Having carved a niche for himself with memorable performances in television shows like Jhanak, Anupamaa, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Shaadi Mubarak, Badal Pe Paon Hai and now Sehar on Colors TV, Gaurav M Sharma believes that dedication and consistency are far more valuable than constantly chasing ratings. Currently seen as Haider in Sehar, the actor says every project has contributed to his growth and strengthened his faith that genuine performances always find appreciation.

Speaking about his current role, Gaurav M Sharma says Haider is an ambitious and layered character who adds an intriguing dimension to the story. “Haider is Mahid’s cousin brother and Husna’s son. He is educated, good-looking and extremely ambitious. His biggest goal is to claim the throne of Mufti-e-Shehar, which is currently ruled by Mahid. The one thing I truly relate to in Haider is his ambition to become the best. That determination is something I carry in my own life as well,” he shares.

Looking back at his journey, Gaurav M Sharma says he feels fortunate to have worked on a wide range of successful television shows, each of which has helped him evolve as an actor. Interestingly, acting wasn’t always part of his plan.

“I was working as an IT professional before becoming an actor. If acting hadn’t happened, I would probably still be working in the IT industry,” he says with a smile.

Discussing how television has evolved over the years, the actor believes the industry has undergone a remarkable transformation, largely driven by digital platforms and changing audience preferences.

“Social media has become extremely important today. The industry has expanded rapidly, and apart from television, reality shows, stand-up comedy and vertical content are gradually taking centre stage. Production quality has improved tremendously, the visual appeal has changed and the concepts have become much more diverse. Television is no longer limited to only saas-bahu dramas,” he explains.

When asked whether there is a formula for creating a successful television show, Gaurav M Sharma says audiences continue to surprise creators.

“The audience is unpredictable, and that’s the beauty of entertainment. The only way forward is research—understanding what’s trending, what viewers connect with and what feels relatable. But at the end of the day, entertainment remains the core of every successful project,” he says.

Sharing his thoughts on the temporary suspension of the TRP rating system, Gaurav M Sharma believes ratings should never become the only benchmark of success.

“I have never given too much importance to TRPs. Of course, they help a show survive longer and benefit everyone associated with it, but they don’t define whether a show is good or bad. As actors, our responsibility is to focus on our craft. Good work never goes unnoticed,” he concludes.