Romiit Raaj, who portrayed Rohit Poddar in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, exited the show in March. His journey on the series helped him recognise the value of compelling storytelling and well-crafted characters, and he is now patiently waiting for the right opportunity to come his way.
Every once in a while, an actor lands a role that turns out to be a milestone in their career — a project that not only earns them recognition but also reshapes their professional path. For Romiit Raaj, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been a truly life-changing experience. Known for his work in popular shows like Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyaan, Maayka, and Adaalat, Romiit joined the cast of YRKKH in July last year. His character arc, which lasted nine months, concluded in March — and he calls it a significant turning point in his journey as an actor.
Reflecting on the impact the show has had on him, Romiit shares with Downtown Mirror Weekly, “It absolutely is a massive turning point in my career. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has helped me become more mindful of the kind of roles I want to take up. It has reminded me of the importance of strong storytelling and meaningful characters. I want to do roles with emotional impact and depth. I’ve become more selective.”
While many actors aim to continually reinvent themselves and avoid being typecast, there are some characters that simply stick — roles that become synonymous with the actor who plays them. Romiit’s portrayal of Rohit Poddar in the long-running Star Plus drama clearly struck a chord with the audience. When asked about being recognized by his character’s name rather than his own, Romiit Raaj responds, “Honestly, when someone calls me by my character’s name — like Rohit Poddar — I take it as a huge compliment. It means I did justice to the role, that people believed in the world we created, and that the character stayed with them. That’s the biggest win for any actor.”
He quickly adds, “At the same time, I also hope people see Romiit Raaj — the actor behind the character, the one constantly evolving, learning, and seeking new challenges. It’s a balance. Being remembered for a character is beautiful, but what’s even more rewarding is when people recognize your journey — from one character to another, from one emotion to the next. That’s the real magic of being an actor.”
With a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the kinds of stories he wants to tell, Romiit Raaj stands at an exciting crossroads in his career — one shaped by the past but driven by a desire to explore more meaningful and emotionally resonant roles.
