30 June,2026 04:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sarah Killedar (Picture via Instagram)
Actress Sarah Killedar, who plays Mukti in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, says being cast in one of Indian television's longest-running and most-loved shows was both exciting and emotional. In an exclusive conversation with Mid-day, the actress opened up about joining the show, handling expectations, balancing studies with shooting, and more.
Speaking about landing the role, Sarah shared that she was overwhelmed with happiness when she received the offer. "When I was offered this role, I felt extremely happy and grateful. Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai is such a well-loved show, and being given an opportunity to be part of it felt very special," she said.
The actress added that what drew her to the role was the complexity of her character. "What excited me the most was that my character has depth and an important place in the story. As an actor, I enjoy playing characters that allow me to explore depth of emotions and learn something new every day."
Sarah admitted that joining such an iconic show came with its own challenges, especially because of the audience's high expectations. "There was some pressure initially because the show has been loved by audiences for many years. I knew viewers have high expectations from every character," she revealed. However, instead of letting the pressure overwhelm her, she chose to stay focused on her performance. "Instead of focusing on the pressure, I focused on giving my best and being honest in my performance. I believe that when you work sincerely and stay dedicated, audiences appreciate your efforts. The support from the cast and crew also made the transition much easier."
The actress also spoke about the appreciation she has been receiving from viewers and revealed one message that continues to stay close to her heart. "Receiving love from the audience is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. One message that stayed with me was from a young viewer who said that my character inspires them to stay confident and positive." She added that such feedback motivates her to become a better performer. "Knowing that someone connects with your work in such a meaningful way is very heartwarming. It reminds me of the responsibility actors have and motivates me to keep improving."
Despite her demanding shooting schedule, Sarah says education remains a priority and that careful planning helps her manage everything. "Time management is very important. I try to follow a schedule and prioritize my responsibilities carefully. Education remains a priority for me, so I make sure to dedicate time to my studies even during busy shooting schedules."
She also stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. "I also believe it's important to spend time with family, pursue hobbies, and take care of my health. Having a supportive family and team helps me maintain balance and stay focused on both my personal and professional goals."
