From childhood memories to on-set yaaris: Zee TV actors talk about their most cherished friendships

Friendship Day is a heartfelt reminder of the bonds that bring joy, comfort, and meaning to our lives. It’s a day to celebrate the people who stand by us through every high and low, the ones who make us laugh a little louder, live a little fuller, and feel a little less alone. Whether it’s childhood friends, work buddies, or newfound connections that feel like destiny, each friendship adds its own color to the canvas of life. This year, Zee TV actors like Anushka Merchande from Saru, Abhishek Sharma from Vasudha, Niharika Chouksey from Tumm Se Tumm Tak, Ayushi Khurana from Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, Aishwarya Khare from Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, and Abhishek Malik from Jamai No. 1 share the importance of friends in their lives and the memories they hold closest to their hearts.

Anushka Merchande, who essays the role of Anika in Zee TV’s Saru, said, “Friendship, to me, is one of the purest and most comforting bonds in life. It’s not about how long you’ve known someone but about those who showed up, stayed, and made your world better just by being in it. My best friends know my chaos and still choose to stick around. They cheer me on, call me out when I need it, and stand by me no matter what. One of my favorite memories is a spontaneous night drive with no destination, just music, stories, and stargazing. It reminds me that the best moments in life are often unplanned and shared with people who feel like home. This Friendship Day, I’m keeping it simple and heartfelt, a cozy get-together with my closest friends, handwritten notes to tell them how much they mean to me, and plenty of music, photos, and laughter.”

Abhishek Sharma, who essays the role of Devansh in Zee TV’s Vasudha, said, “Friendship has been an integral part of every phase of my life. I’ve been lucky to have wonderful friends growing up, but one stands out from my school days, someone who made those years unforgettable. From sneaking lunch before the bell to playing cricket during breaks, the memories still make me smile. Even though life has taken us in different directions, whenever we meet, it feels like no time has passed. I feel blessed to have found meaningful friendships at every stage, in school, college, my neighbourhood, and now on the set of Vasudha. This Friendship Day, I plan to reconnect with old friends because, in the midst of our busy lives, celebrating those bonds is so important.”

Niharika Chouksey, who essays the role of Anu in Zee TV’s Tumm Se Tumm Tak, said, “Friendship has always been a cornerstone of my life. It’s not just about having people around; it’s about nurturing deep, meaningful connections that stand the test of time. True friends are like the family we choose, and I cherish how different friends bring out different sides of me, one to talk cinema with for hours, another who makes every shopping trip an adventure, and someone always ready to discover new cafés with me. Each bond with friends adds its spark, its own perspective, and together, they enrich my life in so many ways. This Friendship Day, I don’t have anything planned, but I like going with the flow. Sometimes, the most spontaneous moments create the most lasting memories.”

Ayushi Khurana, who essays the role of Reet in Zee TV’s Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile said, “Friendship, to me, has always been one of the most precious parts of life. On the sets of Jaane Anjaane Hum Mile, I’ve been lucky enough to find that in my co-stars Bharat and Unnati. We spend almost every day together while shooting, and somewhere along the way, our bond grew as friends. One of my favourite memories with them is from a long, tiring day when I was completely drained. Bharat, as always, found a way to make me laugh until my mood completely changed, and Unnati showed up with my favourite snacks to lift my spirits. Moments like these make me realise how special this bond is; it’s not just about working together, it’s about being there for each other in every way. Apart from them, I’ve always kept a very small circle of close friends who mean the world to me. This Friendship Day, I just feel grateful for these beautiful connections, both on and off set, because they truly keep me going every single day.”

Aishwarya Khare from Zee TV’s Chhoriyan Chali Gaon said, “Friendship is all about growing together and being each other’s safe space. I’ve been blessed with two best friends who’ve been with me from the very beginning, my sisters. They’re my 3 am confidantes, my biggest cheerleaders, and the ones who can make me smile on my toughest days. Even today, they’re the first people I reach out to when I need comfort. That unchanging connection makes me feel truly blessed. This Friendship Day, I celebrate having sisters who are not just family but my lifelong friends who make life richer and more meaningful.”

Abhishek Malik, who essays the role of Neel in Zee TV’s Jamai No. 1, said,“My idea of friendship has always been defined by my childhood buddies. The friendships you form in those early, innocent years and carry into adulthood are the most unshakable ones. I’ve never believed in having a huge circle; for me, it’s always about a few genuine people who stand by you through every high and low. With my childhood friends, life has been a beautiful journey, from debating over our favourite chocolates and trading comic books to endless evenings playing sports. Now, we sit together talking about life goals and dreams. These bonds remind me that true friendship isn’t about how often you meet but about knowing that, no matter what, you’ll always have each other’s backs. This Friendship Day, I feel grateful for these constants who make every stage of life more special.”

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