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'Mangal Lakshmi': Adit's betrayal goes beyond family as he emerges as a threat to the nation; Naman says 'This track brings in a strong layer of patriotism'
ETimes | March 30, 2026 10:39 PM CST

‘ Mangal Lakshmi ’ reaches the extraordinary milestone of 700 episodes, the family drama welcomes a big change that reflects the evolving image of the Indian woman on screen. What began as the story of Mangal ( Deepika Singh ) - a woman navigating the battles of identity, dignity, and self-worth within the four walls of her home now expands into a wider arena as Desh Ki Beti .

In a shocking twist, Adit Saxena ( Naman Shaw ), her ex-husband and once her deepest emotional conflict, is exposed as a threat to the nation. What was once a domestic battle now becoming a matter of national urgency. Drawing from the very ‘gharelu’ instincts that once defined her, Mangal turns her domestic space into an intelligence ground - discreetly tracking Adit’s movements, bugging his room, and staying several steps ahead without drawing attention to herself. Her mission is clear: Adit must be brought to book out of duty to the nation. Balancing motherhood with law enforcement, she proves that the skills forged inside a home - observation, patience, emotional intelligence, resilience, and multitasking are not ordinary traits to be overlooked, but elite assets capable of serving the nation. As she closes in on the truth, will Adit succeed in foiling Mangal’s mission?

Opening up about Adit’s dark turn, Naman Shaw shares, “Adit is the personification of the wounded male ego and now he has crossed a line where his actions have far bigger consequences. Yes, his journey started from a bruised ego and a need for control, he first betrayed his own family, and now he goes on to betray the entire nation, and that shift makes him far more dangerous. He is a man who justifies his actions, who believes he is right, and that’s what makes him unpredictable. At the same time, what I find interesting is how the show contrasts him with Mangal. The same so-called ‘gharelu’ space that Adit looks down upon becomes her biggest strength against him. While he is playing a high-stakes game, she is outsmarting him using instincts that people often underestimate. This track brings in a strong layer of patriotism because the conflict is no longer personal, it’s about standing on the right side of the nation. And that’s what makes this face-off so intense, because it’s not just Mangal versus Adit anymore, it’s about what they each stand for."

He added, "Reaching 700 episodes speaks to the emotional bond Mangal Lakshmi has built with Indian households. This arc expands the way television portrays women - not just as nurturers, but as decision-makers, protectors, and agents of change. If Mangal’s journey encourages women to feel more fearless, more aware, or more seen, then this Desh Ki Beti era served its purpose. May we encourage more Desh Ki Betis to flourish and serve the nation.”