Actress Samridhii Shukla who plays Abhira in the show,Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, opens up about her bond with Mumbai, the city where she was born and raised. Talking about the contrast between glamour and reality, she says, “For me, Mumbai really is the city of dreams because it gave me a chance to become an actor. At the same time, I know how tough daily life is here. From trains to traffic, everything needs patience.”
Even though her work looks glamorous from the outside, she believes her struggles are not very different from those of common Mumbaikars. She adds, “I don’t feel disconnected at all because I am also a part of the same city life. I still spend hours in traffic, I see how rents keep going up, and I know how tough it is for families to manage expenses. So, even though I work as an actor, I live these realities just like every other Mumbaikar.”
On the role of celebrities in highlighting issues, Samridhii feels strongly. She says, “As celebrities, we can use our voice to talk about real issues. If we highlight problems like women’s safety, housing, or local struggles, more awareness can be created. Even small efforts on our platforms can make a difference.”
When asked about the way media often glorifies only the glamorous side of celebrity life, she agrees partly. “Media usually shows the good side, the glamour, but behind that there is a lot of hard work and normal struggles too. I feel both stories should be told—the dreams and the difficulties—because Mumbai is about both,” she explains.
Sharing her personal learnings, she says, “The biggest lesson Mumbai has taught me is never to give up. This city makes you stronger. Even if life is difficult, people here keep moving forward.”
Looking ahead, Samridhii wants to use her influence for a cause close to her heart. She adds, “If I get a chance, I would like to bring more awareness to women’s safety and better transport facilities. These are daily struggles that matter a lot to me as someone born and raised in this city.”
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