Ruhaanika Dhawan hails Divyanka Tripathi as 'iron woman', credits her mentorship ahead of Khatron Ke Khiladi
Synopsis
Child actor Ruhaanika Dhawan has opened up about her deep bond with Divyanka Tripathi, calling her an 'iron woman' who shaped her early career through patient mentorship. As Ruhaanika prepares to enter Khatron Ke Khiladi as its youngest-ever contestant, she credits Divyanka's guidance in teaching her mental composure — a lesson that may prove invaluable in the stunt-driven reality show.
Key Takeaways
Ruhaanika Dhawan praised Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya as an "iron woman" and credited her mentorship during their time on Yeh Hai Mohabbatein .
Ruhaanika was only around six years old when she began playing Ruhi in the show, which premiered in 2013 .
The on-screen mother-daughter chemistry between Divyanka's Ishima and Ruhaanika's Ruhi became a cornerstone of the show's success.
Divyanka guided Ruhaanika on staying calm, composed, and confident during demanding shoot schedules.
Ruhaanika , who recently completed her 10th boards, will debut on Khatron Ke Khiladi as the show's youngest-ever participant.
Actress Ruhaanika Dhawan, who became a household name as Ruhi in the family drama Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, recently opened up about her enduring bond with Divyanka Tripathi Dahiya, who played her on-screen mother Ishima in the show. In an exclusive interview, Ruhaanika lauded her former co-star's resilience and mentorship, calling her "made of steel" and "an iron woman" who guided her through a formative phase of her career.
Mentorship and guidance
Ruhaanika credited Divyanka with teaching her emotional discipline and mental composure during the demanding shoot schedules of the show. "She has sat down and explained me every pointer to how I need to stay in a very calm state of mind and not panic, and instead relax and take it on," Ruhaanika shared. The actress emphasised how Divyanka functioned as both a professional guide and a maternal figure off-screen, helping her navigate the pressures of child acting.
Early career and on-screen chemistry
When Yeh Hai Mohabbatein premiered in 2013, Ruhaanika was only around six years old, yet she quickly emerged as one of Indian television's most beloved child performers. Her on-screen relationship with Divyanka — who played Dr. Ishita Iyer Bhalla, affectionately known as Ishima — became a cornerstone of the show's appeal. Their chemistry transcended typical mother-child dynamics, grounding the family drama's emotional core and resonating deeply with audiences across its multi-year run.
The show's legacy
Yeh Hai Mohabbatein was a relationship-centred family drama produced by Ekta Kapoor that also featured Karan Patel, Anita Hassanandani, Aly Goni, and Neena Kulkarni. The ensemble cast and nuanced storytelling helped establish the show as a ratings powerhouse, with the Ishima-Ruhi pairing becoming iconic in Indian television history.
Next chapter: Khatron Ke Khiladi
Ruhaanika, who recently completed her 10th-standard board examinations, is now poised to enter the reality television space. She will participate in the stunt-based reality show Khatron Ke Khiladi, where she will reportedly become the youngest contestant in the show's history. The transition from child actor to reality television participant marks a significant milestone in her evolving career trajectory.
Point of View
The foundational confidence Divyanka instilled may prove her strongest asset — a quiet testament to the power of on-set mentorship in shaping careers beyond the frame.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ruhaanika Dhawan and what is she known for?
Ruhaanika Dhawan is an Indian child actress best known for playing Ruhi Bhalla in the family drama Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, which premiered in 2013. She became a household name despite being only around six years old when she started the role, quickly emerging as one of Indian television's most beloved child performers.
What did Ruhaanika say about Divyanka Tripathi?
Ruhaanika called Divyanka Tripathi an 'iron woman' and praised her resilience and mentorship. She credited Divyanka with teaching her how to stay calm, composed, and confident during the demanding schedules of the show, and noted that Divyanka functioned as both a professional guide and maternal figure.
What was the on-screen relationship between Ruhaanika and Divyanka in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein?
Divyanka played Dr. Ishita Iyer Bhalla, affectionately called Ishima, who was Ruhaanika's on-screen mother. Their mother-daughter chemistry became a cornerstone of the show's appeal and was loved by audiences, contributing significantly to the show's success.
What is Ruhaanika Dhawan doing next?
Ruhaanika, who recently completed her 10th-standard board examinations, is set to participate in the reality television show Khatron Ke Khiladi. She will reportedly be the youngest contestant in the show's history.
