COLORS ‘Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann’: “Playing Girdhar felt like living a parenting journey”, says Sandeep Baswana

Set in the picturesque landscapes of Chitrakoot, COLORS’ presents ‘Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann’, the show about the girl who courageously plots her journey to space, in a world where the girls around her are expected to manage kitchens rather than their careers. With her father Girdhar as her only support, she navigates conservative prejudices, burning bright with passion to become an astronaut. Her father is wrongfully implicated in a crime while trying to secure her future, leaving him behind bars. As Apollena struggles to keep her dreams alive, the weight of the family crisis, combined with a dip in her academic performance, threatens to crush her spirit. Will she be able to overcome the meteoric challenges and reclaim her place in the stars, or will fate keep her grounded forever?

1. Tell us something about the show ‘Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann’.
A. ‘Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann’ is an inspiring story of an 18-year-old girl from a middle-class family in Chitrakoot who dares to dream of becoming India’s first female astronaut and restoring her father’s honour. In a world that often confines girls to traditional roles, Apollena’s passion and ambition, inspired by her father Girdhar and her role model Pallavi Ramakrishnan, set her on a remarkable journey. She faces many challenges, including family obligations, societal prejudices, and being labeled ‘gaddaar ki beti’ because of her father being wrongfully accused. This show highlights her resilience and determination, inspiring viewers to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.

2. Tell us about your character in the show.
A. I am essaying the character of Girdhar, a father who is a strong support system for his daughter, Apollena. My character works as a lab assistant in a space research institute, carrying the weight of his own unfulfilled dreams. But his main goal is to help his daughter break free from society’s limits and chase her own dreams. This journey reflects the sacrifices fathers make, putting their own dreams aside to help their children reach for the stars.

3. Why did you say yes to the show and the character?
A. When I heard this story, I was sure I wanted to do this. This story beautifully portrays a father’s commitment to his daughter’s dreams. My character’s journey is about how he defies societal norms and overcomes every obstacle to support her daughter’s dream. His belief in her, even when the world seems to stand in its way, is a powerful sentiment that resonated with me. It’s more than just playing a character; it’s about embodying the real, heartfelt struggles of parents who go to any lengths to secure a better future for their children. Playing Girdhar felt like living a parenting journey. The emotional weight and authenticity of this role made it impossible to turn away and it felt like something I had to live through, not just act.

4. What is it like to be part of COLORS’ first space-based inspirational drama?
A. Being part of COLORS’ first-ever space-based inspirational drama is an exhilarating experience. It’s a genre that Indian television has rarely ventured into, making it both a challenge and an honor to be part of something so groundbreaking. Space is not just a backdrop in this story—it’s a metaphor for limitless possibilities, resilience, and dreaming beyond boundaries.

5. What is your bond with your co-actors?
A. Working alongside Aditi Sharma has been an exhilarating and enriching experience. The dedication she brings to the project to playing the role of Apollena is heartwarming to see. There’s a natural comfort between us that makes our scenes together feel so real and personal. I couldn’t have asked for a better co-actor to share this journey with.

6. How did you prepare for the role of Girdhar? How different is it from the roles you played earlier?
A. To step into Girdhar’s shoes, I read a lot about women who are trying to reach for the stars. I spent time reflecting on how Girdhar’s past shaped his dreams for Apollena. Since Girdhar is someone who has seen his own aspirations fall apart, I tried to bring that emotional weight to his character while balancing his constant support for Apollena. It was important to get his love, frustration, and hope right so that viewers could really feel what he was going through. This role is very different from what I’ve played before. My earlier characters were more straightforward or focused on their own goals. However, Girdhar is layered with selflessness and unfulfilled dreams. He supports Apollena while quietly battling his own struggles, which makes him more challenging and exciting to portray.

7. How was your experience visiting Lucknow for the show’s promotion?
A. It was such a special experience to meet the young, bright minds in Lucknow. Watching them interact with Dr. Rajashree Bothale was truly inspiring. As Girdhar in Apollena, I play a father who stands by his daughter no matter what, and it’s amazing to see these girls believe in their dreams. It was so special when the children presented Apollena with a registration certificate for a star named after her. That moment spoke for the fact that no dream is too big. I enjoyed flying paper planes together with over 100 kids – a tiny yet symbolic step towards reaching for the stars. Apart from the promotions, I enjoyed eating kebabs and chaat. We explored the markets and bought some beautiful chikankari clothes.

8. Lastly, what would you like to say to your fans and the viewers who have shown so much love for your show’s trailer ‘Apollena’?
A. I am truly touched by the excitement surrounding ‘Apollena’. I am very grateful for all the love and support viewers have shown for the show. This project is very close to my heart, and I hope to live up to the audience’s expectations. I promise to entertain them and bring Girdhar to life with everything I have. Stay tuned for an incredible saga.

‘Apollena – Sapno Ki Unchi Udann’ premieres on 3rd December and airs every Monday to Sunday at 6:00 pm only on COLORS.