12 August,2026 07:57 PM IST | Mumbai | Shruti Sampat
Krishna Kaul and Madirakshi Mundle (Picture via Special Arrangement)
Krishna Kaul has made his entry into Sairaab midway through the show, stepping into the already established role of Ishan. In an exclusive conversation with mid-day, the actor opened up about the pressure of taking over a character that audiences are already emotionally invested in, his chemistry with Madirakshi Mundle and his approach to choosing his next project after Kumkum Bhagya.
On entering a show midway and the responsibility that comes with it, Krishna said, "I think responsibility comes with every character you play. For me, the best way to deal with pressure is to focus on the work." He added that he wanted to understand Ishan's emotions, relationships and personality rather than focus on the comparisons surrounding the role.
Replacement roles often come with the challenge of winning over fans who are attached to the original actor. Krishna believes audiences' reactions are natural. "Audiences become emotionally invested in characters, so their reactions are understandable," he said. "But I have always believed that when you approach your work with sincerity and devotion, audiences recognise that."
The actor added, "You cannot force acceptance or constantly worry about comparisons. You can only be honest with what you are doing and give it everything you have." He said the response to his performance has been encouraging and expressed gratitude for the audience's acceptance.
Krishna has also been receiving appreciation for his chemistry with Madirakshi. "Chemistry cannot really be planned. It comes from listening to your co-actor, reacting honestly and allowing the relationship between the characters to develop naturally," he said, praising Madirakshi as "a very giving actor".
He also found a personal connection with Ishan through music. "Ishan has a deep association with music, and I love listening to great music myself. Music can change your mood, take you somewhere emotionally and sometimes say things that words cannot," Krishna shared.
After Kumkum Bhagya, Krishna said he was not in a hurry to return simply for visibility. "I wasn't in a hurry to simply be visible again," he said. "For me, it was important that I felt something for the character."
He also credited makers Saibal Banerjee and Leena Gangopadhyay for believing in him. "When makers with their experience and understanding of storytelling believe that you can bring something to a character, it gives you confidence," he said.
Discussing the challenge of finding the right role in television, Krishna said, "I think getting the right role is one of the biggest challenges for any actor, not only in television." He added that he wants characters that allow him "to feel, explore and grow". "For me, Ishan has given me that opportunity, and now I want to see where his journey takes me," he concluded.
