Rashami Desai returns in 'Sayoneee': 'I was looking for a purpose, not a comeback'
Synopsis
Rashami Desai didn't just pick the next available project — she waited until she found one worth returning for. With 'Sayoneee' premiering on Star Plus and JioHotstar on 23 September, the actress opens up on turning down multiple offers, the pull of a purposeful character, and why she never makes impulsive decisions.
Key Takeaways
Rashami Desai returns to television with 'Sayoneee' , premiering on Star Plus and JioHotstar from 23 September .
She plays Maya , a 'very practical character' she says she connected with after turning down several other offers.
Janhavi Soni plays Saanvi and Gautam Singh Vig plays Aditya , described as a 'Sayoneee' rather than a conventional hero.
The show is produced by Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey 's Dreamiyata Entertainment , directed by Uttam Bhelavat .
Rashami said she prioritised emotional honesty over opportunity, stating she has 'never taken impulsive decisions'.
Actress Rashami Desai is set to return to Indian television with the new show 'Sayoneee', premiering on Star Plus and JioHotstar from 23 September — but the actress insists she was never chasing a comeback. Instead, she says she held out for a role that genuinely resonated with her.
Why Rashami Waited
Speaking about her decision to return, Rashami said she turned down multiple offers before committing to 'Sayoneee'. 'I wasn't looking for a comeback on television; I was looking for a purpose,' she said. 'I received many offers, but I turned them down because I didn't feel connected to the stories or the characters that were coming my way.'
The actress, known for making considered rather than impulsive choices, reflected on the value of patience. 'Good, I waited for long, and, you know, it's good to be honest to your emotions also, kyunki impulsive decisions I have never taken,' she added. Her willingness to sit out the market rather than accept a mismatched project speaks to a maturity that veteran TV performers rarely articulate so plainly.
Meet Maya — The Character at the Centre
Rashami plays Maya in 'Sayoneee', a role she describes as grounded and real rather than theatrical. 'Maya is not just a character or an imagination. She is a very practical character,' she said. She also praised the creative team behind the camera, specifically calling out producers Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey of Dreamiyata Entertainment and director Uttam Bhelavat. 'Sometimes we don't know people who are working behind the camera, but they are the ones who will actually help you to reach out to the right audiences,' she noted.
The Full Cast and Their Characters
Alongside Rashami, Janhavi Soni plays Saanvi, a warm but resolute young woman searching for the mother's love she never had. 'Saanvi is warm and nurturing, but her kindness should never be mistaken for weakness. She has the courage to stand up for what she believes is right and keeps her promises even when they come at a personal cost,' Janhavi said. She also credited Rashami for making the experience rewarding off screen: 'She is incredibly warm and generous as a co-actor, and through Sayoneee, I have also found a wonderful friend in her.'
Gautam Singh Vig plays Aditya, Saanvi's steadfast companion. 'Is Aditya Saanvi's hero? No, he is not her hero; he is her Sayoneee. A hero tries to fight your battles for you, while a Sayoneee simply stands by you as you win them yourself,' Gautam said. He described Aditya's love as 'steady, secure and rooted in equality' — positioning the character as a deliberate subversion of the conventional television hero trope.
What the Show Is About
'Sayoneee', produced by Dreamiyata Entertainment, centres on Saanvi's journey as she seeks a maternal bond while discovering a love built on trust and equality through her relationship with Aditya. The narrative consciously foregrounds female agency — Aditya does not solve Saanvi's problems but supports her as she solves them herself. The show airs on Star Plus and streams on JioHotstar, giving it both linear and digital reach from day one.
With Rashami Desai's return generating pre-launch buzz, all eyes will be on whether 'Sayoneee' can hold primetime attention in an increasingly competitive Hindi GEC landscape.
Point of View
Not a comeback' — is the kind of line that gets clipped on social media, but it also reflects a genuine shift in how established TV stars are managing their careers. The days of accepting any primetime slot to stay visible are giving way to selective re-entries, much like what Bollywood actors have practised for years. What's notable here is that Dreamiyata Entertainment, which has already built credibility with Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey at the helm, is positioning 'Sayoneee' not as a masala drama but as a relationship show centred on equality — a framing that could either find a niche audience or struggle for mainstream traction. The real test is whether the content backs up the intent.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Sayoneee' and when does it premiere?
'Sayoneee' is a new Hindi television drama premiering on 23 September on Star Plus and JioHotstar. It stars Rashami Desai as Maya, Janhavi Soni as Saanvi, and Gautam Singh Vig as Aditya, and is produced by Dreamiyata Entertainment.
Why did Rashami Desai turn down other TV offers before 'Sayoneee'?
Rashami Desai said she did not feel connected to the stories or characters in the offers she received and was waiting for a role that gave her a sense of purpose. She stated she has never made impulsive decisions and chose to wait until the right project came along.
Who produces 'Sayoneee' and who is directing it?
'Sayoneee' is produced by Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey under their banner Dreamiyata Entertainment, with Uttam Bhelavat directing. Rashami Desai specifically credited both the producers and director for their ability to connect actors with the right audiences.
What is Rashami Desai's character Maya like in 'Sayoneee'?
Rashami Desai describes Maya as a practical, grounded character rather than a fantastical one. She said Maya is the kind of role that every artist waits for — one that is 'beautifully written' and personally meaningful.
Who are Janhavi Soni and Gautam Singh Vig playing in the show?
Janhavi Soni plays Saanvi, a warm but resilient woman searching for maternal love, while Gautam Singh Vig plays Aditya, described not as a hero but as a 'Sayoneee' — someone who stands beside Saanvi as she wins her own battles, rooted in equality and respect.
