Helly Shah on Arohi in 'Ishqa Ishqa': Love, obsession, and danger
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Actress Helly Shah has spoken candidly about what drew her to portraying Arohi in the upcoming Prime Video series 'Ishqa Ishqa', describing the character as a rare blend of intelligence, emotional depth, and unpredictability that made the role both daunting and compelling.
Helly Shah on Arohi's complex psyche
Shah explained that Arohi's defining trait is her inability to separate love from possession. 'Arohi loves Kabir with absolute intensity, but for her, love and possession are almost the same thing. She doesn't believe in halfway emotions. What drew me to her was that she is not simply obsessive,' Shah said.
She elaborated further: 'She is intelligent, strategic and deeply emotional, which makes her unpredictable. There is vulnerability in her, but there is also a side of her that can be incredibly dangerous. Playing someone who can move between those two sides was challenging and exciting for me.'
Satyajeet Dubey on playing the torn Kabir
Actor Satyajeet Dubey, who plays Kabir, described his character as a man trapped in circumstances with no clear exit. 'Kabir is a sensitive person who finds himself caught in a situation that becomes increasingly difficult to escape. While Suhani brings a sense of peace and emotional clarity into his life, Arohi's intense presence continues to make it difficult for him to truly move forward,' he said.
Dubey added that Kabir's journey is fundamentally about seeking a way through a situation that offers no easy resolution, even as he is repeatedly pulled back toward a dynamic he never sought.
Anushka Kaushik on Suhani's grounded strength
Actress Anushka Kaushik, who plays Suhani, offered a contrasting perspective. 'Suhani is grounded, emotionally aware and has a clear understanding of what she wants from a relationship. She believes that love should come with trust and space, and that really shaped the way I approached her,' she said.
Kaushik noted that Suhani's quiet strength becomes increasingly visible as the narrative unfolds, and that navigating her emotionally layered relationships made the role deeply fulfilling to portray.
What the series explores
Amogh Dusad, Director and Head of AVOD Content at Prime Video India, described the show's thematic core as an examination of what happens when love becomes entangled with obsession, control, and the fear of letting go. 'The series has an intriguing emotional dynamic at its core, with characters who are constantly pulled between chaos and calm, intensity and stability,' he said.
The trailer for the series was released on Monday, 6 October 2026, introducing the three central characters and the emotional conflict at the heart of the story. Written by Rajesh Bachchani and directed by Amit Kumar Jha, 'Ishqa Ishqa' is set to stream on Prime Video from 7 October 2026.