REACHING 1,000 episodes is a rare triumph in an age where viewers' attention spans often hover around 15 seconds, and most daily soaps fade out as quickly as they arrive. Yet, Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi Naye Rishtey, the beloved slice-of-life show, has achieved just that! Star of the show, Sumeet Raghvan, feels incredibly fortunate to be part of a long-running series that has come to reflect our evolving world, capturing the hopes, dreams, challenges, and daily lives of Indian families. Sumeet credits the show’s success to its relatable storytelling, which brings to life the everyday issues of the common man. Inspired by the iconic characters created by legendary cartoonist RK Laxman, Wagle Ki Duniya first made its mark on Doordarshan in 1980s.

 

The new-age sequel, revived by JD Majethia and Aatish Kapadia, features an impressive ensemble cast - including Anjan Srivastav, Bharati Achrekar, Pariva Pranati, Sheehan Kapahi, and Chinmayee Salvi - who together bring out the quirks, struggles, and joys of a modern Indian family. Reflecting on his journey as RajeshWagle, Sumeet expressed his gratitude, saying, “The success of this show is a collective effort. From the channel and writers to our producers, creative team, and the entire production crew, everyone has poured their heart into it. Being the face of a show, that resonates so deeply with people, is truly a dream come true. When we began, our goal was simple: to portray the life of the common man, filled with smiles, hiccups, and those little moments that make our life richer. The fact that it has became a mirror, reflecting the lives of countless families is blessing for all for us.” He added, “The beauty of these stories lies in how they capture the pulse of real life, blending humor with heart. Wagle Ki Duniya serves up a full thali, offering something for everyone, from ages eight to eighty! For me, Rajesh Wagle is more than just a character - it’s a connection that I cherish deeply. I owe a huge thanks to our makers -Hats Off Productions and JD Majethia - who believed in this vision and made it happen.” Wagle Ki Duniya captures the essence of family bonds, showcasing the highs and lows of three generations living under one roof. In today’s world, where nuclear families are the norm, the show provides a heartfelt glimpse into the richness of joint family life. It highlights the sage wisdom of grandparents, the steady support of parents, and the lively camaraderie of siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles, and the joy each relationship brings. Sharing a memorable moment from the set, Sumeet says, “Recently, while we were shooting in Mumbai, an Indian-Canadian family came to visit us.

 

They were absolutely fascinated by the show and told us that they make their children watch it to stay connected to Indian values and traditions. That moment was truly rewarding for all of us. Wagle Ki Duniya is all about celebrating family, and it’s amazing to know it’s inspiring viewers and making a difference in their lives.” Known for his roles in blockbuster shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai and several films, Sumeet says the bonds on set have grown as close as family. “After more than three years of working together, we’re like family off-screen as well. From sharing meals to relaxing between takes, we do it all together. Watching Anjan Ji and Bharati Mausi onTV as a teen and now calling them my friends has been an incredible journey for me. Bharati Mausi, who I fondly call the ‘youngest’ member of our team, keeps us all on our toes. After a long day, when we’re tired and sitting down, she’ll breeze in saying, ‘Come on, one more take!’ Her energy lifts us all up.”

 

Over the years, Wagle Ki Duniya has tackled a range of issues, from breast cancer awareness and mental health to topics like family values, honesty, and following one’s passion, sparking meaningful conversations with viewers. “Our episodes on social issues like women’s safety, mental health, and taboos around menstruation have received tremendous support. Social media allows our audience to share their thoughts and experiences, reinforcing our commitment to storytelling that matters. We recently shot an episode about a women’s kabaddi team, their challenges with a coach, and how they’re later guided by a cancer survivor - it got an amazing response. Moments like these reassure us that we’re on the right path.” Catch Wagle Ki Duniya on Sony SAB, Monday to Saturday at 9 pm.