“It’s a very challenging character in the best way possible”, says Mona Vasu playing the role of Aishwarya

Mumbai, Set in vibrant Mumbai, the story begins 22 years ago when Mannat was abandoned by her mother, Aishwarya, at Marine Drive. Now in her 20s and a culinary graduate, Mannat lands her first job at a restaurant owned by Aishwarya and Vikrant. Unaware of their bond, Aishwarya fires Mannat upon learning of her background and closeness to Vikrant. However, Vikrant rehires Mannat, recognizing her talent. As family secrets and ambitions collide, will Mannat’s path to success overcome her mother’s fierce opposition? 

1. Tell us about the show.
2. ‘Mannat Harr Khushi Paane Ki’ tells a tale set in a prestigious restaurant in Mumbai. It revolves around Mannat, a gifted young chef determined to prove her mettle in a world that judges her more for her humble roots than her talent. Her dreams are challenged by Aishwarya, her icy boss who undermines her at every turn, sneering that all she is capable of is running a roadside thela. However, her other boss, Vikrant believes that she has all the ingredients to live her dream of donning the Head Chef’s hat, thoroughly impressed with her cooking. Little does Mannat know that Aishwarya is not just her boss – she is her biological mother, the very woman who abandoned her at birth! The family drama explores a complicated mother-and-daughter relationship and how Mannat’s ‘banaungi apni kismat’ attitude is challenged by circumstances. 

2. Tell us about your character.
3. Aishwarya is a woman who fought tooth and nail to escape poverty. She quickly learned that dreams don’t come true without sacrifice and hustle. But the higher the desire, the steeper the cost. The successful and cold, Aishwarya has built a life on ambition, but the price has been steep — and the collateral damage is real. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that Mannat, the daughter she abandoned to die, is alive and works at the restaurant she owns. Seeing Mannat is like looking in a mirror, and it terrifies her. With the same fire, and the same hunger for success — Aishwarya knows Mannat will stop at nothing to get what she wants. And that makes her life as a boss even more brutal and unforgiving.

3. What kind of prep did you do for your role?
4. Playing Aishwarya has been a challenge in the best way possible. The prep involved a lot of understanding of the psyche of a woman who has lived with guilt and self-justifications. Aishwarya is someone who hides her emotions behind a mask and portraying that required me to be aware of every subtle shift in her expressions. I also studied women who are in powerful positions and the struggles they face while maintaining their authority.

4. How was your experience collaborating with COLORS?
5. This is my return to COLORS after 12 years, and it feels incredibly special. The channel has always been at the forefront of bringing fresh and meaningful content, and Mannat is no exception. The team’s support and creativity make every day on set a fulfilling experience. 

5. What has your experience been like working with your co-actors?
6. It’s been an enriching experience working with Ayesha and Adnan. Ayesha’s dedication to her role is inspiring, and Adnan’s ease on set creates a collaborative atmosphere. The camaraderie we share off-screen translates beautifully into our performances. 

6. How does the mother-daughter relationship play out in the show, and what makes it so compelling?
7. The mother-daughter angle is powerful because it’s built on lies, but also on love that was never allowed to flourish. Aishwarya has to confront the choices she made in the past, and as the truth unfolds, we see the painful consequences. She is terrified that her daughter is her spitting image and will stop at nothing to pursue her ambitions. What makes this dynamic unique is that both women are living out their dreams, but they are on opposite sides of a moral and emotional conflict. Watching them navigate this is what makes it so intense. 

7. What’s the most exciting part of this journey for you as an actor?
8. What excites me the most is portraying a character with so many shades. Aishwarya is both a villain and a victim in her own way. The opportunity to showcase her vulnerabilities while maintaining her strong exterior has been very fulfilling. The mother-daughter conflict is emotionally charged, and every day on set is a new learning experience. 

8. What is the most challenging part of playing your character?
9. My character is complex because she’s constantly hiding her emotions behind a calm exterior. The challenge is to show the internal conflict she’s facing—her guilt for abandoning her and her desire to maintain control. It’s not easy to balance all of that, but it makes the role compelling. 

9. What sets this show apart from other family dramas?
10. Mannat is different because it blends ambition, family drama, and intense emotional twists in a never-before-seen culinary setting. It’s not a typical family story—it’s about chasing dreams in the face of adversity and discovering long-buried secrets. The kitchen backdrop adds a unique, high-energy layer that makes the conflict even more engaging. 

10. Any message for your fans?
11. I hope fans take away the understanding that the choices we make shape who we are, but it’s never too late to rewrite your story. This one’s for you, our amazing fans! Thank you for being our biggest cheerleaders. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. Hope to see you on the other side of the screen!