While we all know Samridhii Shukla as the face of Abhira on the popular show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, she’s revealing a side of her life that’s far from the cameras and glamour. Samridhii, a true Mumbai local who was born and raised in the city, recently opened up about how her celebrity life isn’t so different from the daily struggles of every other Mumbaikar.
Beyond the Glitz: A Mumbaikar at Heart
For Samridhii, Mumbai is the city that made her dreams come true, but she’s also acutely aware of its challenges. “For me, Mumbai really is the city of dreams because it gave me a chance to become an actor. At the same time, I know how tough daily life is here. From trains to traffic, everything needs patience.”
She feels a deep connection to her city because she lives the same reality as everyone else. “I don’t feel disconnected at all because I am also a part of the same city life. I still spend hours in traffic, I see how rents keep going up, and I know how tough it is for families to manage expenses. So, even though I work as an actor, I live these realities just like every other Mumbaikar.”
Using Her Voice for Change
Samridhii firmly believes that celebrities have a responsibility to use their platforms for good. “As celebrities, we can use our voice to talk about real issues,” she says. “If we highlight problems like women’s safety, housing, or local struggles, more awareness can be created. Even small efforts on our platforms can make a difference.”
She acknowledges that the media often focuses solely on the glamorous side of celebrity life, but she believes it’s important to show both the highs and the lows. “Media usually shows the good side, the glamour, but behind that there is a lot of hard work and normal struggles too. I feel both stories should be told—the dreams and the difficulties—because Mumbai is about both.”
The city has taught her an invaluable lesson: resilience. “The biggest lesson Mumbai has taught me is never to give up. This city makes you stronger. Even if life is difficult, people here keep moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Samridhii hopes to use her influence to champion causes close to her heart, like women’s safety and better transportation. These are daily struggles that matter to her as a true Mumbaikar.
