Our show highlights the struggles of a single mother: Arina Dey

LUCKNOW: Despite being a single mother who has suffered immense hardships, Aarti, a dancer, hides all her anguish and shields her daughter, Muskaan, from the clutches of her sordid profession, to ensure a secure future for the child.

‘Muskaan’, a daily soap based on a mother-daughter relationship, brings to light the exploitations and ordeals of an ostracised world. Actress Arina Dey plays the role of the protagonist Aarti, while eight-year-old Sonakshi Mahendra Save essays the part of ‘Muskaan’.

“I was enthralled by the script of this serial, as it emotionally connects with the daily hardships and struggles of a single mother,” says Bengali actress Arina of daily soap ‘Bodhu Boron’ (on Star Jalsa) fame.

“It would be interesting to watch how Aarti’s little daughter, Muskaan, obediently follows her instructions to get locked up in a wooden chest...to hide and escape the shadows of her mother’s profession,” she adds.

Although a diehard Amitabh Bachchan fan, Arina says she was never intrigued by movies and intends to keep working in television. “I want to be as versatile as Amitabh sir...capable enough to mould into any given character,” she says. Speaking of her role, Sonakshi says, “I play the part of an innocent girl who has big dreams.”

“I started attending drama workshops when I was five,” says the Class 3 student, adding that working in movies is her dream. The little girl is not frightened of facing the camera and says she manages to balance both school and her acting career. “My friends and teachers praise me for my acting skills,” she adds with delight.

To questions on her audition and being given preference over Hina Khan and Tina Dutta for the lead role, Arina says that she got to hear of the matter only after being selected for the lead role. She says she doesn’t want to “view it comparatively” and adds, “I am glad to be chosen for the role and will ensure that I perform at par with the expectations of the casting team and the audience.”

Directed by Dilip Kumar, ‘Muskaan’ has been airing on Star Bharat since May 29, under the banner of Rashmi Sharma Productions popular for its daily soap ‘Saath Nibhana Saathiya’.

I was enthralled by the script of this serial, as it emotionally connects with the daily hardships and struggles of a single mother ARINA, ACTOR

DHEERAJ DHAWAN / HT Arina Dey and Sonakshi Save in Lucknow