Popular television actor Rashami Desai is back on screen with Star Plus’s new fiction drama Sayoneee, stepping into the complex role of Maya. Reflecting on her return to the medium that launched her career, Rashami emphasises that television will always hold a foundational place in her life.
She says, “It feels deeply special to be back. I’ve always maintained that television is my foundation—it gave me characters that audiences still remember and shower with love. I received several offers over the years, but I was clear that I wouldn’t return just for the sake of making a comeback. Sayoneee and Maya gave me a compelling reason to step back into fiction drama. Now that the show is on air, I’m thrilled to see how viewers connect with her—even if she tests their patience at times!”
In Sayoneee, Rashami plays Maya, a woman unaware that the young girl in her orbit, Saanvi, is actually her daughter. This unrequited dynamic sits at the emotional core of the show, highlighting the painful rift between a daughter longing for affection and a distant mother.
“Saanvi has grown up longing for her mother and carries the weight of knowing Maya’s true identity, while Maya remains completely oblivious. That creates immense tension—Saanvi longs for affection, while Maya treats her with strict indifference. The journey isn’t just about the reveal; even when Maya discovers the truth, it won’t magically solve everything. Saanvi has her own hurts, and Maya will have to confront the choices she has made.”
Unlike traditional television protagonists crafted to be immediately likeable, Maya is practical, headstrong, and unyielding in her beliefs. For Rashami, portraying an imperfect, multifaceted woman was the primary draw. “What drew me to Maya is that she wasn’t written to be universally lovable in every scene. She is strong-willed, fiercely independent, and firm in her stance that women deserve equal space and opportunity, though her approach can be quite stern. That gives me room to play her authentically. Viewers might feel conflicted about her at times, but they will understand where she comes from. Exploring the woman behind that tough exterior is what makes her so fascinating.”
Before stepping into the hectic promotional phase and premiere of Sayoneee, Rashami sought spiritual solace by visiting Kainchi Dham to seek the blessings of Neem Karoli Baba, helping her find clarity and calm amidst the launch chaos. “Visiting Kainchi Dham had been on my mind for a long time, and the timing felt right just as Sayoneee was preparing to reach audiences. We had put so much effort into shooting, and I went with a simple prayer for positivity and grace. Preparing for a launch brings a whirlwind of thoughts, but that peaceful visit helped me slow down, reflect, and return with a calm mind and renewed energy to give Maya my absolute best.”
The narrative relies heavily on the screen chemistry between the core cast. Rashami shares high praise for her young co-stars, Jahnavi Soni and Gautam Vig, who portray Saanvi and Aditya. “Working with them has been a delight. Jahnavi brings a genuine sincerity and dedication to her craft that makes scene work feel effortless. Being relatively new to the industry, she brings a passion to set that keeps the energy high. Gautam brings immense warmth to Aditya, and together, he and Janhavi share a natural chemistry that makes you genuinely root for their characters’ romance.”
For Rashami Desai, success with Sayoneee goes beyond ratings—it is about pushing her boundaries as an actor and sparking genuine conversation among viewers. “My goal with this comeback is to know that I gave Maya everything I had. I waited for a role that made me feel something deeply, and now I want to do complete justice to all her nuances—even the difficult ones. More than anything, I hope viewers talk about Maya, debate her choices, and stay curious about her next move. That is when you know a character has truly come alive.”
