Actor Rahul Sharma, the latest addition to Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai playing Anshuman, shares his experience handling online feedback following his role as Abhira’s new love interest.
He reflects on the power and pitfalls of social media in shaping audience perceptions.
In today’s digital age, an actor’s popularity can shift overnight not just based on performance, but on how audiences respond on social media.
Platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and X (previously known as Twitter) now serve as key indicators of how audiences feel and react in real time.
Rahul Sharma opens up about Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai criticism
While positive feedback can elevate a character’s arc, negative reactions often swift and passionate can be hard to ignore, especially when an actor steps into an already-established love story.
Since joining Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai as Anshuman in May, Rahul Sharma has come to recognise this reality firsthand. His character’s budding relationship with Abhira (played by Samridhii Shukla) presented a shift from the much-adored dynamic between Abhira and Armaan (played by Rohit Purohit), a pairing fans had grown deeply attached to. Almost immediately, his entry was met with strong reactions online a blend of curiosity, skepticism, and resistance from fans emotionally invested in the original couple.
Acknowledging the response, Rahul offers a grounded perspective on fan loyalty and how he navigates the noise.
“Yes, I’d be lying if I said I haven’t seen the resistance,” he shares candidly, adding, “When fans are loyal to a particular pairing, they’re naturally protective—and that passion is part of what makes YRKKH such a beloved show. I try not to take it personally. Actually, I truly value the enthusiasm that drives those reactions.”
But he’s equally clear that growth and evolution are essential in storytelling even if it means challenging the status quo.
He notes, “That said, I also believe that storytelling evolves, and characters are meant to bring new layers. My job is to stay true to the script, do justice to Anshuman, and slowly earn the audience’s trust, one scene at a time. The positive messages that trickle in remind me that change is always met with resistance, but also with possibility.”
While social media has democratised feedback allowing fans to connect directly with actors and voice their opinions it’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, it empowers loyal viewers and keeps creators informed about audience preferences. On the other, it can often turn toxic, especially when fictional dynamics become deeply personal for the audience.
For Rahul, the key is balance embracing the genuine feedback while staying anchored in his creative journey. And if history is any indication, sometimes the most unexpected characters go on to become fan favourites all it takes is time, conviction, and a compelling story.
