
Actor Rishabh Jaiswal who plays the role of Krish Poddar in Star Plus and Rajan Shahi’s Director’s Kut show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is having a satisfying journey in the role.
On his transformation from being a lovable sibling to a grey-shaded selfish man, Rishabh states, “It has been a deeply emotional and creatively satisfying journey. Krish started as the sweet, supportive younger member of the family—someone who respected his elders, valued relationships and shared a beautiful bond with Armaan and Abhira. He always prioritized the happiness of others. However, his character underwent a drastic transformation, revealing shades of selfishness, insecurity, and internal conflict. Portraying that transformation was not easy. It pushed me as an actor to dig deep into emotions I had not previously explored. However, I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed this evolution—it allowed me to explore layered emotions and grow as a performer. I love this phase of Krish and the unexpected direction his arc has taken.”
Not every emotion needs to be loud or dramatic—sometimes it is the smallest shift in expression or tone that leaves the greatest impact.
Being part of the cult show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is an honour for actors, and Rishabh shares the same feeling. “The show has taught me so much—both professionally and personally. Being part of one of Indian television’s longest-running and most iconic shows is a huge responsibility. It taught me discipline and the importance of being consistent. Working on such a big platform also showed me how vital teamwork is. There is a constant exchange of energy between actors, directors, technicians, and writers, and it is that collaborative spirit that brings a show like this to life. Above all, Yeh Rishta helped me understand the emotional depth required to portray characters that resonate with audiences across generations.”
On his takeaways from Krish Poddar, the actor avers, “There have been many, but one of the most significant has been understanding the power of restraint in acting. Not every emotion needs to be loud or dramatic—sometimes it is the smallest shift in expression or tone that leaves the greatest impact. Krish has gone through a rollercoaster of emotions, and living those on-screen taught me how to internalize and express complex feelings more authentically. I have also learned adaptability, and being open to feedback.”
The actor who shares great chemistry with the cast of the show, misses shooting with the entire joint Poddar family. “The earlier setup had this beautiful joint-family energy, and we were always shooting together, which naturally created strong bonds. The chemistry was not just on-screen—it was very much alive off-screen too. We had this unspoken comfort and camaraderie that made every day on set feel like a family reunion. Now that the storyline has shifted and we don’t all share scenes together, that vibrant energy is missed. But despite that, we make sure to keep the connection alive. Whether it is chilling in the makeup room, laughing during breaks, or indulging in some behind-the-scenes masti, we still find ways to have fun together. Those lighter moments really add joy to our hectic shooting schedules.”