Following the recent suspension of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) ratings, Vasudha actor Abhishek Sharrma, known for portraying Devansh Singh Chauhan in the hit Zee TV show, shared his thoughts on how the development affects actors and where his true validation lies.
For Abhishek, weekly ratings have never altered his day-to-day commitment on set. “Honestly, it does not change for me personally. TRPs have always been one of the industry’s performance indicators, but my day-to-day work remains the same,” says Abhishek Sharrma. “I still report to the set, prepare for my scene, and try to perform honestly. Irrespective of whether TRPs come every Thursday or not, my focus as an actor does not change. I focus on my craft and towards the honesty of the character I play. Once that is in my mind, nothing changes the way I perform.”
A show’s online popularity and television viewership don’t always move together—and that’s perfectly normal.
When asked how he measures the success of a performance without weekly rating sheets, the actor emphasises internal conviction and audience connection over digits. “I have never been dependent solely on TRPs to judge my work,” he shares. “My biggest yardstick has always been whether I am convinced with my performance, and if the audience connects with the character. If people are emotionally invested in Devansh and the story, it is satisfying for me. Beyond that, I want to improve every day and every scene.”
While social media offers instant gratification, Abhishek believes it only tells part of the story when it comes to Indian television’s massive reach. “I have always enjoyed interacting with my fans, regardless of whether the ratings are out or not. Social media gives us immediate reactions, which are lovely to read, but it is just one way of understanding the audience,” Abhishek explains. “Television reaches millions of people, and many viewers never comment online. So I value both equally, and don’t rely on any one source to know how the show is going.”
Addressing the debate around linear television numbers versus digital streaming trends, Abhishek highlights the importance of viewing both platforms as allies rather than rivals. “TV and digital are two different ecosystems; both have their own strengths,” he concludes. “A show’s online popularity and television viewership don’t always move together—and that’s perfectly normal. Rather than comparing one against the other, I think we have to look at them as complementary indicators. At the end of the day, the storyline, content, and the belief in the show matter.”
