Zee TV has been steadily climbing up the TRP charts with regard to daily soaps. One of the prime reasons for this upward swing is also the grand success of its show Saat phere, which aired its 500th episode yesterday. This tale of a simple and dusky girl, Saloni, has indeed appealed to the viewers. "I'm honored and fortunate to get such a brilliant role early in my career. The channel deserves credit for highlighting social issues like colour discrimination and subjugation through this show. Above all, I thank our viewers who have turned this show into a phenomenal success," says Rajshree Thakur aka Saloni. Was she apprehensive about taking up a role that will project her in an ordinary and non-glamorous way? Rajshree replied, "I was more than pleased to be offered such a character orientated role. Since it wasn't the usual run of the mill kind of role, I had no hesitation in accepting it." Sharad Kelkar, aka Nahar (Saloni's husband) says, "Completing 500 episodes is a matter of great pride for all of us. Personally, this show is very close to my heart as it has given me all the name and fame. It's been a wonderful experience working with such fine artists. We thank our viewers and promise them we wouldn't stop at 500. If we have their blessings, I'm sure we'll complete 1000 episodes." How do you relate to your character? Sharad enunciates, "Nahar is a replica of Sharad. Both of them love their wives dearly. So, that's the reason why I fit into this role. However, there's one difference. Unlike Nahar, who tends to be very aggressive, I'm calm and patient." Producer Sanjay Wadhwa says, "I'm elated that Saat phere has completed 500 episodes. It has fetched us a TRP of 5. I've always had a lot of conviction in the concept. That's the reason why I've always backed this show." Can we expect changes in the show? Sanjay adds, "There will be no generation leap but some prominent changes. The current track is going very strong. We're going to ring in some new characters that'll add a new dimension to the show. Presently, we're in the process of finalising these new characters." The new characters will take their time but now it's time to celebrate for the entire team. "We've have planned a party but it's unlikely to take place in the upcoming days. This could happen at the end of this month or early next month. We'll party hard," says Rajshree. Right said Rajshree, when you work hard, you party hard too.