Anupamaa's Sheersha Tiwari on playing Prarthna: “It’s About Living Her Truth”

Sheersha Tiwari, who plays the role of Prarthana Kothari in Deepa Shahi and Rajan Shahi’s Anupama, which is produced under their banner Shahi Productions Pvt Ltd, says though TV is a demanding medium, the audience’s love makes up for it.

She said, “TV, especially daily soaps, is incredibly demanding, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. As an actor, you’re constantly on your toes. You're shooting almost every day, sometimes for 12–14 hours, and you have to bring the same intensity, the same emotional truth, every single time. But the beauty of daily soaps is that they create a unique relationship with the audience. You’re in their living rooms every evening. You become a part of their routine, their emotions, even their family in a way.”

“Unlike films or web series, where there's a waiting period between projects, TV gives you immediate feedback. People start recognizing you, not just as an actor, but as the character you play—and that’s a powerful bond. It’s definitely tough, but it keeps you grounded, disciplined, and in touch with the audience in the most intimate way,” she added.

TV, especially daily soaps, is incredibly demanding, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding. As an actor, you’re constantly on your toes. You're shooting almost every day, sometimes for 12–14 hours, and you have to bring the same intensity, the same emotional truth, every single time.

- Sheersha Tiwari

For her, portraying the role of Prarthna is not just about acting; it’s about living her truth, she shared, adding, “She’s a woman of values, someone who tries to hold her ground even when life tests her. As actors, we must connect with our character’s emotions. If I don’t feel what Prarthna feels—her pain, her strength, her silence—then how will the audience believe in her?”

And she feels that if people imitate something from what they see on-screen, they should also keep a reality check. She said, “When people try to imitate a character—that’s a double-edged sword. If they’re inspired by something noble or courageous, that’s beautiful. But it’s important to remember that what we put on screen isn’t always meant to be copied. Some characters are flawed, broken, even dangerous—and we play them not to glorify their behavior, but to explore why they are the way they are.”

“So to anyone watching: connect, feel, reflect—but don’t lose sight of who you are. We act to tell human stories, not to set templates for life,” Sheersha ended.