What happens when reel meets real in the most powerful way? You get a moment that stays with you forever.

Zee TV’s vibrant celebration, Zee Rishton Ka Mela is more than just a star-studded event. With its renewed promise of Aapka Apna Zee TV the channel has created something truly magical — a celebration that not only entertains but touches hearts and brings fans closer to the stories they love.

And one such unforgettable moment came when actress Mohak Matkar, who plays Saru on-screen, met her real-life inspiration — Jyoti, a young woman from Haryana whose life mirrors the strength and courage Saru stands for.

A Moment That Transcended the Screen

During the Mumbai leg of Zee Rishton Ka Mela, amidst the high-energy dance numbers, fan cheers, and spotlight moments — something beautiful happened backstage. Mohak Matkar came face-to-face with a real-life “Saru.”

Jyoti isn’t a celebrity, but her story shines even brighter. Hailing from Haryana, she has battled patriarchy, broken barriers, and emerged as a symbol of resilience — empowering young girls in her community to chase dreams beyond what tradition once allowed.

Saru

Mohak’s Emotional Response: “It Was Grounding, Eye-Opening

Recalling this emotional meeting, Mohak shared:

Meeting Jyoti was inspiring, grounding, emotional, and eye-opening all at once. As an actor, I’ve worked hard to understand and embody Saru… but sitting across from Jyoti made me realize — this isn’t just a role, it’s a responsibility.

She added that it’s rare to meet someone whose life so closely resembles the character you play — and that connection hit home for her.

“What touched me most was realizing that the dream she carries isn’t just hers — it’s shared by so many girls across the country still waiting to be seen, to be heard, to be given a chance.