Samridhii Shukla, the rising face of Indian television, is currently winning hearts as Abhira in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. With the show topping TRP charts, fans are eager to know more about the actor behind the lead role. In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Samridhii opened up about her casting journey, work pressure, competition from other shows, and why she stays away from reality TV.
Almost Lost the Role in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
Samridhii revealed that she nearly missed out on the role of Abhira. Another actress was almost finalised and was about to sign the contract. However, the team decided to give Samridhii another chance. After a second audition round, she was selected. “Luckily, I got the chance,” she said. It was an instinctive last-minute decision by the makers that worked in her favour.
Does Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Pose a Threat?
There has been speculation about whether the launch of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 could affect the viewership of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Samridhii is confident it won’t. She said, “The show that has been running for almost 16 years has its own cult audience.” According to her, loyal viewers have stuck around since Hina Khan’s days and their bond with the show is emotional. She also noted that the two shows air at different time slots — 9:30 pm and 10:30 pm respectively, so there’s no direct clash.
No Breaks, Just Work
Being the lead comes with a price. Samridhii shoots every day of the month, often for 12 hours or more. She rarely gets days off because the storyline revolves around her character. She admitted it can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. The demanding schedule leaves little room to relax or recharge. While her co-star Rohit Purohit sometimes gets off days, her schedule remains packed.
No to Bigg Boss, Maybe to Khatron Ke Khiladi
When asked about entering reality TV, Samridhii said she isn’t ready for Bigg Boss. She prefers to keep her personal life private. However, she’s open to trying Khatron Ke Khiladi, though she admits she’s scared of many things and might back out. “Right now, I don’t think so,” she added, hinting that her views may change in the future.
Her Take on the Casting Couch
Samridhii also spoke honestly about the casting couch in the industry. She admitted that initially, she was hesitant to join acting because of the stories she heard. Her father encouraged her, assuring support if any such situation arose. While she hasn’t personally experienced the casting couch, she recalled a meeting with a Telugu film coordinator. He casually mentioned the need for “compromises,” which she firmly declined. She dropped the project immediately. She emphasized that such things are unfortunately present in parts of the Telugu film industry, although it depends on individual choices.
With immense popularity, a committed work ethic, and clarity about her choices, Samridhii Shukla is a name to watch. She has already made a strong mark in the television industry, and her journey shows no signs of slowing down.
