Samridhii Shukla on the Ouster of Shehzada Dhami & Pratiksha Honmukhe !

Samridhii Shukla, celebrated for her portrayal of Abhira in “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai,” recently engaged in a conversation with ETimes TV about her show, new challenges, and more. She touched upon the burden of upholding the 15-year legacy of the show following the generational leap and the abrupt exit of her co-stars, Shehzada Dhami and Pratiksha Honemukhe. She expressed feeling the enormity of the show’s legacy resting on her shoulders, comparing the situation to experiencing the first day of “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai” all over again.

I’m absolutely elated, and my connection with these characters deepens

I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to bring such powerful characters to life. I’m absolutely elated, and my connection with these characters deepens because I personally resonate with characters that impart lessons, introduce a fresh perspective, or strive to depict women as stronger, which both Abhira and Savi did. Abhira and Savi, while being two distinct personalities, both stood for what is right and were highly ambitious. They loved their partners and families but remained focused. They both cherished their families, and I feel privileged to be offered such roles.

The failure of this generation would have been a personal setback

In my career, I’ve only been part of two shows. But with my previous show, I was a complete novice, and it was an entirely new show. If that show had failed, everyone would have shared the responsibility. However, if the leap in Yeh Rishta had not succeeded, I would have been held accountable, highlighting the difference between Savi Ki Sawari and Yeh Rishta for me. Yeh Rishta has been successful over several generations, with everyone dedicating themselves fully to the show. Numerous people have invested 8-10 years in the show. Therefore, the failure of this generation would have been a personal setback.

All the previous generations have been successful

The love I’m currently receiving, ohh she is the new lead. I was worried that if this doesn’t work, I would be blamed. The show didn’t work because of her. Although actors aren’t the only factor, they are the face. All the previous generations have been successful, so naturally, it would fall on the main lead. It’s unavoidable. But I’m relieved that this scenario didn’t materialize. The show is running successfully.

More than pressure, it was a sense of responsibility

It didn’t bother me, but the thought certainly crossed my mind, what if this golden opportunity turns into something unimaginable. But it didn’t. I’m content. More than pressure, it was a responsibility that I have fulfilled and devoted my all to, and it should work.

The makers entrusted me with the responsibility of 15 years

Consider the producer, Rajan Shahi sir, and the channel, they have placed Yeh Rishta’s 15-year legacy in my hands. They have handed me a golden egg. I’ve done nothing. I didn’t hatch it, did nothing. My task was to merely maintain it or elevate it to new heights, but I couldn’t let it fall. I’m proceeding with the show with this objective in mind.

Samridhi on the departure of Shehzada and Pratiksha

There were sudden changes, but as an actor, I should be adaptable enough to work with everyone. I work for my producer, the show, and the channel, so they can pair me with anyone, and as Abhira, my duty is to recreate the same magic. Of course, it was new, it was challenging, but not for long. For Rohit, stepping into a show where the chemistry has already been established and he just has to effortlessly portray Armaan. It’s not an easy task for him, everyone takes their own time, and now it’s working out quite well for everyone.

I felt as if it was my first day