Saru aka Mohak Matkar sparks a stirring conversation on Ragging: It's a reality many students silently suffer

TV’s latest fiction offering, Saru, has touched a chord with audiences across the country with its heartwarming tale of a village girl who dares to dream big. As Saru (essayed by Mohak Matkar) steps out of the comforts of her home in Khares, Rajasthan, to pursue higher education in Mumbai, her story takes a hard-hitting turn in the coming episodes when she becomes the target of ragging in her new college.

What starts as subtle hostility soon escalates into public humiliation when her classmate Anika (Anushka Merchande) deliberately tears her blouse, prompting students to record the incident on their phones and turning it into a spectacle of humiliation. The experience pushes Saru into a moment of intense shame and self-doubt. But instead of breaking down or retaliating, Saru finds strength in her silence and courage in the support of her professor, Ved (Shagun Pandey), who stands by her like a pillar.


For actor Mohak Matkar, portraying Saru during this emotionally charged track was both challenging and personally moving. Opening up about the experience, she said: “Ragging isn’t just a fictional twist—it’s a reality many students silently suffer through. Portraying Saru through this track was emotionally tough, but it made me reflect on how vulnerable students can feel when they're away from home, trying to find their footing in a new world. What struck me most is Saru’s quiet resilience. She doesn’t lash out in anger; she just holds on to her dignity with the help of Professor Ved.”

She adds, “No dream should be broken because of someone else’s cruelty. I truly hope that this storyline not only sparks a conversation against ragging and bullying but also encourages students to seek support and reminds teachers to stay alert and compassionate. Even one voice speaking up—or one teacher standing by a student—can make all the difference.”

With this poignant narrative turn, Saru highlights the pressing issue of ragging and the power of empathy, courage, and mentorship in a student’s life. As the show continues to explore Saru’s journey in the big city, viewers will be left wondering—will she rise above the humiliation and reclaim her dreams, or will Anika succeed in derailing her path?