Indian TV stars celebrate Rakshabandhan

The TV industry abounds with couples, who meet on the sets of a show, fall in love and get married. But did you know there are several brother-sister duos too, who have carved a place for themselves in the acting world. Here's looking at some of the famous siblings and the deep bond they share...

Delnaz and Bhatktiyar Irani
Delnaz, a popular face on television is known for her comic roles. She is currently seen as the vibrant and funny Resham chachi in Jamai Raja and Jodha in the comedy serial Akbar Birbal. Bhaktiyar, who made his TV debut with Nach Baliye, is seen in the alien comedy Badi Door Se Aaye Hai as the short-tempered and comic Ronnie.

Delnaz
Though I am a Parsi, I was always intrigued by Rakshabandhan. Our community doesn't celebrate the festival, but I have been tying Rakhi to my brothers and they have supported me. We share a great bond and the festival is just another way to strengthen it. This year is going to be extra special because Porous, who, lives in London is coming down and after a long time will be with us during the festival. I have actually planned the day starting with a lunch - a lot of Parsi dishes, which my brothers relish - at my house, playing cards and then probably go for an outing. Bhaktiyar will be shooting but I am sure he will take the day off and be with us. I always get good gifts from my brothers. I was very touched when Bhaktiyar gave me a blingy Motorala phone eight years ago. I had seen this golden mobile and had just mentioned to him that I liked it. I was happy and taken aback when he gifted a new piece to me.

Bhaktiyar: I will be shooting the entire day but I'm hoping to take two hours off. Despite being in the same city, we haven't met for four months! Both of us are busy with our serial shoots. Delnaz is a very happy-go-lucky girl and doesn't ask for anything. She is fond of jewellery, bags (at the last count she had some 500 bags) and clothes. But now since she is continuously shooting, where will she have the time to use anything much, so I have decided to gift her make-up set.

Aarati Singh, Ragini Khanna and Krushna Abhishek
Aarati Singh, best known as Seema of Parichay is currently seen as Kajri in Uttaran. Ragini of Sasural Genda Phool fame has been hosting shows like Jhalak Dikkhla Jaa, Gangs Of Hassepur and will soon be anchoring the upcoming game show Dil Hai Chota Sa Choti Si Asha. Krushna Abhishek who just finished hosting Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega is seen in the recently released Akshay Kumar starrer Entertainment. While Krushna and Aarati are real siblings, Ragini is their cousin.

Aarati: Rakshanbandhan is the most important festival in our family. All my cousins meet either at Ragini (Khanna's) or Chi Chi mama's (Govinda) house to celebrate. We have an elaborate family meal and the best part is I get a lot of beautiful gifts. I make it a point to take a holiday, but this year since Krushna (Abhishek) is in Australia for a show I have decided to shoot for Uttaran. Might as well earn some money! I am younger to Krushna so he pampers me a lot. He gifts me cars, which I love. Four years ago, he gave me a Swift and last year an Endeavour. I don't settle for anything less either! Now, I am looking forward to a BMW from him (laughs). Jokes apart, I have seen my brother growing in his career. Today he is a big star and I am proud of him. Also, it helps to have a sibling from the industry as he gives me advice. I will tie a Rakhi when he comes back on August 13 and cook his favourite dishes. He loves chicken stew. And yes, this year he has gifted me a trip to Chicago!


Ragini Khanna: It's a given that we will celebrate. We are seven-eight cousins who get together at my place or my naani's place. My brothers Amit (he also acted in serials like Kkusum, Yeh Dil Chahe More) and Krushna don't give me anything. Krushna especially just pulls my leg and is cheekily sarcastic. I, however, give them a lot of love and affection.

Mihika and Mishkat Verma
Mihika Verma is a regular in Ekta Kapoor shows and has been a part of Kis Desh Mein Hai Mera Dil and Kitni Mohabbat Hai. Currently she is seen playing a Tamilian Mihika Iyer in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. Mishkat followed in his sister's footsteps making his TV debut with Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya that has him playing the romantic hero Raj.
Mihika: I keep giving gifts to Mishkat through the year, but on Rakhi, he is the one who gives me shagun ka money. I am his elder sister but when Mishu (I call him that lovingly) gives me something it makes me feel like my little baby is all grown up. Since I started my acting career before him, he always comes to me for advice. Mishu is a quiet boy and does not talk much but over the years I have managed to crack his comfort zone and become his confidante. Whenever he's low I am his go to person. I just remind him that he's the best looking boy in the whole world and he smiles instantly. My most distinct memory of Mishu is when he was born, mom gave him first to me and since that day I am his choti mom.

Mishkat: I am not a very religious person but Rakshabandhan is something I follow happily and nothing can stop me from meeting my sister on this day. I have five elder sisters and I spend the day with them in my house. This is the first year I am earning good money (grins). Whatever I earn belongs to my sister and my parents. I guess I will give cash only so they can buy whatever they want.

Piyush Sahdev and Meher Vij
Piyush who shot to fame with his portrayal of Lord Ram in Devon Ke Dev Mahadev is currently playing Kabir in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke while his sister Meher is best remembered for her outing as Meher Preet in Kis Desh Main Hai Mera Dil. Though she is not seen in Hindi serials now, she is busy doing Punjabi films.
Piyush: Since both my sister and I are busy shooting, we make it a point to meet on festivals. On Rakshabhandan my sister comes to my place. We have lunch together, chat with other cousins and family members. I give her cash as gift so that she can buy whatever she likes. I am the elder brother between the two and pamper her a lot though sometimes she takes care of me as if she is my elder sister!

Meher: Piyush is very protective about me. We have never acted together but I would love to play his on-screen sister someday. I always look forward to Rakshabandhan as Piyush pampers me. I don't buy him a gift, but I make halwa which he loves.