"We all are earning our bread and butter through acting, but it makes it so much easier when you know you're making a difference," she says. "You may think I'm exaggerating, but Indian serials have so much influence. If each serial picked a single issue and focused on how to improve it, it would have a great effect on our society," she claims.

I ask her about the future of the show, but she is quick to respond: "I honestly don't want to discuss all the details. Today is Maya's day, and that should be the focus."

Suddenly, a four-piece band in the back of the room strikes up an exotic tune. All voices subside.

A parade enters the room and moves towards the mandap. In the centre, a small woman covers her face and walks blindly forward, trying to shield the intense light of video-recorders and cameras.

Whispers ripple through the reporters, quickly becoming shouts and inciting chaos.

"Chalo! That's her! Jaldi! Jaldi!"

I try to get close, in vain.

Akanksha Rawat

Also Read: Television's highest-paid actors

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