How do you feel you are one of a top desirable man of TV
industry?
It was quite a surprise! I didn't see the newspaper
that day and my sister sent me the picture. My family was also very happy.
So Yeh Rishta is going for revamping and two-year leap,
how do you feel?
I feel it has been wonderfully done. As Rajan Shahi sir
has always said this is God’s own show, I feel that we are in good hands. I
know that it’s going to be a wonderful year.
You are part of the longest-running shows in the history
of Indian television. How does that feel?
I am overwhelmed every single day. I thank my stars,
God for everything that has happened over the years and for everything that I
have achieved. I just hope that this journey continues like this.
So what are the changes in your character and look post
the time-leap?
They have really worked on the look and have
completely transformed it. Kartik started out as a man, who pretended to be a
middle-class guy. I had to always wear shirts and behave like a middle-class
boy. Later on, it is revealed that he is actually the son of a millionaire. So,
then you see him in suits. Right now, after two years, a lot has changed. He
blames his wife for his brother’s death and he is trying to deal with him. He
stills loves his wife and his family. He has started drinking and you see him
angrier than before. My character has changed for much and as an actor that is
a great opportunity for me. I am really loving it.
How is it working with Rajan Shahi, who is involved in
every expect of the show?
He has always been good to me, right from Rishikesh,
from the first day of shoot. He has always been there to motivate me, to guide
me. It’s really helpful that he is always there. You often need someone like
that to guide you.
Your on-screen chemistry with Shivangi is very stable and
the audiences are loving the two of you. What do you have to say?
I am grateful that Shivangi and I got to work
together. People accepted Kartik and Naira instantly and loved them. We have
always enjoyed working together.We often get messages on all social media
platforms and I try to reply to as many as possible. 
What is the best compliment that you have got?
I don't know the best of compliment that I have got,
but I love the praise that comes from my friends. My college friends and those
from my engineering days call me and praise my performance. It is great to know
that they watch my show. My mom loves the show and so does my sister. They all
tell me that they are proud of me.
Did you imagine that this show will grow so much? It has
been on air for the last nine years.
The show has always been doing well. It has already
completed more than 2000 episodes. The team is like a well-oiled machine now
and I hope we continue to do well in the days to come.
Image source: fusinproductions/instagram/shivanghijoshi