In a recent podcast, Rupal Patel, aka 'Kokila Modi', revealed that she cried when Devoleena Bhattacharjee replaced Gia Manek as 'Gopi Bahu' in 'Saath Nibhaana Saathiya'.
Rupal Patel became a household name when she played the stern monarch, 'Kokila Modi', in Star Plus’ hit daily soap, Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. Viewers loved watching the interaction between 'Kokila' and her daughter-in-law, 'Gopi Bahu', initially played by actress Gia Manek. The duo formed the central narrative of the story, and their on-screen and off-screen camaraderie won the audience’s hearts.
However, Gia Manek quit the show a few years later because of some internal conflicts with the production. After that, Devoleena Bhattarchjee replaced Gia and Gopi. Now, Rupal Patel finally opened up about her reaction to the replacement.
Also Read: Sunny Deol Can't Stop Praising 'Bahu', Drisha For Bringing Luck Into Their Family, 'Why Things..'
Rupal Patel recently appeared in Siddharth Kannan’s interview, where she revealed that she shared an extremely close bond with Gia Manek and is still in contact with her. Rupal shared that she was not aware of Gia quitting Saath Nibhaana Saathiya and only learned about it after the new promo was shot.
Rupal divulged that after hearing the news, she was moved to tears and could not talk to anyone, and her voice choked up. Later, when she asked the makers about the replacement, they informed her that Devoleena would join the cast. Devoleena soon after joined the serial and worked hard to impress the viewers as the new ‘Gopi Bahu’. Talking about the situation, Rupal recalled:
"Kalaakar badal jaate hai, par kirdaar wahi rehte hai. I was crying and Star Plus se bhi kuch log aye thhe press conference ke liye, I could not speak to the press.”
Suggested Read: Vivek Agnihotri Supports Pakistan Doctor Who Criticised 'Heeramandi': 'Brothels Have Never Been...'
In the same interview, Rupal Patel said that she feels Gia made a wrong decision by quitting Saath Nibhaaana Saathiya for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. For the uninitiated, Gia left her daily soap as she wanted to be a part of the dancing reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa but got eliminated early on in the season.
Let us know your views on Rupal Patel’s revelations.
Next Read: Before Hrithik Roshan, Saba Azad Used To Date Naseeruddin Shah's Son, Imaad, Here's What We Know