“We Are Building Flawed But Real Characters Today”: Samridhii Shukla on Modern-Day TV Shows

In a candid and compelling conversation, Samridhii Shukla—currently winning hearts as the lead in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai—speaks about the evolving narratives on Indian television, the appeal of flawed characters, and her personal preferences as an actor.

> “I think the shows that do well in today's time are the shows where the characters are relatable,” Samridhii asserts, reflecting on how audiences today connect deeply with authenticity over perfection.

She continues, “Nowadays, we are writing stories, and we are building characters that are flawed. We could be the main hero, the main heroine, the central character—but we are still imperfect. And that makes us real.”

While audiences sometimes criticize these flawed characters for their wrong decisions, Samridhii embraces that vulnerability. “Humans are like that,” she says. “They don’t always make the right choices. But what is flawed is relatable. And I think that’s what helps our show stay grounded in truth.”

Switching gears, Samridhii also sheds light on how influencers have disrupted the acting landscape. According to her, while influencers often receive more opportunities, talent remains the ultimate filter.

> “If you're an influencer and you can act—way to go! But if your acting chops don’t match, people will reconsider. It’s a change I’m observing now more than ever.”

Beyond the drama and reality of daily soaps, Samridhii opens up about her content preferences. Despite working in romance-driven plots, rom-coms sit at the bottom of her personal watchlist. “I'm more of a thriller kind of person,” she smiles. “If I get a chance to do a thriller on OTT, I’d jump at it. But honestly, I miss comedy too—I’d love to explore that mix of romance and humor again.”

Samridhii Shukla is not just another face on TV—she’s a part of the new wave of actors who are helping television storytelling evolve. One flawed, real, and bold character at a time.