May 15, 2026 3:00pm IST
Samridhii Shukla Of ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’: ‘I Just Finished Dubbing For Triptii Dimri in ‘Maa Behen’’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Samridhii Shukla (“Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai”’s Abhira) admits that tracking TRPs can be stressful, but assures fans that this generation of the show will continue working for a long time. Along with juggling shoots for her daily soap, she has also dubbed for Triptii Dimri in 'Maa Behen'. In a heartfelt chat with Variety India, Samridhii Shukla gets candid about her initial struggles as an actor in Indian daily soaps and why she admires producer Rajan Shahi’s work ethic.
Excerpts from a conversation…
Personally, are fluctuating TRPs always a cause of concern?
I would be lying if I said it does not bother me. It is validation from the audience. I wait every Thursday to check the numbers. I won’t say I get demotivated but there is always a burning desire to do well. The entire cast and crew of “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai” are heavily invested in the show. All of us love our work environment and this production house (Director’s Kut Productions). In the current scenario, some TV shows end within two to three months. DKP has some of the longest-running shows and they want our generation's story to continue for a long time.
As a professional, does stability take precedence over versatile roles?
Definitely, all actors want to do different kinds of roles, and so do I. But then, no daily soap goes on forever, so make hay while the sun shines. I value stable income, coming from a humble background. I need to be financially super secure before I decide to discontinue anything. Once my role ends I will have the stability to be picky about my future shows or platforms. I will decide if I want to work 30 days a month or not. Now, I am working towards that luxury.
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From being a voice actor to the face of a popular daily soap, what were the highs and lows of this journey?
I never thought I would become an actor bidding goodbye to my job as a voice artist. That was a flexible job, really convenient for me. I was not at all happy when I initially began shooting for my first TV show "Saavi Ki Savaari". We had a fixed clock in time, and it felt like an endless slog. Moreover, emotionally heavy scenes involving crying were filmed every other day. I felt totally cut off from the outside world because I had no time for family or friends.
Later, I began to enjoy the craft of acting and settled in. It is a very hectic and demanding job. I am not sure if I will continue at this pace for the next 10 years or so. I believe in taking life as it comes.
The fan wars over lead couples, especially in multi-generation shows like ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ can be intense. Has it ever affected you?
My co-star Rohit Purohit and I end up discussing this quite often. We discuss how the two of us built the characters of Abhira and Armaan Rohit Purohit. They are not perfect and have done questionable things. I do not feel like interacting with fans and telling them that this is just fiction. But then, it is flattering to see the emotional investment of fans. As a public figure, adulation and criticism go hand-in-hand. Even the ones who are critical, watch the show at the end of the day. I understand that “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai” is a show that has been running for 15 years. Fans of every generation will have an insane amount of attachment to the leads of their time.
Across dramas, social media obsesses over actors' looks. Do you feel visual appeal impacts the growth of one’s career?
Visual appeal does play an important role as it gives you a boost of sorts. However, many actors in Hindi films or the West are not conventionally good-looking. As a character, you play an everyday girl who can be pretty on days, average on others. This is a stigma that a female actor has to be stunningly beautiful 24x7, 365 days of the year.
What are the current projects you are working on as a voice artist? How are they helping you? Which Hollywood franchise would you love to dub for?
I just finished dubbing for Triptii Dimri for the Netflix movie, “Maa Behen,” which also stars Madhuri Dixit. I still take up voicing work as I started from that. It has helped me understand emotions and characters. Nowadays, I take up dubbing projects with challenging characters. I feel the need to work hard, invest and save up for a rainy day as acting is a seasonal job. I would love to work in the “Spider-Man” film franchise someday.
How is Rajan Shahi as a producer?
Many producers yell at actors if things do not go well. Regardless of the TRP numbers, Mr. Shahi is always composed and urges his actors to focus only on delivering their best.
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