Sreejita De shares her thoughts on essaying an antagonist Rajnandini in COLORS’ ‘Doree’

Set against the ghats of Varanasi, the second season of the show revolves around the 22-year-old Doree, who is on a mission to spin her Baba’s dreams into reality and elevate the bunkars from mere artisans to revered artists. A saree ambassador, Doree wants to establish the first brand of bunkars called ‘Kaashi-Kala’. She shatters the stereotype that daughters are a burden by showing a remarkable entrepreneurial flair with a stunning blend of tradition and modernity in her saree designs, much to her father’s pride. As Doree’s saree business grows, she envisions going digital with a website that will ramp up her profits to provide for Shubhi’s education and future. But Rajnandini, seething with rage, cannot tolerate Doree’s efforts to support the bunkars or allow them to have any name. It’s a clash between a power-hungry dictator Rajnandini desperate to maintain her supremacy and a defiant woman Doree fighting for her right to the weavers’ name and fame, and her daughter’s rightful inheritance.

1. Tell us about the show.
A. The second chapter of Doree weaves dil ke rishte, which are stronger than the bonds of blood. In its first season, the journey of the abandoned girl Doree, lovingly rescued and raised by the humble weaver Ganga Prasad, captured the hearts of millions. Now, leaping ahead to 14 years, the saga continues with even greater intensity, affirming that khoon se badhkar dil ka rishta hota hain aur parvarish paidaish se badi hoti hai. Doree has grown into a strong, compassionate woman, determined to honour her father’s legacy. Her life takes a fateful turn when she rescues an infant, Shubhi, abandoned by the ruthless Thakurain Rajnandini. Embracing her role as Shubhi’s protector, Doree stands unfazed against societal judgment as a single mother, driven by the values instilled in her by Ganga Prasad. As Doree pours her heart into expanding her saree business to secure Shubhi’s future, she inadvertently stirs the rage of Rajnandini, who views Doree’s success as a direct threat to the Thakurs’ handloom empire. The same woman who discarded Shubhi now emerges as Doree’s adversary, set on reclaiming her lost power and pride. With the stakes higher than ever, Doree must wage a battle to preserve her right to thrive in the business world and protect Shubhi’s rightful inheritance. The journey of Doree is set to enthrall once more, as the fight for love, legacy, and justice unfolds in a heart-wrenching clash of wills.

2. Tell us about your character.
A. Rajnandini is the power-driven daughter of the Thakurs, and she will stop at nothing to gain control of her family’s handloom empire, seeing to it that her lineage is the rightful inheritor of its legacy. She will go to any length, no matter how ruthless, even if it means destroying an innocent life, to safeguard her chance at retaining power. Beneath the craving for power lies a woman plagued by insecurities, fear, and a relentless dread of losing everything. Her desperate need for control is rooted in vulnerability, making her not only unpredictable but also brutal. When she sees Doree’s rise as a threat to everything she holds dear, it drives her to fight with an unimaginable force.

3. What kind of prep did you do for your role?
A. Rajnandini is all about power and control and to essay her, I had to set aside any empathy or softness, which was an interesting challenge. I spent a lot of time reading the script to really understand Rajnandini’s character. I don’t judge the characters I play; instead, I try to understand them, and that’s what I did with Rajnandini. It was interesting to grasp the mental state of someone who could take such extreme actions and understanding that emotional complexity was a big part of my preparation.

4. How was your experience collaborating with COLORS?
A. I have a long-standing relationship with COLORS and collaborating with it yet again feels like a homecoming. The faith the channel has shown in me goes a long way in exploring the complexities of Rajnandini’s character. I’m thrilled to continue this creative partnership with the second season of a beloved show.

5. What has your experience been like working with your co-actors?
A. It’s been a pleasure working with both Priyanshi and Amar. Priyanshi is so passionate and brings a lot of heart to Doree, while Amar’s presence on set is so calming and supportive. We all share respect for each other’s craft, and that has made our working relationship even

6. What’s the most exciting part of this journey for you as an actor?
A. The most exciting part of playing Rajnandini is exploring the many layers of her character. On the surface, she is ruthless, a woman driven by power and ambition, willing to do anything to maintain her control. But beneath that fierce exterior lies a woman haunted by deep-rooted fears and insecurities. The thrill for me is in balancing these two extremes the cold, calculating ambition and the vulnerability that comes from her fear of losing everything she is built. Rajnandini is a woman who constantly battles with her own demons, and portraying that inner conflict keeps me constantly on my toes

7. What is the most challenging part of playing your character?
A. The biggest challenge in playing Rajnandini was her lack of empathy. She is a character who is willing to do anything for power and portraying that coldness without making her seem one-dimensional is something I have paid special attention to.

8. What sets this show apart from other family dramas?
A. What sets ‘Doree 2’ apart is the way it challenges traditional notions of family. It is not just about blood ties; it is about the unbreakable bond of love, trust, and sacrifice that binds us together. In this season, Doree’s journey highlights that family can be chosen, and that emotional connections can be far stronger and more enduring than anything defined by biology. The themes of entrepreneurship, resilience, and women’s empowerment are woven throughout the story, giving it a unique depth that sets it apart from other family dramas. It is not just about the challenges of running a business or the struggles of a single mother; it is about a woman carving her own path, a proud father supporting his daughter, redefining what it means to be a family, and fighting for a legacy built on values of compassion and justice.

9. Any message for your fans?
A. Thank you all for your love and support. I hope Doree’s journey inspires you to fight for your dreams and stay true to your values, no matter what. We hope that you shower the same love and support as you did for the first season of Doree if not more.

Witness a saga where the ties that bind are stronger than blood in ‘Doree’; every Monday to Friday at 10:30 pm only on COLORS.