Anupamaa actress Sheersha Tiwari on playing a complex character Prathna Kothari in the show. The actress spoke about her experience of shooting a challenging scene and more.
Star Plus’ show Anupamaa has often highlighted various social issues that our society face but are often brushed under the carpet and aren’t discussed widely. In one of the tracks of Anupamaa, Kothari’s daughter faces domestic abuse and marital rape.
Downtown Mirror Weekly got in touch with Anupamaa actress Sheersha Tiwari who plays the character of Prathna Kothari who faces the above mentioned ordeal in the show and asked her about performing emotionally draining scenes.
Sheersha Tiwari said, “Performing that scene as Prarthna was one of the most emotionally intense experiences I’ve had on Anupamaa. She escaped a situation like marital rape, and the subject itself is extremely sensitive. I knew it had to be portrayed with honesty, depth, and responsibility. I spent a lot of time understanding Prarthna’s state of mind—the trauma, the fear, the strength it took for her to escape and speak for herself. The atmosphere on set was supportive. After the take, it actually took a moment to gather myself.”
Sheersha Tiwari added, “It wasn’t just acting; It felt like I was giving a voice to countless women who have faced something similar and never been able to speak out.”
Sheersha Tiwari further added, “It was emotionally draining, yes—but also deeply fulfilling as an actor to be part of a narrative that can spark conversations and awareness. I completed the whole sequence of scenes in two or three days, and I was pitiful; I found myself praying for the women who go through it for years. If this performance helps even one person feel seen or heard, it means the world to me.”
Talking about her working experience with Rupali Ganguly (Anupamaa), Sheersha Tiwari said, “Rupali Ma’am is a masterclass in herself.
I am glad that I can watch her perform live and learn from her every day. From the first day, she made me feel like family; always caring and spreading love. She is not just a phenomenal actress but also a genuinely warm and grounded person. Her nature makes it easy to connect with her, both on and off screen. She is is amazing at reading the emotional tone of a scene, so working that out with her always feels very collaborative.”
When asked about feedback from fans, the talented actress shared, “I’m really happy that I’m able to connect Prathna’s emotions with the audience. Fans on social media, fans I’ve met on set, friends, and even our families who watch Anupamaa come to me and ask me to speak up for Prathna, and even ask when I’m going to expose Gautam. With the latest episode, many fans and even my friends messaged me saying they cried while watching the scene because they felt bad for Prathna; that’s a compliment in itself.”
Teasing the fans with spoilers from the upcoming episodes, Sheersha Tiwari shared, “There’s a lot in store for viewers. Without giving away too much, I can say that the upcoming episodes will be high on emotions, twists, and powerful character moments. Relationships will evolve, some equations will be questioned, and viewers will definitely find themselves emotionally invested in what’s to come.”
