For actress Shruti Rawat, playing Manisha in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been a defining moment in her career. After spending nearly 18 years in the entertainment industry, she says the love and recognition she has received through the iconic show have been beyond anything she imagined.
Speaking about the impact of being part of one of television’s most loved dramas, Shruti Rawat shared, “I’ve been acting for many years, but this show has brought me recognition on a completely different level. The audience’s love is something I never expected, and for me, that means far more than awards or superficial appreciation.”
Apart from professional success, Shruti is thankful for the support she receives from the production team. As a single mother balancing work, family, and her daughter’s responsibilities, she says the understanding environment on set has made her journey much easier. “The team has always been supportive and accommodating. They understand my responsibilities beyond work, and that has helped me balance my personal and professional life beautifully,” she said.
The actress also recalled one of the most emotionally demanding phases she has filmed so far—the track involving Kiara’s wedding and pregnancy revelation. According to Shruti, the storyline required her to stay emotionally invested for nearly two weeks. “The scenes were intense and emotionally draining. Even after pack-up, those emotions stayed with me because the performance demanded complete involvement,” she revealed.
Having largely come from a comedy background, Shruti believes the show has helped her grow tremendously as a performer. “Drama was always something I wanted to explore. Working on this show for almost three years has given me confidence and taught me so much. I’ve learned from every actor around me,” she shared.
When she gets a break from shooting, Shruti prefers spending quiet moments in the garden, listening to music, meditating, or enjoying a cup of coffee under the open sky.
One of the highlights of her day, however, is seeing Manisha’s final look. “The sarees, jewellery, and styling are beautiful. Every woman enjoys dressing up, and I genuinely look forward to seeing my look every day,” she said with a smile.
