Meet the cast that made Balika a hit

As the curtains fall on Balika Vadhu, we look at the iconic characters who made it a prime- time success At a time when Indian television witnessed an overdose of scheming sasumaas and docile bahus, Balika

Vadhu managed to break the clutter when it debuted in 2008. After eight years, the show is coming to an end on July 31. Dismal ratings, change in show timings, never ending replacements, time leaps, — the reasons for the show ending could be many, but it gave Indian television a host of iconic characters that have found a place in audience’s hearts. Here are a few characters from the show that became immensely popular.

ANANDI SINGH ( ANANDI): The coy, lovable child bride essayed by Avika Gor, Anandi became a new favourite among television viewers when it made a splash on television. The show — with its powerful social message and sensitive subject — warmed audience’s hearts in no time. The late Pratyusha Banerjee too shot to fame with this role. Later, Toral Rasputra successfully replaced Pratyusha and continued till the very end.

KALYANI DEVI ( DADISAA): Matriarch Kalyani Devi, better known as Dadisaa, created a far deeper impact than Anandi. If it weren’t for her hard- to- please obstinate ways, the show perhaps would have never enjoyed the popularity that it did. Dadisaa continued to rule the hearts of the viewers till the character lasted. Seasoned actress Surekha Sikri essayed the role.

SHIVRAAJ ANOOP SHEKHAR ( SHIV): The introduction of the good- looking district collector Shiv in the story brought the much- needed freshness to the otherwise stagnating plot. The character became quite famous since he was cast opposite Anandi. Siddarth Shukla played the character convincingly and even succeeded in bagging a Bollywood film like Humpty Sharma ki Dulhaniya owing to his newfound stardom courtesy Balika Vadhu.

JAGDISH BHAIRON SINGH ( JAYGA): Bhairon and Sumitra’s stubborn son Jagya, was one of the most complex characters on the show. His child marriage to Anandi made him an overnight sensation. Audiences simply loved the nok-jhok and the adorable chemistry between Jagya, ( played by Avinash Mukherjee) and Anandi. Shashank Vyas and Shakti Anand, later took on the role.

BHAIRON DHARAMVEER SINGH ( BABUSAA): Anoop Soni played Anandi’s fatherinlaw as Bhairon Singh. His affection towards Anandi and his steadfast nature made him television’s most loved father- in- law.