Shilpa Shetty is 'warm and down-to-earth', says Maa Hai Na co-star Nikita Rawal
Synopsis
Nikita Rawal's glowing account of working with Shilpa Shetty on ZEE5's 'Maa Hai Na' offers a rare on-set glimpse of one of Bollywood's most seasoned actresses — and the show's premiere landed just days after Shilpa turned 51, with both her husband Raj Kundra and sister Shamita Shetty posting unusually personal tributes.
Key Takeaways
Nikita Rawal described Shilpa Shetty as 'incredibly down-to-earth, warm, and amazing to work with' on ZEE5 's 'Maa Hai Na' .
This is the first time Nikita and Shilpa have shared screen space together. 'Maa Hai Na' premiered on ZEE5 on 12 June , centred on themes of motherhood and family.
Shilpa Shetty celebrated her 51st birthday on 8 June , days before the show's launch.
Husband Raj Kundra and sister Shamita Shetty both shared personal birthday tributes on social media.
Actress Nikita Rawal has heaped praise on her ZEE5 co-star Shilpa Shetty, describing the 'Dhadkan' actress as 'incredibly down-to-earth, warm, and amazing to work with' — this after the two share screen space for the first time in the streaming platform's new show 'Maa Hai Na', which premiered on 12 June.
Nikita on the Show's Special Appeal
Reflecting on what drew her to the project, Nikita said, 'What makes this show truly special is the way it celebrates mothers and the love that brings families together. It's filled with warmth, laughter, emotions, and beautiful stories that audiences of all ages will connect with.'
The show, centred around themes of motherhood and family bonds, marks a notable pairing of the two actresses on screen for the first time.
Working Alongside Shilpa Shetty
Nikita spoke candidly about the experience of collaborating with one of Bollywood's most enduring names. 'Working with Shilpa Shetty has been a wonderful experience. She is incredibly down-to-earth, warm, and amazing to work with,' she said.
Nikita added that despite Shilpa's stature in the industry, the senior actress ensured everyone on set felt comfortable and welcomed. 'I learned so much from her positive energy and professionalism,' Nikita noted.
Shilpa Shetty Turns 51 Amid the Show's Launch
The show's premiere coincided closely with Shilpa Shetty's 51st birthday on 8 June. Her husband Raj Kundra marked the occasion with a heartfelt message on social media, writing: 'A different Birthday post this year … Not about celebrations or moments. But about what you truly mean and stand for in my life. Strength when life gets difficult. Grace when emotions overflow. Faith when everything feels uncertain. And light even in the darkest phases. You have always carried the energy of a Devi nurturing, protecting, forgiving and fiercely strong all at once Happy Birthday my love. May Maa bless you with everything your heart deserves @theshilpashetty.'
Her sister, actress Shamita Shetty, also shared a warm tribute: 'Happy Birthday my darling Munki. My forever blessing. For me you've always been the blueprint for strength and grace, inspiring me in so many ways. Thank you for being my sister, my guiding light. Can't imagine my life without you. Love you to infinity.'
About Maa Hai Na
'Maa Hai Na' premiered on ZEE5 on 12 June and brings together Shilpa Shetty and Nikita Rawal in a family drama exploring the emotional landscape of motherhood. With the show's themes aligning closely with Shilpa's own birthday milestone, the timing has added a layer of personal resonance to the project's launch.
Point of View
But Nikita Rawal's remarks carry a specific texture — she singles out Shilpa's ability to make junior artists feel included, which is not a given on sets where star hierarchy is often felt acutely. The timing of 'Maa Hai Na's' launch, days after Shilpa's 51st birthday and amid a string of personal public messages from family, suggests a deliberate convergence of personal narrative and promotional rollout. Whether the show itself can sustain audience interest beyond the launch buzz will depend on whether its motherhood-centric storytelling finds traction on a platform competing hard for family drama viewers.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Maa Hai Na' on ZEE5?
'Maa Hai Na' is a family drama streaming on ZEE5 that explores themes of motherhood and familial love. It premiered on 12 June and marks the first on-screen collaboration between Shilpa Shetty and Nikita Rawal.
What did Nikita Rawal say about working with Shilpa Shetty?
Nikita Rawal called Shilpa Shetty 'incredibly down-to-earth, warm, and amazing to work with.' She added that she learned a great deal from Shilpa's positive energy and professionalism on set.
When did Shilpa Shetty turn 51?
Shilpa Shetty celebrated her 51st birthday on 8 June, just days before 'Maa Hai Na' premiered on ZEE5 on 12 June.
What did Raj Kundra post for Shilpa Shetty's birthday?
Raj Kundra shared a personal tribute describing Shilpa as his source of 'strength, grace, and faith,' calling her 'the energy of a Devi — nurturing, protecting, forgiving and fiercely strong all at once.'
Is this Shilpa Shetty's first project with Nikita Rawal?
Yes, 'Maa Hai Na' on ZEE5 is the first time Shilpa Shetty and Nikita Rawal have appeared together on screen.
