Actress Sukirti Kandpal talks about her role in the show Anupamaa and how she relates with her character

How has your experience of playing the character of Shruti in Anupamaa been?

It has been a delightful experience. I love the character; she’s a modern woman, a 34-year-old photographer with a cool lingo. What I appreciate most is that she’s relatable – she loves herself, but she also has a mature side. I find a lot of similarities with her, and that makes the role even more enjoyable.

How did you bag this role?

The offer came to me quite suddenly, and things fell into place very quickly. The excitement was immediate, and the journey from accepting the role to actually stepping into the character happened swiftly. I’m genuinely happy to be a part of Anupamaa.

Will the story resonate with the audience?

The story of Anupamaa is grounded in reality. It touches on issues that many people face in their lives, like teenage problems and extramarital affairs. The portrayal of middle-class life is relatable for a broad audience. I believe this will resonate with the audiences.

With the rise of OTT platforms, some people speculate about the decline of television viewership. What are your thoughts on this, especially in the Indian context?

I don’t believe TV will lose its audience to OTT. Television has its unique charm, especially in the Indian context. Families often watch TV together, creating a shared experience. This communal viewing cannot be replaced by individual screen time on tablets or phones. I think TV will continue to have its own audience.

How has the experience of shooting been?

Every day brings new challenges and excitement. I look forward to giving my best in each scene and contributing to the overall narrative. My daily motivation comes from my father, who, at 72, is incredibly active and accomplished. His dedication to his routine inspires me to make the most of every day.

Do you feel any pressure to perform well all the time?

There’s always a mix of excitement and a hint of pressure when you are part of a show as successful as Anupamaa. The excitement comes from the opportunity to contribute to a storyline that has captured the audiences’ hearts. At the same time, there’s a responsibility to do justice to the character and the expectations of the viewers. However, I believe that pressure is a part of any actor’s journey, and that is what drives us to give our best performance.