Samridhii Shukla on 3 years of YRKKH: 'Hard to play Abhira as an introvert'
Synopsis
Three years in, Samridhii Shukla is finally comfortable being the loudest person in the room — but only on screen. The actress behind YRKKH's Abhira has revealed she is a self-described introvert who once wouldn't ask for water at a relative's house, making her portrayal of the unstoppable Abhira a daily exercise in going against her own nature.
Key Takeaways
Samridhii Shukla has completed three years as Abhira in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' on StarPlus .
She described herself as an introvert, contrasting sharply with Abhira's talkative, outspoken personality.
The actress called the journey 'beautiful' and credits it with making her 'more strong, dedicated and hardworking.' She stars opposite Rohit Purohit , who plays Armaan Poddar ; the show is produced by Rajan Shahi under Director's Kut Productions .
Actress Samridhii Shukla has opened up about completing three years as Abhira in the long-running television drama 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' (YRKKH), calling the experience 'beautiful' while acknowledging the personal challenges she had to overcome to embody the character. The milestone marks a significant chapter in the show's storied run on StarPlus.
A Journey of Growth
Reflecting on nearly three years of daily shoots, Samridhii described the journey as transformative — not just professionally but personally. 'I would call this journey beautiful because it has taught me so much. It has helped me grow as not just an actor but as a human being,' she said.
She added, 'When you look at three years of working almost every day, you realize the kind of commitment it takes. This journey has made me more strong, dedicated and hardworking. To be honest, it is hard to put the whole experience into words, because it has been so fulfilling.'
The Introvert Who Had to Play an Extrovert
Perhaps the most candid revelation from Samridhii was about the stark contrast between her own personality and that of Abhira. 'Initially, it was quite hard for me to step into Abhira's shoes because I am an introvert. I was a person who would probably not even ask for a glass of water at a guest's or relative's house even if I was thirsty. And then I had to play Abhira who cannot stop talking! So it was a very interesting and challenging transition for me,' she explained.
The admission highlights the degree of craft involved — Samridhii had to consciously rewire her instincts on set every single day, something that veteran television actors often cite as the unique grind of daily-format drama.
About the Show and Her Role
Samridhii portrays Abhira Sharma Poddar, an advocate, opposite Rohit Purohit, who plays Armaan Poddar. 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' is produced by Rajan Shahi under the banner of Director's Kut Productions and airs on StarPlus. The show is one of Indian television's longest-running daily dramas, and Samridhii's entry as Abhira brought a fresh arc that has sustained viewer interest over this period.
'I come to work every day and it feels like a game. The entire team is wonderful and each day is a blessing. I really believe this is a very blessed show and I feel blessed to be a part of it,' she said.
What Lies Ahead
With three years behind her, Samridhii shows no signs of slowing down. Her candid introspection signals a maturity that fans of the show will likely see reflected on screen. As YRKKH continues to hold its loyal primetime audience, the actress's evolving comfort with Abhira's larger-than-life persona will remain central to the show's appeal.
Point of View
Where actors inhabit characters for years without the reset of a film schedule. YRKKH has a proven track record of making stars out of its leads, and Samridhii's growing comfort on screen is visible to its loyal viewer base. The more interesting question is whether that personal growth translates into the kind of off-screen brand capital that sustains a career beyond the show — something her predecessor leads have navigated with mixed results.
NationPress
10 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Samridhii Shukla been playing Abhira in YRKKH?
Samridhii Shukla has been playing the role of Abhira in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai' for three years as of November 2026. She has worked on the show almost every day during this period.
Why did Samridhii Shukla find it hard to play Abhira initially?
Samridhii has described herself as an introvert, saying she would not even ask for a glass of water at a relative's house. Playing Abhira, who is extremely talkative and outspoken, was a 'very interesting and challenging transition' for her.
Who plays opposite Samridhii Shukla in YRKKH?
Rohit Purohit plays Armaan Poddar opposite Samridhii Shukla's Abhira Sharma Poddar in 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.' The show airs on StarPlus and is produced by Rajan Shahi under Director's Kut Productions.
What has Samridhii Shukla said about working on YRKKH?
She described the journey as 'beautiful' and said it has made her 'more strong, dedicated and hardworking.' She also said the show feels 'like a game' every day and that she considers herself 'blessed' to be part of it.
What is Abhira's character in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai?
Abhira Sharma Poddar is an advocate and the female lead of 'Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai.' She is known for being talkative and vivacious, a personality Samridhii Shukla has said is quite the opposite of her own off-screen nature.
