Exclusive - Shivam Khajuria on playing Prem in Anupamaa: Supporting a strong woman doesn't diminish you, it elevates you
'Playing Prem has been a deeply rewarding experience,' says Shivam. 'He's incredibly loving and caring toward everyone around him, and what I admire most is how he always chooses to see the good in people. That's a quality I've tried to imbibe in my own life as Shivam too; being a little more patient, a little more empathetic, and leading with kindness in my relationships.'
In a television landscape that's long been dominated by stoic male leads, Shivam's portrayal of Prem offers a refreshing shift, a man who stands by his partner not from a place of dominance, but from deep understanding and respect.
'As for playing a male lead who embodies the idea of 'behind every strong woman is a man who supports her', it's actually quite liberating,' he shares. 'I believe that when a man can stand by his partner, truly understand her, and support her without ego, it only strengthens the bond between them.
Through this role, I hope more men can see that supporting your woman doesn't diminish you; in fact, it elevates you both.'
Shivam Khajuria began his acting career with the show Molkki, where he played the role of Naveen. However, the turning point in his career came with the TV show, Mann Sundar, in which he portrayed the lead character Nihar Goyal. In 2023, Shivam took up a grey-shaded character in
Kumkum Bhagya
, but later he made an exit from the show due to creative differences. He soon joined the cast of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, playing the role of Rohit Poddar, Armaan's younger brother and Ruhi's husband—an important step forward in his acting journey. Presently, he is seen in Anupamaa as Prem "Tiku" Kothari, further expanding his presence in the television industry.
By portraying a character who leads with softness and strength, Shivam Khajuria continues to challenge outdated norms of masculinity on screen, while inspiring change off screen as well.
CHAT WITH SHIVAM KHAJURIA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
9 hours ago
- News18
‘Story Is King': Samridhii Shukla On Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Success
Samridhii Shukla says staying true to a show's core values is key to keeping audiences hooked. Actress Samridhii Shukla, who plays Abhira in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, feels that the show's long-running success lies in remaining faithful to its core story and values. The show is now in its 16th year and she feels its relevance depends on balancing growth with consistency. 'I think it's absolutely crucial. The core values and main plot are what hook the audience from the very beginning. That emotional and narrative foundation is what they come back for, episode after episode," she shared in an interview with the Times of India. 'So if you want the story to work long-term, you have to keep that essence intact and let it continue to weave through the story as it grows. Evolution is important, yes—but not at the cost of the show's soul," she added. Listening to the Audience Samridhii is also someone who values what fans say online. 'Personally, I love reading comments and getting real-time feedback, whether it's criticism or appreciation. I think both are valuable. I'm someone who's very open to learning from what the audience feels…" she told the Times of India, adding that while the creative direction isn't in her hands, she takes fan opinions seriously. She also touched upon the changing image of women on Indian TV and how that reflects in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. 'The first Akshara was a homemaker. But gradually, we started showing ambitious women, who wanted both family and a career…" Consistency vs Twists Samridhii believes that while new twists are exciting, they shouldn't come at the cost of the characters' core personalities. 'Plot twists are exciting, no doubt, but they only work if they grow organically from the characters we already know and care about," she said. She added that good storytelling is what keeps a show going for years. 'Story is king… And when you combine that with a good ensemble cast and a committed team, from production to direction, you create a kind of magic that lasts." According to Times Now, Samridhii recently won the Rising Star award at the Indian Telly Awards 2025. Before this show, she was seen in Saavi Ki Savaari, Sai Baba and more. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
Anupamaa: Anupamaa returns to Shah house as family tensions resurface
The upcoming episodes of Anupamaa are set to feature high-stakes drama and shifting family dynamics. In the latest episode, Hasmukh requests Anupamaa to return to the Shah house. She initially refuses, stating that she has no reason to return. However, she ultimately agrees to stay, and is welcomed by Hasmukh, Ansh, Prathna, Paritosh, and Kinjal. Following her return, Preet introduces herself to the family and issues a cautionary note, urging them not to hurt Anupamaa again. She also hints at not being alone in this. Rita suggests staying at a hotel, but Sarita convinces her to adjust for a few days. While Deepa expresses doubt about Anupamaa's decision to stay, others in the house reflect on the strength of familial bonds. Elsewhere, the Kothari family receives news of Anupamaa's return to the Shah household. Khyati interprets her move as calculated, while Mahi speculates that she may have returned with intentions of revenge. Prem expresses hope that Anupamaa will support the marriage of Ansh and Prathna. Rahi, however, worries that Anupamaa's presence could affect her relationship with Prem. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Finger Shape Says a Lot About Your Personality, Read Now Tips and Tricks Undo In response, Parag assures the family that he will intervene, which is expected to cause tension with Prem. At the Shah house, the family encourages Anupamaa to perform a puja. She becomes emotional, and the family, including Leela, shows their support. Meanwhile, Rahi grows increasingly concerned about Anupamaa's return, but Prem tries to reassure her. Anupamaa begins to question whether Prathna will be staying at the Shah house. Simultaneously, the Dancing Ranis team decides to stay with Anupamaa, demonstrating their solidarity. Hasmukh reaches out to Manohar for assistance in accommodating them. In a parallel development, Prem tells Rahi that Ansh and Prathna are capable of making their own decisions. Anupamaa senses that something is being kept from her and questions both Ansh and Prem. In upcoming episodes, Leela will be surprised to learn that Ansh and Prathna are determined to get married. Anupamaa will then attempt to convince Leela to give them her blessing.
India.com
11 hours ago
- India.com
Meet actress who quit studies to become actress, worked with Hrithik Roshan, Shahid Kapoor, Kartik Aaryan, today she is ruling Indian cinema, she is…
This actress who has made her mark from South cinema to Bollywood, today on 1st August, has not one but two happy occasions. Firstly, today is her birthday and secondly, on this special occasion, her comedy film Son of Sardaar 2 has been released with Bollywood star Ajay Devgn. We are talking about Mrunal Thakur. This is the first time Mrunal is working with a veteran actor. Mrunal started her career from the small screen and today she is a well-known name in the film industry. Today she is known as Sita-Ramam actress and Mrunal has earned this name in the world of cinema with her own hard work and dedication. Mrunal Thakur's impressive career Mrunal was born on 1st August 1992 in Dhule, Maharashtra and at the age of 20, she got her first serial 'Mujhse Kuchh Kehti Hai… Yeh Khamoshiyan'. The actress got a chance to work in this serial when she was still studying. After this, she also worked in the popular serial Kumkum Bhagya and then never looked back. Mrinal's notable film is Love Sonia, in which she talks about serious topics like prostitution and child trafficking. Before shooting for this film, she went to the red light area and saw and understood the environment there. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mrunal Thakur (@mrunalthakur) What is Mrunal Thakur's hobbies? After this, Mrunal was seen as an actress in Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan's film Super 30 and from there many doors opened for the actress. You will be surprised to know that Mrunal has a huge fan following in Indonesia, the reason for this is that the actress has worked in many TV serials. Apart from this, Mrunal is also fond of photography and writing and she fulfills her hobbies in her free time. Mrunal's popular films include Sita Ramam, Hi Nanna and now Son of Sardar 2, which is tickling the audience in the theater. Talking about the net worth of the actress, according to reports, she is the owner of Rs 33 crore.
