Shehzadi Hai Tu Dil Ki Saniya Khera on playing Kanika: “Depth and Psychology matter to me”

Actress Saniya Khera, known for her work in shows such as Junooniyatt, Tose Naina Milaike, Mann Atisundar, and Prem Leela, is currently seen playing the negative lead in Shehzadi Hai Tu Dil Ki. Speaking about her role, Saniya shared that what attracted her to the character of Kanika was the depth of the character. She explained that the character’s emotional complexity and psychological layers made it an engaging role to portray on screen.

Saniya believes that no character should be seen as purely positive or negative. According to her, every role comes with a backstory shaped by circumstances and emotions. This perspective helps her approach characters with empathy rather than judgment. Playing Kanika gave her the opportunity to explore these layers and present a character driven by her inner conflicts instead of simple labels.

Drawn to Thought-Provoking Storytelling

Talking about her choice of roles, Saniya admitted that she is consciously drawn to characters that question social norms and push boundaries. She strongly believes that storytelling has the power to spark conversations and shift perspectives. As an actor, she wants to be associated with stories that make people pause and reflect, instead of consuming content passively.

She also spoke about the direction she hopes Indian entertainment will take in the coming years. According to Saniya, the industry is at an important turning point, with more space opening up for realistic and grounded narratives. She shared that audiences today want to see characters who feel real, flawed, and emotionally layered. While extreme portrayals still exist, she feels there is a growing demand for stories rooted in everyday experiences.

Being Selective About Roles

Saniya made it clear that she is selective when it comes to choosing projects. She shared that saying no to work is never easy, but it is necessary to protect her creative direction. She would rather wait for a role that aligns with her values than take up something that does not add meaning to her journey as an artist.

Speaking about women-centric narratives, Saniya acknowledged that there has been noticeable progress in recent years. Female characters are now being written with more independence and strength. However, she also pointed out that there is still a long way to go, especially when it comes to breaking stereotypes and creating more opportunities behind the camera.a

Collaboration and Creative Integrity

Addressing challenges on set, Saniya believes that voicing creative opinions is a natural part of collaboration. She feels open dialogue and mutual respect help bring out the best version of a story. For her, growth comes from working with teams that are willing to listen and evolve together.

Looking ahead, Saniya hopes to continue being part of stories that carry social impact. She wants her work to entertain while also encouraging thought and discussion. With Shehzadi Hai Tu Dil Ki, Saniya Khera continues to build her journey with a clear focus on meaningful storytelling and creative integrity.