How Shivangi Joshi's 'prank' reel turned a nightmare for Priyamvada Kant after YRKKH exit & father's demise

Television actress Priyamvada Kant, known for her versatile performances in shows like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Tenali Rama, and Santoshi Maa, recently opened up about a deeply emotional and difficult chapter in her life. The actress, in a heartfelt conversation with Subhojit Ghosh, spoke about her sudden exit from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and the painful personal loss that led to it.

Priyamvada revealed that during the COVID era, she was shooting for a show in Silvassa, far from her home in Delhi. It was during this time that her father contracted COVID and was admitted to the hospital. Due to strict protocols and restrictions, she was unable to visit him.

Recalling that period, she said, "At that time, I was shooting for a show (YRKKH). It was during the COVID period, and we were filming in a bio bubble in Silvassa, which is quite far away. That’s when my dad got COVID and was hospitalized. But back then, Delhi wasn’t allowing visitors for COVID patients, So we couldn’t go see him."

She went on to share that she had to abruptly leave the shoot and rush to Delhi to be with her family. Unfortunately, the timing of her departure coincided with a lighthearted reel posted by her co-star Shivangi Joshi, which led to unexpected online backlash.

"I was still shooting in Silvassa at the time, and I had to immediately leave the show. I had to quit and rush to Delhi. I remember that around the same time, Shivangi had posted some prank reel, something lighthearted. It was just a silly prank on me while we were all on set. But her fans started trolling me, saying things like, ‘Good that she left the show,’ ‘Glad this happened,’ and similar comments."

The online trolling came at a time when Priyamvada was already navigating an emotional storm. She candidly admitted that the experience was one of the most painful moments she has faced on social media.

"Obviously, I was not in the right frame of mind then, and it really hurt me. That was actually the first time I was truly affected by something on social media. I was going through a personal crisis, and I didn’t even know what to feel—whether I should feel bad about the trolling or stay focused on what was really going on in my life."

"That’s probably the only time I’ve been deeply hurt by something on social media. I just wish people were more sensitive and could understand what I was going through instead of making it about themselves. But yes, I came out of it in a few days, although it was a very painful experience."

Obviously, I was not in the right frame of mind then, and it really hurt me. That was actually the first time I was truly affected by something on social media. I was going through a personal crisis, and I didn’t even know what to feel—whether I should feel bad about the trolling or stay focused on what was really going on in my life.

- Priyamvada Kant

Priyamvada also reflected on how dedicated she was to her work, even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic.

"You know, for someone who had just lost her father and was doing well on the show—despite the challenges of shooting during COVID—it was a really difficult time. I was genuinely enjoying my work, and even though the circumstances were tough, I was giving it my all."

Known for her vibrant energy and strong screen presence, Priyamvada has always maintained a dignified stance in the industry. Her story sheds light not only on the personal struggles actors face behind the scenes but also on the importance of empathy and sensitivity in the age of social media. It is a reminder that public figures often deal with silent battles, and compassion can go a long way.