Niharika Chouksey has quickly built a reputation as one of television’s bright young talents. At just 20, she’s already impressed audiences with her performances in multiple shows. Now, she steps into a new chapter with Tumm Se Tumm Tak, a fresh television drama that has sparked conversations even before its release. Sharing screen space with seasoned actor Sharad Kelkar, Niharika plays Anu, a 19-year-old girl, while Sharad takes on the role of Arya, a 46-year-old businessman. The plot centers on a mature love story.
When the promos for Tumm Se Tumm Tak first surfaced, they received mixed reactions. The primary reason for the backlash was the 27-year age difference between the two lead characters. Social media users questioned the casting decision and trolled the show for its unconventional pairing. In an exclusive chat Niharika addressed the criticism for the first time.
When asked whether the trolling affects her, she confidently responded, “Not actually.” She shared her view on online criticism, stating, “Any publicity is good publicity.” According to her, people formed opinions after watching the trailer alone. She believes that once viewers see the full episodes, they will fall in love with Anu and Arya’s story. Niharika feels that initial judgments are often unfair and hopes the narrative will win over even the harshest critics.
Talking about working alongside Sharad Kelkar, Niharika appeared grateful and eager. She praised Sharad’s years of experience, noting that he has dedicated more years to acting than she’s been alive. Every day on set, she learns something from him whether it’s about performance, discipline, or humility. She admires how, despite achieving great success, Sharad remains grounded. “Itni uchayi pe pohoch ke bhi aap grounded reh sakte ho,” she shared, acknowledging the valuable lessons she takes away from their collaboration.
The conversation also touched upon a sensitive topic often discussed in the industry the casting couch. Niharika revealed that she has largely been shielded from such experiences, crediting her mother’s constant presence. She did recall a brief unsettling moment over a phone conversation when someone tried speaking inappropriately. She clarified, however, that nothing serious ever happened beyond that. When asked about the film industry in other regions, Niharika mentioned that she occasionally receives calls for South projects where she sensed something similar. She firmly stated that most of those calls felt fraudulent and untrustworthy.
In contrast, she spoke highly of the Indian television industry. According to her, it’s a medium where genuine talent is recognized and rewarded. Niharika believes that opportunities on TV come based on merit rather than manipulation, which is why she feels safest and most respected working there.
As for her upcoming show, Niharika is filled with excitement and optimism. She believes the team has crafted a beautiful story that audiences will connect with. Despite the early negativity, she stands by the project and its message. Confident in their work, she’s eager for viewers to experience the bond between Anu and Arya beyond just the age difference.
