Radhika and Dev (Avinash Sachdev) shared a love that transcended the material world.

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Bollywood couple returns

By Sateesh Maharaj

Fans of the Bollywood soap opera Chhoti Bahu are in for a special treat as lead actors Dev (Avinash Sachdev) and Radhika (Rubina Dilaik) get set to deliver a spectacular performance at the Centre of Excellence tomorrow from 7.00 PM.

The popular duo will be a part of the 'Trinidad VS The Rest of the World' concert presented by A&K Promotions which also features Apache Warrior, the New York Music Machine, Sassy, Dil E Nadan and the Shiv Shakti Dancers. Apart from a line-up of great musical entertainment, patrons will also witness captivating dance routines and drama from both local and foreign acts.

The first season of Chhoti Bahu (youngest daughter-in-law), focussed on the trials, tribulations and sacrifices of Radhika (Dilaik), the youngest daughter-in-law of the Purohit family and the adopted daughter of Pundit Brij Mohan Shastrij (Rajiv Verma). As a baby, Radhika was found abandoned on the steps of a temple in the town of Vrindavan. She was adopted by the priest, and his meek wife Devaki (Samta Sagar). Radhika grew up with Shastri's daughter, Vishakha. Both the girls were of the same age. Shastri's aged mother Amma (Gopi Desai) resented Radhika and always treated her badly while indulging Vishakha (Priyanka Mishra). As a result, Vishakha grew up into a wilful, selfish and pampered brat. Radhika was a great devotee of Lord Krishna (played by Nishant Shokeen). Yet, because her true parentage was unknown, the orthodox people of Vrindavan did not permit her to enter temples. She was dutiful and patient. Vishakha often took advantage of Radhika's good nature to cover up her mistakes.

The Purohit family was a wealthy and powerful clan based in Delhi. The head of the family was the hereditary priest of a large and influential religious organization. Dev (Avinash Sachdev) was the youngest son of the incumbent priest and a favourite with nearly everyone in the family, especially his grandmother. The Purohit family visited Vrindavan and here Dev saw Radhika for the first time. He fell in love with her at first sight. Owing to some confusion, he got the impression that her name was Vishakha. The Purohit family visited Shastri's house and asked for Vishakha's hand in marriage. Dev and Vishakha were engaged but, true to the traditions of their families, they did not meet face-to-face. Meanwhile, Vishakha found an opportunity to audition for a film role, which was a dream come true for her. On the day of her wedding, Vishakha went away for the audition and asked Radhika to cover up her absence till her return.

Because of some unforeseen circumstances, Vishakha could not return in time. Therefore, it was Radhika who went through the wedding rituals with Dev. Radhika's face was veiled in keeping with tradition. The truth was only known to Shastri's mother and Devaki. Vishakha returned after the conclusion of all the rituals. She then took Radhika's place and left for the Purohit house with Dev. Though Devaki objected to this, Shastri's mother overruled her and threatened to commit suicide if the truth was revealed to anyone.

The Purohit family welcomed its youngest daughter-in-law 'chhoti bahu' with great enthusiasm. No one was aware that the chhoti bahu was Radhika, who was still at Shastri's house. Dev was shocked when the bride's veil lifted and there was a face behind it that he did not expect to see. He thought he had married the wrong woman by mistake and was heartbroken. But Radhika's situation was even more difficult because she knew herself to be Dev's wife, yet could not claim that position.

Whilst season two saw the duo interacting with new characters and more intense difficulties in a new timeline, it also showed that all obstacles could be overcome through devotion to and firm belief in God.

Sushilla Cheng, Director of Matthew Foods Ltd will be hosting the actors for a lunch before tomorrow's show. She said that the serial, Chhoti Bahu, was one of the more popular soap operas on the Zee Television Network because of it's spiritual theme.

"We learnt a lot from it. The love they shared was divine. This is what made them so special."

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