Making his acting debut, newcomer Daksh Puri has been winning hearts with his grounded, sincere, and emotionally resonant portrayal of Aarav in Colors TV’s Shayad Yahi Hai Pyaar, produced by Dice Media.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Daksh opens up about stepping into the acting world for the very first time, transitioning from national-level football to television, adapting the hit Korean drama Something in the Rain, his initial nervousness around co-star Aditi Dev Sharma, and his vision as an evolving actor.
Read on.
How did this opportunity come to you, and what was your reaction when you found out you were locked to play the lead?
My casting director, Reema Gupta, reached out to me for this particular role. I was intrigued from the moment she mentioned that the show was an adaptation of the Korean drama Something in the Rain, as I’ve always been drawn to K-drama storytelling—it’s raw, subtle, and deeply emotional. After multiple rounds of auditions and screen tests, finding out I was locked in for the lead role of Aarav was an incredibly stoked moment.
Aarav and Preeti are like the last two missing pieces of a puzzle—when they come together, the entire picture finally makes sense.
Along with the sheer excitement, however, came a strong sense of responsibility. The actors in the original show were phenomenal, and it’s very easy to get influenced by performances that have already made a global impact. For me, it was crucial not to imitate, but to stay true to my own understanding of Aarav and bring my own authentic interpretation to the screen.
Tell us about yourself—your passion for acting, as well as your likes and dislikes.
Honestly, acting entered my life much later. Originally, I envisioned a career in sports. My mother was a professional hockey player who represented India as captain, and I grew up playing football at the national level. My goal was to pursue football professionally, but due to unforeseen circumstances, that path changed.
Despite that shift, a performer’s streak was always ingrained in me. Alongside sports, I trained as a dancer with Shiamak Davar. Even though acting wasn’t on my radar initially, performance was always part of my identity. Once I stepped onto a set, I slowly fell in love with the craft—it gave me the same adrenaline rush and focus I used to feel on the football field. When one door closed, the universe truly opened another. Acting feels like the amalgamation of everything I’ve done—sports, dance, advertising. Outside of work, I’m an avid gamer; I love reading thriller and fiction novels. I’m a massive sci-fi movie enthusiast, and I enjoy composing music.
I want to learn how not to overthink a scene, but to trust the present moment and simply be the character.
How was your first meeting with Aditi, and how did you build the easy, comfortable dynamic we see between Aarav and Preeti on screen?
My first meeting with Aditi was actually quite nerve-wracking for me! She is such an established artist and a veteran when it comes to performance, so I was hyper-aware of that. In fact, during our first mock test, I was convinced I completely bombed it because I was so conscious of her presence.
Over time, though, our bond grew very naturally. The real icebreaker happened when we were shooting the promos and instantly connected over our shared love for food! She is genuinely a beautiful soul. A protective, natural comfort developed between us off-screen, which seamlessly translated into the deep connection you see between Aarav and Preeti on screen.
How would you describe Aarav and Preeti’s connection that makes it so special?
Aarav and Preeti are like the last two missing pieces of a puzzle—when they come together, the entire picture finally makes sense. What makes their bond unique is that they truly see each other for who they are without judgment. There is an effortless sense of comfort, understanding, and acceptance between them that develops despite every circumstance working against them. At its core, their connection is about finding solace in one another.
How do you think viewers will respond to this unconventional love story?
I believe viewers will walk away with a profound sense of warmth and hope. Despite all the obstacles Aarav and Preeti face, there is something deeply reassuring about watching two people find each other and hold on through the storm. I hope our audience feels that genuine, unconditional love can always find a way, even when the odds are stacked against you.
How do you find the industry now that you’ve landed a lead role and have been working for a while?
I’m still very new to the industry, so I don’t think I have a definitive answer yet—I’m learning and absorbing how things work every single day. Playing a lead role brings an immense sense of responsibility. Today’s audience is evolving rapidly, and the industry is evolving alongside them. In my own small way, I hope to contribute meaningful stories and performances that resonate with where the audience is today and where they are heading tomorrow. My focus is simply to bring authenticity to every character I portray.
How do you want your grooming as an actor to shape out through this show?
Since this is my debut, the learning curve is massive. Being surrounded by seasoned performers is deeply inspiring, and I feel fortunate to work with a director who knows how to draw out the best in me. In many ways, my director reminds me of my football coach—he pushes me past my limits and keeps bringing out finer nuances.
I approach my craft like an athlete. I want to refine my dialogue delivery, emotional continuity, and technique. At the same time, it’s vital for me to retain a sense of spontaneity and playfulness. Ultimately, I want to learn how not to overthink a scene, but to trust the present moment and simply be the character. It’s easier said than done, but unravelling that craft and keeping my performance as simple and truthful as possible is my ultimate goal.
