Niharika Chouksey Calls Sharad Kelkar Her “Male Version,” Credits Their Bond for Show’s Success

There’s something special about the bond that translates from reel to real, and Niharika Chouksey seems to have found that in her co-star Sharad Kelkar. The young actress, who plays a lead role in Zee TV’s Tumm Se Tumm Tak, recently opened up about the rapport she shares with Sharad and how it has made filming the show an experience she genuinely enjoys. For a series that thrives on its emotional beats and heartfelt storytelling, the chemistry between the two leads has become one of its biggest strengths.

From the very first day, Niharika says, there was a natural ease between them. During the mock shoot itself, she felt a connection that went beyond just being co-actors. Interestingly, both hail from Madhya Pradesh, which she believes added a layer of familiarity and comfort. Sharad, with his charming and witty nature, even jokingly calls her his “female version,” which Niharika says breaks the ice and keeps the mood light on set. This level of understanding, she adds, is rare and helps both of them deliver performances that resonate with the audience.

On the topic of shooting intimate or emotional scenes, Niharika was clear that there is never any awkwardness. Sharad, being a seasoned actor, makes sure she feels at ease in every frame. The director and crew too, she shared, maintain a safe and professional environment, allowing her to focus solely on her performance without distraction. For an actor, she explained, comfort on set is everything — and that’s exactly what she experiences while working on Tumm Se Tumm Tak.

When the show first aired, some sections of the audience had their doubts about the on-screen pairing due to the age difference between the characters. Niharika acknowledged that there was mixed feedback initially, but over time, those same viewers warmed up to their chemistry. Today, she says, many of the skeptics are their biggest cheerleaders, praising the unique freshness they bring to the screen.

Niharika especially loves how time flies when she’s working with Sharad. Shooting long hours can be tiring, but she insists that their camaraderie makes it all seem effortless. It’s this kind of bond, she believes, that makes their scenes so natural and helps them portray the layered emotions of their characters without feeling rehearsed or forced.

With Tumm Se Tumm Tak steadily climbing TRP charts and garnering love from across the country, Niharika is more optimistic than ever about the show’s journey. She feels that the bond she and Sharad share — both professionally and personally — is one of the driving forces behind the growing popularity of the series. For her, this connection isn’t just a happy coincidence but a key ingredient that keeps audiences glued to their screens night after night.