Mishkat Verma has always been a familiar face on screen, but his latest project asks audiences to see him differently. He plays Ansh in Ishika Shahi’s Tu Ya Koi Nahin, a new show on Director’s Kut Production YouTube channel. The actor was initially apprehensive about being the right fit for the show, but with Ishika and ace producer Rajan Shahi’s confidence in him, he couldn’t say no.
He said, “When Ishika and Rajan sir first approached me, Ishika narrated the story, and my first reaction was to ask if she was sure she wanted me for this role, especially Ansh, which was completely new territory for me. I even requested an audition before being cast. But they were very confident about their choice. For me, saying yes became a complete no-brainer. Getting the opportunity to play a double role is rare, and it’s something every actor craves. Especially playing Ansh, people don’t usually imagine me in such a role, so I was glad someone finally did.”
A double role means carrying two distinct people within the same story, and he draws a clear line between them. He said, “Ansh is passionate, fearless, and fiercely loyal. On the other hand, Yash is loyal too, but also funny and innocent. Both characters have very distinct personalities, which made it exciting and challenging to portray them.”
The title Tu Ya Koi Nahin carries weight, and he has a specific reading of what the show is really about at its core. He said, “For me, the central theme of the show is unconditional love: putting your person above yourself in every circumstance and going to any extent for them. That emotional depth is what drives the story.”
Shifting from traditional television to a digital production also changed how the work felt day to day. Mishkat said, “The experience was very different from traditional television. Usually, there are restrictions on how characters behave, especially the leads. But here, we had complete creative freedom to explore and create. There was no telecast pressure, and everything was shot with a lot of care, time, and attention to detail. It’s a very contemporary show, and that’s what sets it apart.”
That freedom also meant going to places emotionally that tested him. He said, “There were many scenes that pushed me out of my comfort zone, but without giving away spoilers, there is one particular scene where Yash goes through an intense emotional moment. That really pushed me to my limits as an actor. I’m grateful to my director, Rishi Sir, who was incredibly patient and kept pushing me until we achieved what he envisioned.”
On-screen chemistry is often talked about as something spontaneous, but he sees it differently. He said, “I personally believe that chemistry is largely created on paper; it comes from strong writing, and this was a very well-written show. Of course, the comfort you share with your co-actor also plays a big role.”
“Priyanshi and I had a very collaborative dynamic. There was never any friction; we were open to each other’s suggestions, which made everything very easy. It was honestly a breeze working with her,” he added.
Much of what makes the show feel distinct comes down to the person steering it. He said, “What Ishika brought to this project was sheer, relentless passion, something I hadn’t fully expected. The intensity, energy, and commitment she brought will definitely be visible on screen. Perhaps she has inherited it from her father, but she has taken it ten notches higher. Her passion across every department was simply remarkable.”
For anyone still deciding whether to watch, he keeps his pitch simple. “I would just say watch the show with an open mind and be ready to expect the unexpected. It’s not your typical love story, and that’s what makes it special. The atmosphere on set with Rishi sir, Ishika, Gulshan sir, and the entire production team was very open and supportive, and I believe that energy reflects in the show as well,” Mishkat ended.
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