Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, one of Indian television’s most-loved daily soaps, is known for its deep family drama, heartfelt moments, and emotionally charged storylines. But while the audience feels the impact of those intense scenes on screen, for actors like Samridhii Shukla — who plays the much-loved character Abhira — the emotions don’t just stay in front of the camera. They often spill over into real life.
In a candid conversation, Samridhii admitted that shooting highly emotional sequences has left a lasting mark on her. “I used to think I had a certain level of resistance when it came to handling intense emotions. But after living Abhira’s journey day in and day out, I realised that my walls aren’t as strong as I believed,” she revealed.
She explained that stepping into Abhira’s shoes requires her to not only understand the character’s pain but to feel it as her own. “Sometimes, I finish a scene and carry the heaviness with me for the rest of the day. It’s almost impossible to switch off immediately. The kind of situations Abhira faces — heartbreak, family conflict, personal struggles — they may be fictional, but the emotions are very real while we perform,” she said.
Samridhii also shared that while these scenes are draining, they have helped her grow as an artist. “It’s exhausting, yes, but it’s also rewarding. I’ve learned so much about empathy, about understanding people’s pain, and about expressing emotions in a raw, authentic way. These experiences have made me more sensitive in my personal life as well.”
The actress credited the show’s team for supporting her through the heavy shooting days. “Our director knows when we need a break, and my co-stars are like family. After an intense crying scene, someone will always crack a joke or make me laugh to help me come out of that zone,” she added.
Fans have been particularly moved by Abhira’s recent storyline, with social media flooded with messages praising Samridhii’s performance. Many have said her ability to make the audience feel Abhira’s pain is one of the reasons they remain hooked to the show.
While Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai continues to deliver gripping drama for viewers, for Samridhii Shukla, the journey is as much about personal transformation as it is about professional achievement. “Abhira has taught me that vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s a strength,” she said, summing up how art has shaped her beyond the screen.
