With Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi introducing a six-year leap a couple of months ago, Amar Upadhyay’s portrayal of Mihir saw a significant shift. Before the leap, the character entered a morally ambiguous space, drifting emotionally and developing feelings for another woman, which unsettled viewers deeply invested in Mihir and Tulsi’s relationship. In today’s hyperconnected world, that narrative turn sparked immediate and intense reactions online.

Reflecting on the backlash, he says, “Initially, it did affect me because no matter how long you’ve been around, you’re still human. I was a little taken aback because Mihir wasn’t shown as someone with wrong intentions. He was emotionally conflicted, not manipulative or negative. Then I realized that such strong reactions come from the audience’s deep attachment to the character. When people respond so intensely, it means they care, and that helped me see it with more understanding.”

During the show’s original run, similar twists played out without the amplified scrutiny of social media. Today, reactions are instant and far more visible.

He shares, “Earlier, conversations happened at home or among friends. Today, social media makes every emotion public and immediate. People react instantly, sometimes even before the story has a chance to unfold fully. That adds pressure, but it also teaches you patience. Anyway, all is well now because Mihir is back to being what he always was, and people are liking it.”

Experience, he admits, has helped him develop perspective. He says, “With time, you learn what deserves your attention and what doesn’t. I value constructive feedback, but I don’t let random opinions disturb my peace anymore. Social media reactions are momentary, but your work and the honesty you bring to it are what truly last.”

He finds the current phase of Mihir creatively fulfilling. He says, “As an actor, this is extremely exciting. Mihir today isn’t just a heroic figure; he’s layered, emotional, and vulnerable. Those grey areas make him more human. Exploring that complexity keeps me creatively motivated and allows me to grow as a performer.”

Portraying morally complex characters has also made him reflect on how easily viewers blur the line between fiction and reality. “Audiences invest emotionally, which is beautiful, but sometimes that investment blurs the line between the character and the actor. I see it as a compliment that people feel so deeply. Our role is to present honest situations and let audiences think and feel, not to dictate judgment,” he concludes.