'Why Do You Treat Rishita Di Like This?' Kanika Maheshwari Reveals Son Calls Her 'So EVIL' After Watching SHKH

Television actress Kanika Maheshwari recently opened up about her unforgettable journey of playing some of Indian television's most iconic negative characters. While audiences may have booed her characters on screen, they couldn't help but love her performances. Reflecting on the phenomenon, Kanika shared, "It's honestly the biggest compliment for an actor when people dislike the character but love the performance. Even today, many people remember me for my villainous roles more than anything else, and I absolutely cherish that."

Speaking about the hilarious reactions she still receives from fans and family, Kanika says, "The funniest feedback actually came from my son. He would watch certain scenes and ask me, 'Why do you treat Rishita Di like this? Why are you so evil?' He genuinely believed I was troubling her. It took him some time to understand that it was all acting and part of a television show. Looking back now, it's one of my favourite memories because it showed just how convincing those characters were."

Recalling how much she enjoyed stepping into the shoes of strong antagonists, the actress shares, "Playing a villain is far more exciting than people imagine. You get to explore emotions that are so dramatic, layered, and unpredictable. Every scene carries a challenge. There is a certain thrill in making audiences react so strongly that they wait for your next move. As an actor, that's incredibly satisfying."

The funniest feedback actually came from my son. He would watch certain scenes and ask me, 'Why do you treat Rishita Di like this? Why are you so evil?' He genuinely believed I was troubling her. It took him some time to understand that it was all acting and part of a television show. Looking back now, it's one of my favourite memories because it showed just how convincing those characters were. Playing a villain is far more exciting than people imagine. You get to explore emotions that are so dramatic, layered, and unpredictable. Every scene carries a challenge. There is a certain thrill in making audiences react so strongly that they wait for your next move. As an actor, that's incredibly satisfying.

- Kanika Maheshwari

Kanika further reveals that despite portraying intimidating characters on screen, she is completely different in reality. "People who know me personally often laugh when they hear stories about viewers being scared of me. I'm actually a very cheerful, family-oriented person. My friends say I'm incapable of being as cunning as the characters I've portrayed. But I suppose that's what good acting is all about making people believe you're someone entirely different."

People who know me personally often laugh when they hear stories about viewers being scared of me. I'm actually a very cheerful, family-oriented person. My friends say I'm incapable of being as cunning as the characters I've portrayed. But I suppose that's what good acting is all about making people believe you're someone entirely different.

- Kanika Maheshwari

Concluding on a light-hearted note, Kanika says, "I think I'll always carry the tag of television's favourite villain, and honestly, I wear it proudly. If audiences still remember those characters after so many years, it means we created something special. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll return with another villainous role that makes everyone love to hate me all over again!"

I think I'll always carry the tag of television's favourite villain, and honestly, I wear it proudly. If audiences still remember those characters after so many years, it means we created something special. And who knows? Maybe one day I'll return with another villainous role that makes everyone love to hate me all over again!

- Kanika Maheshwari

Over the years, Kanika Maheshwari has proven that a memorable villain is just as important as a beloved hero. Through her powerful performances, she turned antagonistic characters into household names and left a lasting impact on audiences across generations. While fans continue to remember her for the characters they loved to hate, Kanika's reflections offer a glimpse into the dedication, passion, and versatility that went into bringing those roles to life. And if her words are anything to go by, viewers may not have seen the last of her iconic villainous streak just yet.