Ishika Shahi offers a fresh take on digital storytelling with her upcoming series on Director’s Kut’s YouTube Channel, ‘Heer Sharma Gayi,’ starring Tushar Dhembla and Debattama Saha. The show features a bold lead and a complex story, and Ishika says she always wanted to challenge stereotypes.
“I wanted Heer to be flawed. I didn’t want her to be the typical ‘nice’ or selfless girl we often see. She is reckless, spontaneous, and prioritises herself. That’s what makes her real,” Ishika shares.
The story follows a runaway bride who is rejected by the person she chose over her family. “The most interesting part for me was that she runs away for love, only to be rejected at the worst moment. That heartbreak becomes the turning point of her journey,” she explains.
Ishika credits her writer Eshika Makan for coming up with the idea. “The thought, what happens if a girl runs away from her wedding and her boyfriend rejects her, was so powerful that I knew we had to build a show around it,” she says. The series is directed by Rishi Mandial, with Gulshan as the Director of Photography, and is written by Eshika Makan.
Besides the main plot, the show stands out for its strong family dynamics. “Every character is relatable. Whether it’s gossip, money issues, or constant fights, these are things we all see in our families. That relatability adds depth to the story,” she adds.
She says the show balances drama with light-hearted moments. “It’s a fun, feel-good rom-com at heart, but with emotional layers that keep you invested.”
Ishika also thinks YouTube is the best platform for stories like this. “It’s free, accessible, and reaches a wider audience compared to OTT. There are no restrictions, so anyone can watch it anytime,” she says.
With Heer Sharma Gayi, Ishika Shahi wants to show a character who is messy but magnetic. “Somewhere, you watch Heer and feel like you wish you could live as freely as she does, completely in the moment,” she concludes.
