Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 24: Actress Raavee Gupta has spoken warmly about sharing screen space with Smriti Irani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, describing the veteran actress as humble, supportive and deeply committed to bringing out the best in every performance.

Speaking to reporters, Raavee said working with Smriti has been an enriching experience, adding that despite her immense popularity and years of experience, she remains grounded and approachable on the sets.

“I absolutely love working with Smriti ji. There's so much to learn from her. Despite her stature and experience, she never carries that aura onto the set. She's an actor first and foremost,” Raavee said.

She added that Smriti is always willing to help her co-stars and offers valuable suggestions to improve scenes.

“She is incredibly generous, supportive and genuinely invested in making every scene and performance better. Whenever she shares her inputs, I truly value them because they always come from a place of wanting the best for everyone. She is like that with the entire cast, and I think she is a remarkable person,” the actress shared.

Reflecting on her return to Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Raavee said reprising the role of Damini after many years has been both nostalgic and meaningful.

“I was a part of the first season of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. Returning to the show after all these years has been a special experience because it feels like coming back to something that has always been close to me,” she said.

Raavee explained that her character has undergone significant transformation over the years.

“When I first played Damini, she was full of anger because life had been unfair to her. Now she is much more grounded. She is a mother with a grown-up son, and life has shaped her in many ways. I relate to her because, just like my character, I have also grown over the years,” she added.

The actress also admitted that she initially felt anxious about returning to the role, especially since another actor had portrayed Damini during the intervening years.

“I hoped audiences would accept me again after such a long gap. I knew comparisons were inevitable. Even though I am extremely confident in my abilities as an actor, those thoughts do cross your mind,” she said.

Expressing gratitude, Raavee thanked producer Ekta Kapoor for giving her the opportunity to reprise the character.

“I am incredibly grateful to Ekta Kapoor for giving me the opportunity to play Damini again, and I am thankful for the way everything has turned out,” she said.

Raavee Gupta was last seen portraying an antagonist in Naagin 5. She is currently part of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2, having also featured in the original season of the iconic television drama.