Exclusive - Rohit Purohit on replacing Shehzada Dhami in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai: I am not scared of anything and don’t have any kind of pressure

Popular television actor Rohit Purohit joined "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" as the new Armaan, stepping in after Shehzada Dhami's departure due to unprofessional behaviour. Rohit has been warmly welcomed by the show's team and the audience. Expressing his excitement about the role, in a recent exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Rohit discussed playing Armaan, taking over from Shehzada Dhami, and the pressure and responsibility that come with the character. (Photo: Instagram)

While giving the mock shoot I wasn’t aware that it was for Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. It was only once it got approved from the channel I was told it was for Yeh Rishta and after that Meri Khushi ka koi thikana nahi raha… (Photo: Instagram)

It is going to be difficult for the fans to digest the changes or replacements initially, but as an actor, I’ve to do my job and perform my scenes. Take the information about the background of the character from the costars, team, and creative team and I did that. I watched the recent episodes as well to understand the show better. Also, whenever I’m doing a scene with someone I ask them Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. Everyone around is very sweet and helpful. It’s almost a week since I’ve been shooting and slowly I am getting a hold of everything. (Photo: Instagram)

I am wearing specs for Armaan’s look because it makes me look a little softer. I’ve always tried to take a different getup or look in all my shows throughout my career. I try to make an effort so that the audience doesn’t see the same Rohit in all the shows. I brainstormed a lot about it. First I trimmed my hair and finally wearing specs brought that look which I was looking out for. It made me look different and it was Rajan sir’s call to make me wear specs and slowly audiences will get used to it. People are loving and sending positive feedback that the look is softer and this is what we wanted to achieve. (Photo: Instagram)

I am not scared of anything or don’t have any kind of pressure. I think with responsibility you get courage and when you have a good team the responsibility gets divided amongst the team. I don’t have any kind of pressure and we have a brilliant team which works in sync. This ultimately makes an actor's job very easy. Yes, there’s the responsibility and I’m aware of it and I can only give my 100 percent to my work. (Photo: Instagram)

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai enjoys a massive fan following and most of them have welcomed me with open arms even though I’m replacing an actor. They are showering love on me, in fact, most of them. There are a few people who are attached to the character and as well as the actor and for them it is difficult to accept me or adjust to the changes. Obviously, they are feeling bad as they are not getting to see their favourite actor in the character but I’m also very stubborn and I’ll make sure I will win all of them with my hard work. I will try my best to get the same love which they gave to the old Armaan. (Photo: Instagram)

The bond is amazing with Abira. It’s been only a few days that we have started working together. She is very professional. Every actor is actually very professional. Right now we are shooting at a pace where there is no time to have an off-screen bond. (Photo: Instagram)

In an exclusive interview with Bombay Times, Rohit spoke about comparisons with Shehzada Dhami, he said, “Yes, comparisons are bound to happen when you replace an actor in a popular show. However, I don’t feel pressured because of my extensive experience in the industry and my confidence in my craft. I understand there are expectations from the makers and the audience. I will make sure I give my best and am accepted as the new Armaan Poddar. Over the years, I have come to understand that the audience first forge a connection with a character and the actor portraying the part comes in much later. I don’t see replacing someone as a challenge because I have learnt the importance of staying true to the character. If I do that, the audience will naturally connect with me. I am sure I will make a place in their hearts and won't disappoint them.” (Photo: Instagram)