For Toral Rasputra, currently playing the role of Kunti in Sony SAB’s Hastinapur Ke Veer, being in the glamour and competition of the entertainment industry has only deepened her appreciation for authentic relationships. This Friendship Day, the actress opens up about the people who keep her anchored, what true friendship means to her today, and the bonds she holds closest to her heart.
Despite years of stardom, Toral attributes her humility to her lifelong friends who knew her long before her journey on screen began. Speaking about who keeps her grounded, she shares, “All my college friends. We have known each other since long before this journey began; to them, I’m still the same person I have always been. If they feel I’m wrong, they will tell me on my face even if there is something I don’t want to hear. I value that honesty much more than the constant praise. Having friends who keep you grounded is a blessing.”
In an industry filled with grand gestures and fleeting connections, Toral values steady support over fanfare. “For me, a genuine friend is someone who celebrates your wins without any jealousy and stays the same regardless of what’s happening in your life. It’s easy for people to be around when everything is going well, but true friendship is revealed during difficult phases. Consistency matters more than grand gestures. Trust, consistency, and mutual respect are probably my biggest litmus tests.”
On the sets of Hastinapur Ke Veer, Toral has found a wonderful companion in her co-star Vivana Singh, who plays Gandhari. Describing their green-room conversations, Toral notes, ” Vivana is a wonderful human being, very spiritual. When we get free time between scenes, we chit-chat a lot. We talk about family, food, meditation, incidents from the shoot. Sometimes we discuss scenes and help each other prepare, but most of the time it’s about creating a relaxed atmosphere. Those conversations help us connect as people, and also I feel that naturally reflects in our performances on screen.”
When asked how she maintains healthy relationships with peers auditioning for the same roles, Toral embraces a balanced and supportive perspective, saying, “It’s a competitive industry. Casting depends on so many factors beyond talent—sometimes it’s about age, appearance, chemistry with another actor, or simply what the creative team or director is looking for. At the end of the day, every role is meant for someone, and what’s meant for you won’t pass you by. I focus on supporting my friends rather than comparing myself to them. Healthy competition pushes you to improve, but insecurity can damage relationships. And I genuinely believe there is enough room for everyone to grow.”
Over the years, Toral’s perspective on friendship has shifted toward depth, safety, and mutual respect. “Over the years, I have realised friendship is not just about spending time together; it’s more about trust, emotional safety and consistency. Life gets busy and sometimes months pass without meeting, but true friends never make you feel like strangers. They have seen you at your best and at your worst, and they don’t treat you differently because of your career. They care more about your happiness than your public image. That’s a much deeper and more meaningful definition of friendship than I had before entering the industry.”
For Toral, true friends offer a comfort where masks can be dropped completely. “A safe space is where I don’t feel the need to perform or impress anyone. I can laugh loudly, admit I’m struggling, make mistakes, or simply sit in silence without feeling awkward. There are no judgments, no expectations, and no pressure to maintain an image. We can have honest conversations, disagree respectfully, and still leave the room feeling understood. Those friendships recharge me because I can simply be myself without worrying about how I’m being perceived.”
Toral dedicates a public thank-you to her friend Mona, who has been a pillar of strength through thick and thin. “I’d thank my friend Mona, who has been there through every phase—not just the exciting moments but also the uncertain ones. Thank you for believing in me when I doubted myself, for celebrating every milestone as if it were your own, and for reminding me to stay humble no matter what. You have never treated me differently because of my work or public image, and that’s something I’ll always treasure. Thank you for your honesty, your patience, and for being the person I know I can call at any hour. Having someone like you in my life is one of my biggest blessings.”
