A dream run

Tanvi Shewale, who plays Roshni in Udne Ki Aasha, says he is living his dream every day through this character.

What makes television such a special medium for you?

For me, what makes TV truly special is the daily connection it builds. Every day brings a new episode, a new moment, or a new layer of the same character. Unlike films or OTT shows that come and go, television becomes a part of people’s lives. It enters their homes every single day, making the audience feel like we’re a part of their own family.

How did your love for storytelling begin?

My love for storytelling started long before I stepped in front of a camera. I grew up watching Disney and Pogo. Shows like Oswald and Noddy were my favourites, and there was also a cartoon about a penguin that I adored — though I can’t remember the name now! Those cartoons taught me such beautiful lessons.

Did television play a role in your childhood at home?

Absolutely. My nani was a huge TV lover. She would switch on her favourite channel at exactly 7 pm every day. That little routine is etched in my memory, and it played a big part in shaping my emotional bond with television.

How do you feel television has evolved over the years?

Just like our world has evolved, I feel television has grown in the same direction. OTT platforms opened doors to new kinds of stories, and TV has also expanded its horizon. Today, television is exploring a wide range of topics, and that’s a beautiful evolution.

What, according to you, makes the bond between television actors and the audience so strong?

It’s the consistency — this everyday companionship. Because people watch TV daily, they start feeling connected to the characters. They laugh with them, cry with them, and root for them. It becomes a relationship, not just entertainment.

Have you personally experienced a moment that showed you this audience connection?

Yes, and very recently. A lady visited our set and told me she watches Udne Ki Aasha every single day without fail. She had tears in her eyes when she spoke to me. It was such an emotional moment and filled me with love and gratitude. That’s the magic of television.

Are there any nostalgic shows from your childhood that you still remember fondly?

Oh yes! There was a show I was absolutely obsessed with. Everyone in my house used to watch it, and I adored the lead pair — their chemistry was incredible. I can’t even express how much I loved that show.

How do all these memories and experiences shape your portrayal of Roshni in Udne Ki Aasha?

Everything I’ve felt—my childhood TV memories, nani’s routines, the emotional bond viewers share with us — comes together when I play Roshni. I pour all of it into my performance. I’m living my dream every day through this character, and I’m grateful for the love and support I receive as I bring Roshni to life.