Rahul Sharma, who plays the role of Anshuman in Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut Production’s Star Plus show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, says he is mindful when picking up new projects after finishing one. He shares that it can be mentally and physically exhausting, and hence, he prefers to take a break before beginning a new one.
“I avoid doing back-to-back projects because it is incredibly draining. When you are playing an emotionally demanding role, that energy does not leave you easily—you carry it with you. I remember I was doing Kaal Bhairav Rahasya when I was offered Mitegi Lakshman Rekha immediately after. I initially said no—I was exhausted. But the production team was keen on taking me, and I finally agreed,” he said.
“Even then, I had to convince myself to take two days off, breathe, and mentally reset before diving in. It took a lot out of me. Ideally, I take a break—at least a month or two—between projects. And when that is not possible, I find stillness within myself. I sit alone, calm my mind, and slowly transition into the new role. That personal process is non-negotiable for me. It is how I stay creatively alive,” he added.
With social media, constant audience feedback has become the norm. And while the actor values the audience’s opinions, he stresses that the narrative must drive the character—not the other way around.
“I don’t think storytelling should bend to social media buzz. Yes, it is the digital age, and audiences are more vocal than ever. People form strong connections with characters. But feedback is not always stable or consistent—it is constantly shifting. That kind of response may work for reality shows like Indian Idol, where voting and trends are built into the format. But in scripted fiction, the story should come first,” he said.
“Writers, producers, and creators have spent months crafting an arc. They know where it is going. As actors, we are part of that structure,” he added.
Rahul also believes that storytelling is evolving as the number of platforms has increased. “There are more opportunities than ever before. With 15–20 active platforms, you can find a variety of genres and formats. But here is the thing—good projects are still rare,” he said.
“Genuinely well-written, emotionally honest, and character-driven shows? There aren’t many. For me, it’s never been about being a star or just being seen. I have always believed in doing work that stays with people—a role that creates impact and lingers in their memory. That is the kind of work every actor wants to be remembered for—not for volume, but for meaning,” Rahul concluded.
