Rashmi Desai Finds New Purpose in Role of Maya on Star Plus' 'Sayoni'

Veteran television actress Rashmi Desai announced her return to scripted drama with the role of Maya in *Sayoni*, set to air on Star Plus and streaming on JioCinema from September 23. Desai, who first entered the Hindi‑TV arena in 2006 with *Ravan* and later earned widespread recognition for playing Tapasya in *Uttaran*, disclosed that she turned down multiple scripts during her eight‑year sabbatical because they did not align with her creative goals. “I was waiting for a purpose‑driven project, not just another gig,” she said. Maya, the new character, is described as pragmatic and deeply rooted, offering Desai a chance to explore a nuanced personality after years of waiting. Desai’s résumé also includes reality appearances on *Pari Hoon Main*, *Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5*, *Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6*, and *Zara Nachke Dikha 2*, alongside a cameo in Salman Khan’s *Dabangg 2*. Her recent stint on the children’s series *Vagle Ki Duniya – New Generation New Stories* foreshadowed her return to narrative television.