The beloved on-screen duo from &TV’s cult comedy, Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, Vibhuti Narayan Mishra (Aasif Shaikh) and Anita Bhabi (Vidisha Srivastava), recently took a trip down memory lane to Varanasi, an ancient city in India. For Vidisha, Varanasi holds sentimental value as it was her childhood and adolescent home. In contrast, Aasif has roots in the town through frequent visits to his ancestral home during his younger days. Their trip coincided with the auspicious Mahashivratri festival, prompting them to seek blessings at the revered Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple. However, beyond the religious observance, the duo immersed themselves in the essence of Varanasi, wandering along the sacred ghats, enjoying a tranquil boat ride, and relishing the flavorful local cuisine. As they celebrated the successful nine-year tenure of their show, their journey became a delightful fusion of spiritual reverence and cherished memories, capturing the timeless charm of Varanasi.
Going down memory lane, Aasif Sheikh, aka Vibhuti Narayan Mishra, shares, “Returning to my hometown after almost a decade was an exciting experience from the very beginning. I visited the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi to seek Lord Shiva’s blessings, which was a moving experience. As I walked through the ancient lanes of Banaras, a rush of emotions and nostalgia flooded me. Despite the noticeable changes over time, stepping into the city felt like retracing the steps of my life’s journey. The atmosphere retained its timeless charm, unchanged by the passage of time. The enchanting boat ride on the Ganges during the evening was truly captivating, with the setting sun casting a magical glow over the ancient city’s structures. Witnessing the mesmerising evening Ganga Aarti for the first time immersed me in a spiritual experience that will forever be etched in my memory. Beyond Varanasi’s enchanting exterior lies a rich culinary landscape. Each bite I savoured offered a journey through vibrant flavours, a symphony of spices and textures that awakened my senses. From the tangy chaats to the indulgent lassi and Rabri at the renowned ‘Pehelwan Lassi,’ every dish spoke volumes about the city’s culinary legacy. And of course, the iconic Banarasi paan, with its blend of flavours and ingredients wrapped in a betel leaf, provides an unforgettable experience and is truly a culinary delight in Varanasi.” Elaborating on exploring the city, Vidisha Srivastava, aka Anita Bhabi, added, “I had the pleasure of visiting my hometown once again this year to seek blessings at the Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple during the auspicious occasion of ‘Mahashivratri’. Accompanied by my family and co-star Aasif Sheikh, this trip became one of my most cherished and unforgettable journeys. As a food lover, I enjoyed my favourite lassi, rabdi, malaiyo, and chaat from our beloved spots with my family. Exploring the Ganga Ghats and taking a sunset boat ride from Assi Ghat added to the magic of the experience. The evening aarti ceremony was truly mesmerising and deeply spiritual. I highly recommend boat riding on the Holy River Ganges as a must-do activity in Banaras. As I prepared to leave the city, I felt mixed emotions. I was content knowing I had created beautiful memories and promised to return to Banaras soon.”