Actor Shabir Ahluwalia on his television comeback: No matter what I do, TV is home ground
Following a nearly eight-month break, Shabir Ahluwalia, is gearing up to return to the small screen. Ask why he chose to come back to television and not another medium and the actor replies, 'TV is like home ground. I will always be visible there, no matter what I do in films or on OTT. I have consistently received work, even when the medium is on the verge of a paradigm shift.'
The actor took time off after his last show, Pyaar ka Pehla Naam: Radha Mohan, to spend time with his family. With several shows recently being shut down, one wonders if the 45-year-old stepped away to weigh his prospects in the industry. 'There's no denying that things have changed; while a number of shows wrapped up before scheduled time, some daily soaps have been running for years,' Shabir muses and adds, 'Television needs gripping stories and characters like it did earlier.'
Having wrapped up the first few episodes of the tentatively-titled show Ufff... Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, the actor says, 'Getting to lead a project is something every actor desires. I consider myself lucky and blessed to be receiving such chances.'
Speaking about his latest project, Shabir shares that it is a bit of a departure from characters he has played in the past. Point out this fact and the actor says, 'My characters find me and not the other way around.' He goes on to explain, 'I never focus on things that detract from my conviction in the character — it's essential if you want to own the show like a team player.'
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While many actors choose luxury cars to commute to their film or television sets, Shabir Ahluwalia prefers a much more grounded and invigorating mode of travel. The actor, who plays the passionate and intense Yug Sinha in Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil, has made it a personal routine to cycle from home to set twice a week. What began as a fitness choice has now evolved into a powerful ritual that prepares both his mind and body for the demands of his role. 'Cycling from home to set is more than just a way to get here—it's my ritual to switch into character mode,' Shabir explained. 'It helps me clear my mind, focus my energy, and get physically ready for the long, demanding shoot ahead. It's a beautiful transition from real life into reel life.' For Shabir, this daily ride does far more than just cut through traffic. 'Riding the bike keeps me fit, boosts my stamina, and saves me time in Mumbai traffic, which is a win-win. But more than that, it centres me. Honestly, those moments on the saddle give me a sense of calm and control before diving into the love, drama, and chaos of the day's scenes.' He also revealed how the crew now associates his cycling with positivity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'The crew jokes that when they hear the sound of my bicycle approaching, they know it's going to be a good day on set. While everyone is still settling in with their morning coffee, I've already done my cardio,' he laughed. The actor shared how this practice has also brought him closer to his character. 'Yug is emotionally layered, intense, and often conflicted. I think cycling helps me align with his energy. It's therapeutic and helps me channel that intensity naturally.' Fans haven't missed his unique habit either. 'Sometimes I get stopped by fans mid-ride. They find it surprising, but I love how something so simple can inspire people to stay active,' Shabir smiled. He concluded, 'In today's fast-paced world, we all need something that grounds us. For me, it's cycling. It's not just fitness—it's focus, freedom, and my time to reflect before stepping into someone else's shoes.' Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
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Exclusive: Shabir Ahluwalia on why he keeps his private life away from the spotlight; says ‘I don't like my normal life to be covered'
Television heartthrob Shabir Ahluwalia, who has wowed audiences with his charismatic roles for years, returns in a compelling new avatar in Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil. He plays Yug Sinha, a brilliant but emotionally walled-off lawyer—far from the idealistic characters he's portrayed in the past. At the launch of the show, Shabir not only spoke about this refreshing new role but also opened up about his fiercely guarded private life. 'I don't protect it, I just don't share it,' he said candidly in an interview with Times of India TV. 'You know, it's something that I feel—I enjoy it, and it's my private life. So it's not that I'm very protective or very secretive. I'm not like that. I'm a normal guy living my normal life, and it's just that my normal life is not covered too much because I don't like it to be covered.' Despite not sharing much, Shabir clarified that he's not inaccessible either. 'I'm not too guarded or anything that you can't reach out to me. Or I'm sitting in the Avengers Mansion. I'm leading a very happy, normal life.' He elaborated on why he doesn't post constantly: 'I like to share only things that are personal milestones, achievements, or things I think are worth sharing. But it's difficult for me to share every moment because I'm not into capturing everything. I'm always doing something, living in the present, and I don't feel the need to show it out there.' On Yug Sinha, he reflected, 'What intrigued me is the subtlety with which he feels things but refuses to show it… It's one of the most refreshing and challenging roles of my career.'
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Why does Shabir Ahluwalia believe having two sons is better than one?
Shabir Ahluwalia is one of the most beloved celebrities in the industry. Over the years, the actor has worked on numerous shows and has won the hearts of fans with his performances. Now, Shabir is set to return to the screen, and his fans are eagerly anticipating his comeback. Recently, he appeared on Bharti Singh's podcast, where he was asked about his experience raising two sons. In response, Shabir elaborated on the advantages of having two sons as children. When Bharti Singh asked him how it feels having two sons, Shabir Ahluwalia added, "Jaise kehte hai na ek se bhale do, voh ek reason ke liye kehte hai. Ek ke sath kya hota hai, unki energy ek alag level pe hoti hai. Unko match karna mushkil ho jaata hai ki unko niche le jaana hai, unke sath khelna hai, unke sath plan karna hai. Maza toh bohot aata hai par har roz hum alag alag game khelte hai. (You know how they say "two is better than one"? There's a reason for that. With just one person, their energy is on a whole different level. It's hard to match them — you have to bring them down a bit, play with them, and plan things around them. It's a lot of fun, but every day it's a different game)." Further, Shabir Ahluwalia explained the benefits of having two sons and revealed, "Jab do hote hai, do jan aapas mei itna khelte hai, ek dusre ko thaka dete hai. Toh jab aate hai sirf baat chalti hai khane ki bhook lagi hai. So koi plan banana nhi padta hai. I think ek se bhale do. Do jan starting mei dikhat hoti hai par jab 4-5 ke ho jaate hai na toh aapas mai hi entertain karte hai aur waah. (When there are two, they play so much with each other that they tire each other out. So when they come to you, it's just about food- they're hungry. You don't even have to make a plan. I think two is better than one. In the beginning, it's a bit of a challenge, but once they are four or five years old, they just entertain each other, and it's amazing)." Along with Shabir Ahluwalia, Ashi Singh had also appeared on Bharti Singh and Haarsh Limbachiyaa's podcast. The two spoke about their show Ufff Yeh Love Hai Mushkil. They even shared their work experiences. Speaking about his personal life, Shabir Ahluwalia married Kanchi Kaul on November 27, 2011. The couple welcomed their first son in 2014 and their second son in 2016.
