One-to-one: Kanwar spills the beans on the success of 'Udne Ki Aasha'

Kanwar Dhillon is currently garnering praise for his role as Sachin Deshmukh in Udne Ki Aasha. As he talks about the TV drama, he also reflects on television’s relevance in the digital era and power of relatable content.

You’ve been receiving immense appreciation for your role in Udne Ki Aasha. What do you think makes the show and your character so relatable?

Grand and dramatic storytelling will always have its charm, but realism is what connects deeply. Audiences see themselves in characters like Sachin. Families relate to what is happening on screen because they’ve lived similar experiences in their own lives.

You often talk about relatability being the core of television storytelling. Why do you think it resonates so much with viewers?

People watch television not just for entertainment, but for connection. When they see their own emotions, struggles and relationships mirrored on screen, it feels personal. That’s the magic of relatable storytelling — it bridges fiction and reality.

You’ve mentioned that many viewers personally reach out to you about your performance. What kind of feedback do you usually receive?

I get messages every day from people thanking me for portraying Sachin with honesty. They say they can see pieces of themselves in him. That, for me, is the true power of relatability. People see so many Sachins around them—sometimes within themselves. That’s why the love has been overwhelming.

You also raised a concern about the changing content consumption pattern. What are your thoughts on digital streaming of TV shows before telecast?

I personally don’t like that episodes stream online before their TV telecast. Television audiences should get the first experience. Digital is important, but this push towards digitalisation has definitely impacted TV viewership. Earlier, episodes would go online only after they were aired on television. I feel that we should retain that balance.

How do you see the balance between traditional TV and digital platforms evolving in the future?

Both mediums have their own strengths. Digital platforms offer flexibility, but television builds consistency and emotional connection. If the industry maintains a healthy balance between the two, both can thrive without affecting each other’s core audiences.

You’ve described yourself as a “chameleon” actor. What does that mean for you in terms of your craft?

As an actor, I like to be a chameleon. Whether it’s a larger-than-life drama or slice-of-life piece, I want to transform fully into every role I take up. That’s the challenge I enjoy the most. It keeps me creatively alive and evolving.

How do you view the current phase of Indian television post-Covid?

Television has evolved beautifully after the pandemic. There’s more variety, more realism, and a stronger focus on storytelling that connects. The audience is smarter and more emotionally aware, and that pushes creators to deliver more meaningful content.

What keeps you optimistic about television’s future in an age dominated by OTT platforms?

TV audience will always be television loyalists. The medium has unmatched recall value. As long as the content reflects reality and emotions that people can connect with, it will never lose its place. Relatable storytelling will always find its audience.