Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Rahul Sharma opens up about the emotional and professional highs and lows

Rahul Sharma, who currently plays Anshuman in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, produced by Rajan Shahi under Director’s Kut Production, believes that acting is a profession full of unpredictability. While many people talk about the challenges actors face, Rahul feels the biggest struggle is not the work itself—but the uncertainty that comes with it.

“People often mention the hustle in acting,” Rahul shared. “But for me, the real hustle isn’t about the hard work. I actually enjoy the work. The real struggle is the uncertainty. Sometimes you’re loaded with projects, and at other times, there’s no work at all. It’s difficult to manage those quiet periods, especially mentally. Keeping yourself strong and balanced during those times is the biggest challenge. And the truth is, that feeling of uncertainty never really goes away, even when you become successful.”

He went on to explain that even if an actor is earning well, their expenses and responsibilities also grow. The pressure to keep getting new work never stops. “You don’t know when the next project will come or whether it will offer the same creative satisfaction or financial reward as the last one. This industry is full of ups and downs, and you have to learn to live with that uncertainty,” Rahul said.

You don’t know when the next project will come or whether it will offer the same creative satisfaction or financial reward as the last one. This industry is full of ups and downs, and you have to learn to live with that uncertainty

- Rahul Sharma

Having worked in the industry for several years, Rahul admits that it doesn’t necessarily get easier. While experience helps in handling certain aspects, every new role brings its own emotional demands. “People think that with time, it becomes easier to express emotions on screen. And yes, you do get better at understanding your own emotional process. But every role is unique. The same feeling—like anger, joy, or grief—can feel totally different when you’re playing a different character,” he explained.

He added, “The emotions are never exactly the same. Some roles need you to go very deep emotionally, while others are more light-hearted. But each character takes you on a new journey. So no matter how long you’ve been acting, it’s never easy. Each role is a new challenge.”

In short, Rahul Sharma believes that the biggest difficulty in an actor’s life isn’t the hard work—it’s learning to live with the instability and emotional demands of each role. And that, he says, is the true hustle of being an actor.