Exclusive - Shivangi Joshi on co-star Hina Khan's Cannes appearance, Yeh Rishta's popularity and fan's love for #Kaira

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai's Shivangi Joshi became a household name after playing the role of Naira. Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Mohsin Khan is loved by millions and their hashtag #Kaira is quite famous with the fans. In an exclusive conversation with the TimesofIndia.com, the actress talks about her journey in the television industry, the opportunity of walking the prestigious Cannes red carpet and Hina Khan's stardom. (Photo: Instagram) By: Vijaya Tiwari

It is a different feeling altogether and can't be described in words. I am so overwhelmed and thankful to each one of you who have been loving and supporting me since the beginning of my career. They have loved all my characters and roles. I am very happy and grateful that I have been part of such a great show which highlights the social causes. The show has helped in creating awareness about so many things. I feel grateful that I am able to reach out to so many people and talk about such issues and all this is because of my profession. Thank you is a very small word.

I have evolved as a person and as an artist. I have explored and grown a lot during my journey experience and age wise (laughs). When I started acting I was very young, but I have learnt a lot from my characters. Whether it was Trisha, Poonam, Naira or Aayat, I've learnt from all my roles. The best part about my job is that I get to play new roles and also get to learn a lot. Like on a personal level if you look at Naira's life she was first Kartik's friend, then she became his girlfriend, then wife and now she is the mother of his child. So, their relationship has grown and has matured in the 10 year span that is shown in the daily soap. Personally, also while playing Naira during these phases I've grown with time. (Photo: Instagram)

My parents are super proud of me and they always support me in whatever I do. I don't think I will be able to describe that feeling in words how much they are proud of me. There are times when you are feeling low, but the moment I see my parents, I get a smile on my face. I am on the top of the world that very moment because they are so happy with whatever I am doing. People who know my parents or have met them they will understand what I am saying. My father is a very shy person, but whenever he sees me getting praised he gets emotional. He doesn't talk much, but he gets tears of joy in his eyes whenever something good happens to me. That feeling is on top of the world. I feel I am very lucky and I will always keep doing things that will make them proud. (Photo: Instagram)

It feels good that Hina Khan praised me and I would like to thank her. Hina presented herself beautifully and gracefully on the Cannes red carpet, I just hope I will be able to match up to her and make her proud. She looked amazing, beautiful and confident and I would really like to thank her for showering praises on me. (Photo: Instagram)

Her growth has been amazing and it is commendable. I just wish her all the best and she is an amazing actor. She has been a top TV star and now has made her place in Bollywood also and we feel proud about it. She played my mother and we all TV stars are proud of her achievements. Whatever she is doing in life is amazing and has taken it to another level. Her journey has been great and she is an amazing actor. (Photo: Instagram)

I think everyone is doing their roles with perfection. Be it Maya in Beyhadh. I don't think anyone else can play Maya better than Jennifer Winget. Divyanka Tripathi has also been amazing and her character Ishimaa has also had a journey and I can't think of anyone else when it comes to playing that character. I think when we see someone playing a character, we start connecting with that person and only visualise them in that role. So I can only praise them for their role, but can't imagine myself playing those characters. (Photo: Instagram)

I have never done a mythological show so I would definitely want to try that genre. Also, I am a trained dancer so if a dance reality show comes my way I would definitely like to do it. I always visualised myself being a part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and dance is my passion so I always wanted to do it. I am very lucky that I am a part of Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai where I get to dance a lot as my character Naira own a dance institute and is also a trained dancer. (Photo: Instagram)