Devoleena Bhattacharjee is feeling a wave of nostalgia and warmth as Saath Nibhaana Saathiya completes an impressive 15 years. The television drama, known for its family-centric storylines and memorable characters, first arrived on screens in May 2010. Over time, it carved a special place in viewers’ hearts and earned a long-lasting fan following.
Devoleena, who stepped into the role of Gopi Bahu midway, transformed the character with her sincerity and charm. The actress wasn’t the original lead, but when she took over, she embraced the challenge with confidence. It wasn’t easy replacing a familiar face in a well-loved show. Yet, she managed to make the character her own and built an emotional connection with the audience.
Looking back, Devoleena admits the years have flown by. In a recent interaction, she expressed how surreal it feels that so much time has passed since the show began. “If I look back, my show completed 15 years… but it feels like it just happened yesterday. I still feel the butterflies in me,” she said.
She also spoke about how the opportunity came with its fair share of challenges. Taking over a character already loved by millions was a huge responsibility. But she was determined to rise above expectations and leave her own mark. Devoleena mentioned how the show turned her life around and gave her a chance to win over the audience’s hearts. She added, “It was a life-changing experience. I entered the show replacing someone, and it was a huge challenge. But I enjoyed the opportunity to overcome those challenges, and I won hearts and became everyone’s favourite Gopi Bahu.”
What made the role even more meaningful was the spiritual connection it brought into her life. While playing a devoted follower of Lord Krishna on screen, Devoleena gradually found herself drawn towards spirituality in real life. She admitted that her character’s religious devotion sparked a deeper interest within her. She recalled, “The show was not just about enjoying success and fulfilling my acting dreams. It was the beginning of a spiritual journey. While playing Gopi, I literally connected to Lord Krishna.”
Even after the show ended, its memories continue to follow her. The audience’s love for Gopi Bahu remains strong. Devoleena shared that people still recognise her by that name, and it touches her deeply every time. “I feel extremely emotional when people still recognise me as Gopi Bahu. I fall short of words while talking about the show,” she expressed.
Since Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, Devoleena has taken up new projects and ventured into reality television. She participated in Bigg Boss and also appeared in serials like Dil Diyaan Gallaan and Chhathi Maiyya Ki Bitiya. Yet, despite these new roles, her connection with Gopi Bahu remains unbroken. The character, for both her and the audience, has become timeless. Even after a decade and a half, its impact is still felt, making Saath Nibhaana Saathiya one of Indian television’s cherished classics.
