Parth Samthaan says Indian television needs to move past the idea that male leads must hide their emotions. In an interview with midday, he shared that portraying vulnerability and trauma honestly makes characters more real and relatable
Parth Samthaan
In an exclusive conversation with midday, Parth Samthaan opened up about portraying emotional vulnerability on screen, dealing with trauma, and why he believes television needs to move beyond rigid stereotypes.
Parth Samthaan talks about male leads suppressing emotions
Speaking about the long-standing notion that male leads must suppress emotions, Seher Hone Ko Hai actor said, “It is very easy for what we have seen for so many years that a hero cannot cry. Or a hero has to build his emotions inside. Only he can let it out to the world.” However, he stressed that reality is far more complex. “If someone goes through any sort of trauma, you have to face it somewhere or the other. And how you deal with it without even thinking that the audience is watching you,” he explained.
Parth believes that authenticity naturally resonates with viewers. “At that time, the character will come out. People will sit in their minds that yes, he also has emotions. He also expresses. He also has a past,” he said, adding that it was crucial for him to truly feel those emotions before portraying them on screen.
To prepare, the actor built an extensive emotional backstory for his character. “I made a proper character sketch for myself. What was his childhood like? What happened in his childhood? At what age did this incident happen with him?” he shared. Parth further reflected on the loss of parental figures in his character’s life, saying, “If his mother is not in his life, his father is not there, then why is he living? Because in a way, your purpose is lost when there are no parents in your life.”
According to Parth, his character continues to struggle internally. “He is not prepared to face his past. But there are situations where people dig up his past, and that’s what affects him,” he said. He added that seeking professional help becomes a turning point. “For the first time, someone tries to find out something very correct. Someone tells him it’s better to face it than to run away.”
Changing narratives in TV
When asked about the changing landscape of Indian television, Parth admitted candidly, “I don’t watch TV to be honest. Whatever I have watched, I’ve only watched it with my mom, and I see saas-bahu in it.” Still, he expressed optimism. “If new shows have come up along with my show, I am actually happy and delighted,” he said, noting that television’s so-called golden era has faded over time.
Parth also addressed the industry’s obsession with TRPs. “A lot of people are shaken up due to TRP. Artistically, you kill yourself by running only what’s safe,” he remarked. Instead, he believes creators should take risks. “It is better that people see what we want to show first.”
Describing his current project, Parth concluded with pride: “We have brought something new. A new world, a new language. We are taking it very fresh — not like what you’ve seen in saas-bahu shows. And I am proud of the decision that I have taken regarding this show.”
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