Shivam Khajuria, who is seen as Prem in Star Plus and Rajan Shahi’s Anupamaa, feels that for a show to have a long, successful run, it’s important to take risks and experiment.
He said, “The long-running nature of television can sometimes lead to repetition or predictability, but at the same time, that longevity gives you space to evolve. You can introduce new layers, unexpected twists, and fresh dynamics over time. In fact, taking risks becomes important to keep the narrative engaging, so in many ways, longevity actually encourages experimentation rather than limiting it.”
He doesn’t believe that audience loyalty makes it harder to experiment with bold narratives. He said, “When audiences are emotionally invested in a show and its characters, there’s a level of trust that gets built. That trust allows you to explore new directions and narratives because viewers are more open to going on that journey with you.”
He agreed that, with the fast-paced, structured format of a daily soap, bringing in spontaneity can be challenging. He said, “But in a way, that also pushes you to stay instinctive.” Often, you don’t get the luxury of over-preparation, so you rely heavily on your understanding of the character and your own creative instincts. That’s where spontaneity comes from, being present in the moment and trusting your craft.”
For Shivam, it’s important to maintain a balance between bringing a character to life and adding his own bits to it. He said, “While you have to stay true to the world of the show and the character, you also bring your own interpretation and nuances to the role. Over time, those small choices help uniquely shape the character. So even within a legacy-driven format, your individuality naturally comes through in how you perform and internalize the role.”
But he mentioned that adapting to constant changes in a daily soap is far more challenging. He said, “Staying true to the character is something you build over time, but when scripts evolve quickly, you have to constantly recalibrate while still maintaining consistency. It’s a balance between being flexible and not losing the essence of who the character is.”
Asked how Anupamaa stands out in today’s OTT-driven space, he said, “I think television still has a very strong emotional connect with audiences, especially in a country like India. Shows like Anupamaa resonate because they reflect everyday relationships and emotions in a relatable way.”
“While OTT offers variety and scale, television offers consistency and familiarity. Staying relevant is about evolving with the audience, keeping the storytelling fresh, and maintaining that emotional connection,” Shivam ended.
