Playing Manisha in Rajan Shahi’s iconic show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been a turning point for actress Shruti Rawat. After spending nearly two decades in the entertainment industry, the actress says the love and recognition she has received through the show feels “unimaginable.”
Speaking candidly about the impact the show has had on her career, Shruti shared that the visibility and affection from audiences have changed things for her in a major way. “I’ve been an actor for 18 years, but this show has brought me recognition on another level. The audience love is something I never imagined. That matters to me more than awards or superficial appreciation,” she said.
The actress also expressed gratitude towards the production team for supporting her through the demands of personal life and motherhood. As a single mother balancing work, her daughter, and family responsibilities, she says the environment on set has made all the difference. “The production understands my situation so well. They know I have responsibilities beyond work, and they’ve always been extremely understanding and accommodating. I genuinely feel blessed that I can balance my personal life and career in such a beautiful way,” she shared.
Talking about emotionally difficult moments on the show, Shruti recalled one particularly intense track involving Kiara’s wedding and pregnancy revelation. “That sequence affected me deeply. I had to stay emotionally invested for nearly two weeks because the scenes demanded that kind of intensity. I remember feeling anxious even off-camera because you have to live those emotions while performing,” she revealed.
Shruti believes the show has helped her evolve immensely as an actor. Having largely come from a comedy background, she says drama was something she always wanted to explore. “Working on such a successful show for almost three years has given me confidence as a performer. I’ve learned so much from the actors around me. It feels like I’ve entered a much bigger league now,” she said.
Away from the camera, the actress enjoys spending quiet moments outdoors on set. “My favourite thing to do during breaks is sit under the sky in the garden area, listen to music, meditate, and just enjoy the silence with a cup of coffee. It’s peaceful and grounding,” she smiled.
Shruti also confessed that one of the highlights of her workday is seeing her final look for the scenes. “Post leap, Manisha’s styling has been fabulous. The sarees, jewellery, hair — everything is beautiful. Every woman enjoys dressing up, and I genuinely look forward to seeing my look every day,” she added with excitement.
