Shabir Ahluwalia: Flaunting your seniority on a set never helps

Shabir Ahluwalia trades his trademark intensity for laughter in the family rom‑com Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, taking on his first show built entirely around comedy. He says “I’d call comedy one of the toughest genres, yet it feels natural to me. Yug lives in a delightfully mad world—two feuding families, a love story, and situations that create humour rather than forced gags.”In the show, he is paired opposite the much younger Ashi Singh. Given the age gap and his stature in the industry, Shabir believes building comfort and chemistry on set is essential, but not difficult. He says, “Ashi is a very chilled girl. The moment you crack a joke, share a few laughs and a few hi-fis, you’re on the same level. Eventually, it’s Yug and Kairi, not Shabir and Ashi. On set, what matters is the characters, not the real people. Transitioning into character is key.”He also feels that hierarchy and seniority have no place in a healthy set environment. He says, “I like to keep everyone happy on the set and don’t believe in flaunting my seniority. I don’t mind them cracking jokes with or on me — I do the same with them. It works both ways. It’s great to have a level playing field where everyone is at ease because one character alone can’t carry a show. It’s the collective effort that makes it work. And that happens only when everyone is happy. If there are differences or conflicts, they will reflect in the scene, especially when a scene demands chemistry. Interpersonal relationships matter.”He adds, “Nowhere in those scenes will the age difference, seniority, experience, or popularity show. What ultimately matters is how well you perform in a scene. So, flaunting seniority on a set never helps.”As someone who’s seen both success and the pressure that comes with expectations, Shabir is clear on what he chooses to focus on. “Of course, I want my show to work. But I don’t take pressure, because it’s not in my hands. I worry about the variables I can control — like whether I’m supposed to gel my hair or how to deliver a dialogue. I focus on what’s in my control and stay hopeful about what isn’t,” he concludes.