; the storyline and Shah Rukh Khan’s acting are fabulous. I also love the song ‘Teri Mitti’ from ‘Kesari.’ Whenever I hear this song, my eyes fill with tears. If I ever get a chance to play a patriotic character, I would love to portray Indira Gandhi.”
Brinda continues, “I think India’s pride is the people of the country. I am Nepali, but they accept me in my character and praise me for my skills. Now I am Indian, and I feel so proud to be an Indian. From my side, Happy Independence Day to everyone. Like our country, stay independent, believe in yourself, and always look forward. My Massi’s birthday comes on the 15th of August, on Independence Day. Both are precious events for me on the same day. I am so excited.”
‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,’ a show that has rapidly gained traction among viewers, revolves around the character Vaishnavi, enacted by Brinda Dahal. Vaishnavi, an orphan, reveres Chhathi Maiyya whom she considers her mother.
. The divine character of Chhathi Maiyya, portrayed by Devoleena Bhattacharjee, acts as a protective guardian, leading her devotees through life’s trials and celebrations. The show beautifully captures the essence of devotion to Chhathi Maiyya, highlighting her role in guiding her worshippers and showcasing the triumph of good over evil.
Tune in to Sun Neo to watch ‘Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya,’ which airs every Monday to Saturday at 7 PM.
For Brinda Dahal, this year’s Independence Day isn’t just a national celebration—it’s a personal milestone. Celebrating India’s freedom has a special resonance for Brinda, who feels as much a part of the country as any Indian. Having built her career in India, she has been accepted and cherished by audiences for her outstanding work on the small screen. It’s a testament to her talent and the open-hearted nature of her new home.
Brinda’s story is more than just a personal journey; it’s a narrative that underscores the universal values of freedom, acceptance, and unity that Independence Day signifies. Her experiences echo those of many others who have made India their home and who contribute to its rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. As Brinda rightly puts it, “Now I am Indian, and I feel so proud to be an Indian.”
This poignant sentiment is mirrored across the country as it gears up to celebrate its hard-won freedom. With events planned in nearly every city and town, from flag-raising ceremonies to cultural performances, India’s 78th Independence Day promises to be a grand celebration of the nation’s resilience and unity.
Furthermore, Brinda’s love for Indian cinema shines through her conversation. She speaks passionately about ‘Swades,’ a film that perfectly captures the spirit of returning to one’s roots and the power of individual contribution to societal progress. Her mention of the song ‘Teri Mitti’ from ‘Kesari’ adds another layer to her narrative, as it symbolizes deep love and sacrifice for the motherland.
Interestingly, Brinda’s desire to portray a historical figure like Indira Gandhi reflects her enthusiasm to contribute to and engage with India’s poignant stories of leadership and national identity. It’s a dream that aligns with her growing connection to her adopted country.
As India stands on the cusp of its Independence Day celebration, stories like Brinda’s reinforce the nation’s pluralistic ethos. Her tale is not just about an actress thriving in a neighboring country but about embracing a new identity and celebrating the collective spirit of freedom. In her own words, “Like our country, stay independent, believe in yourself, and always look forward.”
Thus, as the tricolor flutters in the wind and the 78th Independence Day approaches, viewers and citizens alike are reminded of the power of unity and acceptance—values that define India’s spirit and continue to inspire both natives and adopted citizens like Brinda Dahal.
