Exclusive - Neha Rana on playing Narmada in 'Mahadev & Sons': 'It's Pure Magic'

Neha Rana is having a great run on television right now. Her latest role in Mahadev & Sons has her playing Narmada, a character she's grown deeply connected to. She opened up about the journey so far and what keeps her motivated.

"Playing Narmada has been an absolute blessing," she said. "Stepping into her shoes every day has allowed me to explore so many beautiful layers as an actor."

She's come a long way since her days on Junooniyatt, where she played the lead. "That show was a massive turning point for me," she recalled. "And then there was Megha Barsenge. Each character I've played has taught me something different."

In Mahadev & Sons, Narmada is the daughter-in-law who enters a strict, traditional household. She's married to Ketan, the second son, played by Mohit Joshi. What makes her interesting is that she's not the rebellious type, but she's got this quiet strength about her. "She's deeply family-oriented," Neha explained. "Whether it's standing by her husband through rough patches or sacrificing her own things to help during a financial crisis, she always puts family first. That's who she is."

Does she see herself in the character? "Definitely," Neha said. "I value family bonds a lot. But in real life, I'm more outspoken. Playing Narmada means I have to hold back, express things through my eyes and small gestures. It's challenging but really rewarding."

What draws her to acting in the first place? "Getting to live multiple lives in one lifetime," she said. "One day you're a modern woman, the next you're navigating a joint family in a small town. Honestly, it's addictive. When the director tells 'Action,' you just forget everything and become someone else."

The industry's changed a lot lately. "Competition is crazy now with all the streaming platforms and content everywhere," she acknowledged. "But I think it's good. It pushes you to be better. You can't phone it in. Your craft has to speak for itself."

What stays with her the most, though, are the moments when viewers connect with her character. Recently, after an episode aired where Narmada gives up her jewellery to help the family, she was stopped by a group of women while traveling.

"One of them held my hand and said, 'Beta, tum Bilkul sahi kar rahi ho. Parivaar mein sabko jod ke rakhna,'" Rana recalled, her voice softening. "It just hit different, you know? They weren't watching it as just a show. They were genuinely invested in Narmada's life. That's what makes all those long shooting days worth it."