Dolly Chawla, who essays the role of Meera in Zee TV‘s popular show Tumm Se Tumm Tak (Studio LSD), is happy as she carries her ‘bossy’ attitude on screen, with elegance and grace. Her performance comes across naturally, and the role has made her more confident as a performer.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Dolly talks about her journey with Tumm Se Tumm Tak and shares the happiness of the show being accepted very well by viewers.
Read on.
Television is often accused of being repetitive. What do you say about Tumm Se Tumm Tak’s freshness?
I agree that television sometimes gets accused of being repetitive, but what makes Tumm Se Tumm Tak special is the freshness in its storytelling. The relationships are portrayed in a very real and relatable way. Meera’s character, for example, is layered—she has strength, vulnerability, and her own ambitions. Audiences are connecting with this honesty, and I think that’s why the show has managed to secure the 4th spot in TRPs this week. It feels like people are genuinely enjoying something different.
Meera is strong-headed and unapologetic, and playing her has helped me find that boldness as an actor.
As an ensemble, you all bring different energies to the screen. What’s one strength you have observed in a co-actor that you would secretly like to borrow for yourself?
We are blessed with such a talented cast. I really admire Sharad Kelkar’s effortless screen presence—it’s powerful yet natural. From Neeharika, I would love to borrow her spontaneity, the way she brings freshness into every take. Being around such actors pushes me to grow too.
The show walks a fine line between tradition and modernity. Do you feel it tilts more toward preserving values or challenging them?
I feel Tumm Se Tumm Tak does both beautifully. It respects our traditions and family values, but at the same time, it doesn’t shy away from questioning outdated norms. That balance is why so many households are watching it together—it appeals to every generation under one roof.
We live in an age of streaming and short content. What do you think still keeps audiences loyal to long-format television dramas like Tumm Se Tumm Tak?
I think it’s the comfort and familiarity. TV dramas give people a family they can come back to every evening. Streaming content might be quick and trendy, but shows like ours bring people together—whether it’s parents watching for the values or youngsters connecting with the romance. The TRP success of Tumm Se Tumm Tak proves that even in today’s time, audiences still want depth and continuity in storytelling.
Outside of the spotlight, how has this project shaped you—not just as an actor, but as a person?
Meera is strong-headed and unapologetic, and playing her has helped me find that boldness as an actor. I have learned how to command a scene, how to carry that “bossy energy” without hesitation. As a person, though, it’s taught me balance—because once the camera turns off, I go back to being Dolly, who believes in kindness and teamwork. In a way, Meera challenges me daily, and that challenge is shaping me into a more versatile performer.
