Soma Rathod is no stranger to Indian television audiences. With a career spanning over a decade and countless unforgettable comic roles, she has consistently brought laughter into people’s living rooms. But in Zee TV’s new offering Tumm Se Tumm Tak, produced by Studio LSD, Soma is exploring a character that is as emotionally rich as it is entertaining. Playing the role of Pushpa, the warm-hearted mother, she is winning hearts all over again—this time with a more layered performance.
In a candid chat, Soma opens up about how deeply she connects with the character, the energy on set, and why working in television is no less than a spiritual discipline.
Ask Soma what drew her to the role, and she says with complete honesty, “I am also a mother, and the way I am at home is the same way I am on screen. Pushpa is not fictional to me—she is someone I understand deeply. She’s loving, loud, emotional, tough when needed, and always keeps her family first. I relate to her completely.”
While audiences often associate Soma with out-and-out comic characters, Tumm Se Tumm Tak allows her to explore a more nuanced space. “Yes, people know me for comedy, but this character has so many shades. There’s humor, yes—but there’s also pain, anger, and the quiet resilience of a woman who holds her family together. That emotional depth is what excites me as an actor.”
Soma’s comic timing has always stood out. Whether it’s her expressions, her dialogue delivery, or her innate ability to lift a scene with just a glance, she makes it look effortless.
“I have never found comedy challenging,” she says. “Wherever I go, I have noticed I make people smile. It’s something I genuinely enjoy. That’s why comedy has always come naturally to me. I don’t rehearse it too much or try to ‘act’ funny. I just stay true to the moment.”
This philosophy of staying natural and authentic is what makes her performance as Pushpa so refreshing. “I don’t believe in overacting or forcing anything. Jo dil se aata hai, wahi screen par dikhai deta hai,” she adds.
Soma also doesn’t shy away from talking about the grueling schedule of working in daily soaps. “People see the glamour on screen but not the grind behind it. For this show, I work almost 15 hours a day, plus four hours of travel. That’s nearly 19 hours dedicated to work daily. But this is my passion, and when I see the kind of love we have received from the audience, it all feels worth it.”
The show, which launched to strong ratings, has become a talking point among viewers for its relatable characters and emotional storytelling. “When a show gets good TRPs right after launch, it feels like your hard work is truly being recognised. I am overwhelmed by the response we’ve received,” she shares gratefully.
Speaking of her co-stars Sharad Kelkar and Niharika Chouksey, Soma’s fondness is evident. “Sharad is a brilliant actor, and Niharika is like a daughter to me. Even off-screen, I treat her like my own—I keep telling her to eat properly before doing anything else,” she laughs. “We all have so much fun together on set. There’s a real sense of family, and that chemistry reflects on screen.”
Finally, when asked what new she brings to the table this time, Soma says with conviction, “This time too, I’ll do what I always do—with honesty and heart. Pushpa is not a caricature—she’s real. She’ll make you laugh, but she’ll also make you think and maybe even cry. That’s what I love about this role—it’s not one-note. It’s full of life.”
