Saaya turns 28: Manasi Joshi Roy marks milestone with R. Madhavan-starrer throwback
Synopsis
Twenty-eight years after 'Saaya' first aired, Manasi Joshi Roy's throwback tribute has revived nostalgia for one of Indian TV's most-loved ensemble dramas — a show that featured a pre-stardom R. Madhavan and the late Nitesh Pandey, and helped define late-1990s Hindi television storytelling.
Key Takeaways
Actress Manasi Joshi Roy marked 28 years of television drama 'Saaya' on 18 September 2026 . 'Saaya' premiered in August 1998 and was directed by Sanjay Upadhyay .
The cast included R.
Madhavan , Achint Kaur , Anup Soni , and the late Nitesh Pandey .
Manasi currently stars as Lakshmi Jaiswal in 'Lakshmi Niwas' on Zee TV , which premiered on 12 January 2026 .
She has been married to actor Rohit Roy since 23 June 1999 ; the couple have a daughter, Kiara .
Actress Manasi Joshi Roy marked 28 years of the beloved television drama 'Saaya' on 18 September 2026, sharing a heartfelt fan-made video montage that revisited memorable moments from the show alongside its iconic ensemble cast. The nostalgic tribute brought back memories of a series that aired from August 1998 and left a lasting imprint on Indian television viewers.
The Fan Tribute That Started It All
The video montage, curated by a dedicated fan page, featured glimpses of Manasi Joshi Roy alongside co-stars Achint Kaur, R. Madhavan, Anup Soni, and the late Nitesh Pandey, among others. Manasi shared the clip on her social media, revisiting scenes and candid pictures that captured the warmth of the cast's camaraderie. The post drew an emotional response from long-time fans of the show.
What Made 'Saaya' Special
Directed by Sanjay Upadhyay and premiering in August 1998, 'Saaya' was built around two contrasting young women — Sudha, played by Manasi Joshi Roy, a shy and reserved girl from an orthodox family, and Kamiya, played by Achint Kaur, who was outgoing and confident. Their college friendship formed the emotional core of the narrative as they navigated relationships, family expectations, and shifting personal circumstances.
The show's ensemble was a notable who's who of Indian television at the time. R. Madhavan appeared as Shekhar, Anup Soni as Prakash (Sudha's brother), Nitesh Pandey as Manoj, Karan Oberoi as Karan, Harsh Chhaya as Bhaskar Sir, Rajendra Gupta as Jagat Narayan (Sudha's father), Savita Prabhune as her mother, and Shri Vallabh Vyas as Shekhar's father.
Manasi Joshi Roy's Career Since 'Saaya'
In the nearly three decades since 'Saaya', Manasi has built a versatile television career spanning multiple popular shows. Her credits include 'Gharwali Uparwali', 'Kkusum', 'Dhhai Kilo Prem', 'Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar', and 'Kyunki... Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai'. She is currently portraying the titular character Lakshmi Jaiswal in 'Lakshmi Niwas', which premiered on Zee TV on 12 January 2026.
On the Personal Front
Off-screen, Manasi is married to actor Rohit Roy. The couple wed on 23 June 1999 — just months after 'Saaya' premiered — and have been together for more than 27 years. They have a daughter, Kiara. The anniversary of the show thus also represents a period that bookends a significant chapter in her personal life.
As 'Saaya' enters its 29th year, the outpouring of fan appreciation signals that the show's emotional storytelling continues to resonate well beyond its original broadcast run.
Point of View
Relationship-centric Indian television. The show launched careers — R. Madhavan's small-screen presence in 'Saaya' predates his cinematic breakthrough — and its ensemble has since dispersed across a generation of Indian entertainment. Nostalgia anniversaries like this one also do quiet promotional work for an actor's current project; Manasi's 'Lakshmi Niwas' launched just this year, and the renewed attention is unlikely to hurt viewership. What mainstream coverage misses is the poignant undercurrent: the montage also features the late Nitesh Pandey, making the tribute as much a memorial as a celebration.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TV show 'Saaya' and when did it premiere?
'Saaya' was a Hindi television drama that premiered in August 1998, directed by Sanjay Upadhyay. It centred on the friendship between two contrasting young women, Sudha and Kamiya, as they navigated college life, relationships, and family expectations.
Who were the main cast members of 'Saaya'?
The show featured Manasi Joshi Roy as Sudha, Achint Kaur as Kamiya, R. Madhavan as Shekhar, Anup Soni as Prakash, Nitesh Pandey as Manoj, Karan Oberoi as Karan, Harsh Chhaya as Bhaskar Sir, Rajendra Gupta as Jagat Narayan, Savita Prabhune, and Shri Vallabh Vyas, among others.
What is Manasi Joshi Roy currently working on?
Manasi Joshi Roy is currently starring as the titular character Lakshmi Jaiswal in 'Lakshmi Niwas', which premiered on Zee TV on 12 January 2026. She has appeared in several popular TV shows over her career, including 'Kkusum', 'Dhhai Kilo Prem', and 'Yeh Jhuki Jhuki Si Nazar'.
Why is the 'Saaya' anniversary tribute particularly emotional?
The fan-made montage includes moments featuring the late Nitesh Pandey, who played Manoj in the show, giving the tribute a poignant memorial dimension alongside its celebratory tone. Pandey's presence in the video has added a layer of remembrance for fans and cast alike.
Who is Manasi Joshi Roy married to?
Manasi Joshi Roy is married to actor Rohit Roy. The couple wed on 23 June 1999, shortly after 'Saaya' premiered, and have been married for more than 27 years. They have a daughter named Kiara.
