Actress Saloni Sandhu, who plays the role of Charu Bansal in Rajan Shahi and Star Plus’ popular and long-running show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is having a great run in the role, considering that the complicated love triangle between Charu, Abhir and Kiara is presently in focus.
Charu’s journey sets a powerful example – All it takes is one bold step to break free from limitations and follow your dreams.
Saloni recently expressed her happiness at the range of growth seen in her character graph. She says, “Charu started as a girl confined within the walls of the Poddar house, where she was not allowed to pursue her dreams or passions. But ever since she began working at the firm, there has been a significant transformation. She has become stronger and more confident, and now stands up for her beliefs—even when it involves confrontation. Her journey sets a powerful example: all it takes is one bold step to break free from limitations and follow your dreams.”
Charu has been extremely unlucky in love, and Saloni explains it for us. “Yes, Charu has faced her share of heartbreaks and, at one point, she even stopped believing in love. In the current track, her love for Abhir is not supported by either destiny or family, which adds to her emotional struggle. But what I admire most about her is her resilience. Even after being let down, she does not give up on love or life. She continues to fight for what she feels is right while staying true to herself. That emotional strength and quiet determination stand out to me.”
It is heartbreaking to see siblings drift apart, especially over love.
Ask her if she finds her relationship with Abhir to be justified and she is quick to answer, “What we are portraying in the show is quite relatable—secret love affairs do happen in real life. However, in Abhir’s case, it isn’t very easy. Since he decided to marry Kiara, he must take responsibility for his actions. That said, his wife also knew that Abhir did not truly love her. In such marriages, when both partners are aware of the truth and one refuses to work on the relationship, it becomes unfair to force things. So while their love may not be justified in a traditional sense, it reflects the emotional complexities many people go through in real relationships.
Talking about how the journey has been for her in the role of Charu, she avers, “It has been an incredible journey so far! I am thoroughly enjoying playing Charu—she is layered, strong, and emotionally rich. I also have a great time on set with my co-actors. The energy and bonding are amazing, and that translates on screen. I am truly excited to see what is in store for Charu and Abhir as the story unfolds.”
Talking about her well-crafted sibling bond with Kiara that has taken a hit over time, the actress states, “Charu and Kiara shared a deep bond as sisters, but their relationship took a sharp turn due to Abhir. What was once a strong connection got tested by love, loyalty, and betrayal. It is heartbreaking to see siblings drift apart, especially over love. But that’s the beauty of this show—it explores how human emotions can be both tender and turbulent.”
Saloni is personally happy with the kind of positive response she has gotten from viewers. “The response has been overwhelming! Viewers are hooked on the complexity and realism of the love triangle. They are emotionally invested in the journey of Charu, Abhir, and Kiara. I think what resonates most with the audience is that the emotions portrayed are raw and relatable, and that makes this track especially engaging.”
Before signing off, she talks about the love story that is being questioned. “Charu’s love story isn’t a fairytale—it’s raw, tangled, and painfully real. She is caught between what she feels and what the world expects from her. Her journey shows that love does not always follow rules; sometimes it comes at the most inconvenient time, in the most complicated form. But what makes Charu special is that she loves with her whole heart—even when it hurts. Her story is one of courage, heartbreak, and the strength to still believe in love, even when everything around her tells her not to.”
Best of luck, Saloni!!
