After being in the television industry for over a decade, actor Mohit Dagga is making a comeback with &TV’s newest family drama, ‘Doosri Maa’, essaying Ashok’s character. Produced by Zee Studios and co-produced by Imtiaz Punjabi, Doosri Maa is the story of a woman, Yashoda (Neha Joshi) living in Uttar Pradesh with her husband Ashok, two daughters, and in-laws. Her happy, peaceful family life comes to a screeching halt when she and Ashok unknowingly adopt his illegitimate child, Krishna, played by Aayudh Bhanushali. Excited about his new show and character, Mohit, in a candid conversation talks about his stint in the television industry, his upcoming projects, his role as Ashok, and much more.
- Tell us about your character Ashok in Doosri Maa.
Ashok is a loving and caring husband who loves his family a lot. He is proud of his wife, Yashoda (Neha Joshi), and his daughters. He supports them in front of his parents, who are traditional and patriarchal. He even takes care of his younger brother and married elder sister emotionally and financially. He is a well-known professional lawyer in his field and has achieved great success. He has a happy and fulfilled life until a big storm comes into his life in the form of his illegitimate child, Krishna (Aayudh Bhanushali). Ashok’s love child with Mala, Krishna, is not an orphan. However, Ashok was unaware of his child’s existence until Yashoda met Mala and Krishna. But, when he realizes Krishna is his child, he is afraid to tell Yashoda out of fear of losing and breaking up his family. But knowing his son is in an orphanage plays on his guilt. - What makes you say yes to a character like Ashok, do you think the audience will relate to the character?
In Doosri Maa, my character, Ashok, is both interesting and relatable to me. He is entirely devoted to his family. He is a responsible man who lives for his parents, wife, children, and siblings. My life revolves around my family in real life as well. That is why I find this character so appealing. However, because of the emotional setbacks with a complicated backstory and my character, there are chances that the audience will either like Ashok or hate him, and I am ready to accept everything. As an artist, I love to accept new challenges. Everyone has a different level of passion, and I am very passionate about my job. It gives me a sense of satisfaction and helps me evolve as an actor. There is always new learning waiting to be explored. - How do you feel coming back on screen after 2 years?
It feels great to be back on television. My family, particularly my wife, is overjoyed. While I have appeared in numerous television shows and have received industry recognition, there was a time when I felt my career had come to a halt. I was disappointed because nothing interesting was coming my way. In 2020, I returned to my hometown of Gadarwara in Madhya Pradesh and launched my own cement business. Even when I was doing well, I had a strong desire to return to acting. Thankfully, my prayers were answered, and I began receiving audition calls after the lockdown. One of them was the audition for Ashok’s role. It was a blessing in disguise. - How is your experience shooting in Jaipur so far, do you miss your family?
I am having a ball of a time shooting for Doosri Maa in Jaipur. The location is stunning, and I did get some time to explore the city a bit, if not completely. It has been a tight shoot schedule for all of us. The team is wonderful to work with and all of us have become friends given the amount of time we all have been spending together, away from our family. So, in a way, we all have become a second family to each other that works, eats, and celebrates everything together. The bond is becoming stronger with every passing day. On the sets, we rehearse and eat together and when not shooting, all of us try to explore the local cuisine, especially, the street food and the city’s rich heritage. I do miss my family a lot and I make it a point to talk to them every single day. They are extremely supportive, especially my wife. When I bagged this role, she was overjoyed and so was my daughter. They do intend to visit me here sometime and we will plan a day out. - How is your experience shooting with Neha Joshi and Aayudh Bhanushali so far?
It’s been an incredible experience shooting with Neha Joshi and Aayudh Bhanushali so far, and I couldn’t have wished for any better co-stars. Even though our shooting schedule keeps us busy, our group of three tries to get out and explore the pink city whenever possible. Both Neha and Aayudh are extremely talented and very professional. Aayudh is a very proactive kid and never sits in one place. I love his energy on sets. Meanwhile, Neha and I keep having chats on never-ending topics like sports, art, and politics. There is so much to learn from them. - What message do you have for your viewers?
Doosri Maa is a family drama filled with emotions, strong characterizations, and a powerful storyline that I am sure will strike a chord with the audience. I hope that our audience resonates with the story, appreciates all our hard work, and supports us in our journey to make this show a grand success.
Watch Mohit Dagga as Ashok in Doosri Maa, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!
