For seasoned television actress Shivani Gosain, transformation is nothing new—but her current stint in Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri on Sun Neo is pushing her creative limits like never before. For the first time in her career, Shivani is donning a double role—bringing to life two drastically different characters, Kamini and Mandakini. The duality in roles is not just challenging but also immensely rewarding for the actor who thrives on variety and depth in her performances.
In a recent candid conversation, Shivani shared the thrills and challenges of slipping into two distinct personas every single day.
“Right now in the show, I’m playing a double role for the very first time—and it’s been quite a ride!” Shivani says. “On one side, there’s Kamini, who’s always busy plotting something or the other, full of clever tricks. On the other side, I become Mandakini, a mysterious woman who has returned to take revenge on the Bundela family.”
This isn’t just a switch in costumes—it’s a full-fledged emotional and psychological transformation. According to Shivani, the process demands immense control over her expressions, posture, tone, and even energy.
“Playing a double role feels like living two different lives in one body—it’s challenging to switch expressions, body language, and voice so quickly,” she explains, “but that’s exactly what makes it exciting and fun.”
A Touch of the Supernatural
While both roles are intense, it’s the look and aura of Mandakini that have truly captivated audiences—and Shivani herself. With an enigmatic vibe and powerful presence, Mandakini comes across as a woman cloaked in mystery and magical energy. It is this mystique that drew an unexpected comparison in Shivani’s mind.
“When I look at myself in Mandakini’s get-up, I can’t help but think of Shraddha Kapoor’s look from the movie Stree,” she says with a smile. “Just like in Stree, where her braid holds all her power, Mandakini’s choti also has a strange, magical energy. It’s not just a hairstyle—it feels like a silent weapon, full of secrets and strength.”
Indeed, the resemblance isn’t just visual; there’s a deeper thematic link. Both characters are cloaked in mystery and share an almost supernatural connection to their long hair, which becomes symbolic of inner strength and hidden power.
A Show Rooted in Faith and Resilience
Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri revolves around the story of Gauri, a compassionate and resilient young woman whose unwavering belief in herself and her values helps her navigate life’s harshest realities. Forced into a marriage she never wanted, Gauri enters the Bundela household—where she finds both adversity and the chance to redefine her future.
The show, which stars Eshaa Pathak as Gauri, Savi Thakur, and Swati Shah in pivotal roles, blends drama with elements of mystery, family dynamics, and female empowerment. Airing every night at 8:30 PM on Sun Neo, the series is gradually winning hearts for its gripping narrative and well-etched characters.
Shivani’s double role acts as a catalyst for much of the drama and suspense. As Kamini, she plays the antagonist—sharp, manipulative, and always several steps ahead in the game of deceit. As Mandakini, however, her character takes a different route: one driven by pain, justice, and a desire to right past wrongs. It’s this complexity that makes her performance all the more compelling.
Acting as an Art of Living Two Lives
For actors, playing a single role with depth is challenging enough. But embodying two characters who are poles apart—often in the same scene—requires not just skill, but stamina and mental agility. Shivani credits her years in the industry and her personal passion for acting as the driving forces behind her performance.
“Sometimes I shoot scenes back-to-back as Kamini and Mandakini, and I have to completely reset myself in a matter of minutes,” she reveals. “It’s a process, but the satisfaction it brings is unmatched.”
A Career Milestone for Shivani Gosain
Having appeared in numerous successful TV shows over the years, Shivani Gosain is no stranger to complex roles. However, Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri stands out in her career as a project that has allowed her to explore new territory—both emotionally and creatively. The dual roles have added a fresh dimension to her acting repertoire, proving her mettle yet again.
As audiences continue to get hooked on the twists and turns of the story, Shivani’s portrayal of both Kamini and Mandakini remains one of the show’s biggest strengths. And if the mystical vibe of Mandakini continues to evoke memories of Stree, Shivani isn’t complaining—in fact, she’s embracing the parallel with open arms.
“It’s a compliment!” she laughs. “If people think of Stree when they see Mandakini, that means we’re doing something right.”
