Sumeet Raghavan: Support Women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Sumeet Raghavan from Sony SAB’s 'Wagle Ki Duniya' urges families to support women in their fight against breast cancer

Sumeet Raghavan: Support Women in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Mumbai, September 12, 2023: Sony SAB’s ‘Wagle Ki Duniya’ depicts the daily trials and tribulations of the Wagle family, while also focusing on pertinent issues faced by the common man. The recent episodes of the show centre around breast cancer, a disease that affects numerous women across the globe.  

 

In a candid conversation, renowned actor Sumeet Raghavan, who plays the role of Rajesh Wagle talks about his on-screen wife Vandana’s (Pariva Pranati) character and her courageous battle against breast cancer, emphasizing the important part of the entire family in offering endless support during this challenging journey. 

 

1. In the upcoming storyline, Vandana battles breast cancer. How does Rajesh support her through the ups and downs of her health journey? 

 

Rajesh is like the captain of the ship at home, taking care of his parents, kids, and his wife, Vandana. It's not an easy job, but he does it with a lot of determination and care. He loves his wife dearly and becomes her pillar of strength when she’s fighting breast cancer. He's always lending an ear to her fears and anxieties without judgment, which helps Vandana navigate the psychological toll of battling cancer. He also takes an active role in Vandana's medical journey, being by her side throughout the treatment process. Rajesh's strong support for his wife in tough times shows how important family’s care and encouragement are when dealing with life's hardest challenges. 

 

2. As the show progresses, how does Rajesh's character evolve in response to the challenges posed by his wife's illness? Are there any key moments you can share? 

 

There are several key moments. Despite Rajesh’s usual strength, there are times when he breaks down, unable to bear the weight of his wife's illness. The mere mention of cancer invokes thoughts of mortality, and Rajesh grapples with the fear of losing her, a prospect that terrifies him deeply. Vandana's illness impacts each family member uniquely; Sakhi responds in her way, Atharv is in denial about the reality, and Rajesh grapples with unfamiliarity and helplessness in the face of it all. Amid Vandana's illness, financial problems arise – money is lost, jewellery goes missing, and a wedding is on the horizon. Rajesh is essentially fighting battles on multiple fronts, all while trying to maintain his sanity. It's important to note that he is portrayed as a human being with flaws, just like any of us. He is doing his best to manage his emotions and cope with the challenges. 

 

3. Rajesh's role as a supportive husband could serve as an inspiration to many viewers. What message do you hope the audience takes away from his character? 

 

We want to emphasize the importance of coming together as a close-knit family and sharing the burdens that life may throw at us. Cancer is a highly sensitive issue, and yet, awareness and education about it are lacking. Our goal is to shed the shame and fear that surrounds breast cancer and have open discussions about it. By highlighting this in the show, we want to encourage women to promptly seek medical advice if they notice any changes or symptoms related to breast health. Self-examination and early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. The message is clear: talk about it, self-assess, seek help, and together, we can make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.

 

4. "Wagle ki Duniya" offers a blend of entertainment and meaningful narratives. How do you feel about being part of a show highlighting critical societal issues while keeping the audience engaged? 

 

We understand television's influence and reach, and 'Wagle ki Duniya' allows us to use that platform for a purpose beyond just entertainment. We've embraced the responsibility of taking up these issues which are very relevant in society, not necessarily to provide all the answers but to initiate conversations, spark awareness, and encourage viewers to reflect on these matters. It's a privilege to be part of a show that can entertain, enlighten, and inspire change all at once.

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