Shrenu Parikh is finding the balance as she returns to TV after two years with Ganesh Kartikey

Shrenu Parikh

Shrenu Parikh has been a fan favourite among her peers on television and has charted her career by taking up roles that speak to her. From her first appearance in Gulaal (2010), followed by Havan (2011), Byaah Hamari Bahoo Ka (2012), Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon? Ek Baar Phir (2013), Ishqbaaaz (2017), to her last show Maitree (2023), she has remained consistent. She tied the knot with actor Akshay Mhatre in 2023, and is now back to reclaim her space on the small screen with Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki - Ganesh Kartikey. The two-year break, she says, has made her crave work-life balance.

"I was working until three months before my wedding. So, I thought my marriage deserves this [break]," she says. Ask her why, after doing central characters on TV, she opted for a show where she is not the focus of the story, and Parikh explains that while getting back to TV and finding the right show was difficult, she got this offer and agreed to it in a day. "It was almost like a divine intervention, which goes with the flavour of the show and my character. I wanted to enjoy my personal life. It's great to get so many holidays," she smiles.

The actor adds that while Ganesh Kartikey is told from the perspective of the two brothers, the show "is also about Shiv parivaar. Shiv and Parvati are very much integrated in their sons' lives. I am glad I could play so many characters within one - a goddess and a mother."

Doing a mythological show comes with a lot of pressure and responsibility. While she understands the expectations, she claims she didn't have to change her lifestyle much. "From talking in shudh Hindi with a mix of Sanskrit at home to staying away from social media, I [made those] changes when we started prep for the show five months ago. Having said that, my usual posts are also quite simple, so I didn't feel the pressure. My team, director, and Mohit [Malik] thought I am very Parvati-like in my morals, so I didn't have to take any extra efforts to change my lifestyle. I know the role comes with a lot of honour, respect, and responsibility, so I am careful," shares Parikh.

The challenge

Shrenu Parikh says she initially took two hours to perfect the make-up and get into costume, which after practice has now been reduced to an hour. However, the days she dresses up as Kali, it takes longer. "The whole get-up is a task of its own. I didn't wear so much jewellery even for my wedding," says the actor.