MUMBAI: COLORS' Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav is all set to take viewers on an emotional ride with the upcoming track featuring the intense love saga of Minakshi and Sundar. As the story unfolds, Sundar (Lord Shiva in human form) and the fierce warrior Minakshi's destinies intertwine, sparking a passionate and complex relationship. Actor Ram Yashvardhan, who brings both Lord Shiva and Sundar to life, shares insights into the challenges and excitement of portraying these contrasting roles in this captivating new chapter of the series.
1. Tell us something about the Minakshi Sundar track?
The Minakshi-Sundar track is a divine love story that beautifully intertwines mythology with devotion. Maa Minakshi is an incarnation of Maa Parvati, and her story begins with King Malayadhwaja, to whom she was born. She wasn’t just a princess—she was a warrior, a force of nature, and an embodiment of strength and grace. Lord Shiva, in his human form as Sundareshwar, came to Madurai to claim her hand in marriage. But their union isn’t an ordinary one—it was a journey of trials, emotions, and a love so profound that it transcends time. This track will take viewers through the intense yet soulful story of how Sundareshwar won Minakshi’s heart and how their destinies aligned.
2. Tell us about your character Sundar?
Sundar is carefree, full of life, and has a wonderful sense of humor. He brings lightness to the narrative, making the journey of love more riveting. He is charming, witty, and someone who doesn’t take life too seriously, which makes playing him an exciting challenge.
3. How did you prepare to portray these contrasting layers of Sundar in your performance?
When working on a daily television mythological show, time is a luxury. There’s no dedicated period for preparation or deep rehearsals. Instead, the process happens in real-time—on set, in the moment. For me, stepping into the role of Lord Shiva requires a different level of spiritual and emotional commitment. On the other hand, Sundar is spontaneous, so the switch must be just as quick. I don’t need extensive makeup for this role, which means I can transform into him in just twenty minutes. The real challenge isn’t the physical transition—it’s the mental one. The learning of lines, improvisation, and character-building all happen on the spot, in real-time. It keeps me on my toes, but that’s what makes it thrilling.
4. What thrills you the most about this phase of Sundar’s journey?
5. The biggest thrill is more freedom. Unlike Lord Shiva, who commands stillness and restraint, the role of Sundar allows me to move, express, and experiment in ways I never could before. I can play with my voice modulation, shift my energy levels, and immerse myself in the unpredictability of human emotions. Portraying Lord Shiva comes with an immense sense of responsibility. There is a sanctity that must be upheld. Every movement, every word, every expression must reflect that divine presence. But with Sundar, I have the liberty to be playful, to be impulsive, and to explore a new side of storytelling. It’s refreshing, and it breathes new life into my craft.
6. You’ve portrayed gods in the past like Shiv, but now as Sundar you are playing a human character and how does it feel to play something so different?
When you play a character for a long time, it inevitably seeps into your own personality. The way you walk, talk, and even react in real life gets influenced. After portraying Lord Shiva for such an extended period, I had subconsciously adopted a sense of composure, stillness, and gravitas. Now, stepping into the shoes of Sundar—who is human, flawed, and deeply emotional—was a shift that took some effort. There were moments when I had to give myself a pep talk. Letting go of that divine presence and embracing the complexities of a mortal character required conscious effort. But once I accepted that transition, I found myself enjoying it immensely. Playing Sundar is an experience of learning, discovery, and growth. And I believe the key to truly embodying any character is to first love it. That love made the switch easier and far more fulfilling.
7. How do you approach playing a character caught between divine love and the trials of destiny?
The key to portraying Sundareshwar is to fully separate him from Lord Shiva in my mind. If I allow a divine aura to linger in my performance, the essence of Sundar—the human, the lover, the man—would be lost. Before every scene, I consciously affirm to myself the role I'm embodying. That affirmation helps me shift gears completely and immerse myself in the character’s emotions, struggles, and joys. When I return to playing Lord Shiva, I go through the same mental process in reverse. It’s a balancing act, but one that makes this journey so unique.
8. What can viewers look forward to in the Minakshi-Sundar track?
This track is packed with emotions, grand storytelling, and moments that will tug at your heartstrings. But don’t just take my word for it—our first audience is our crew, and their reactions say it all. There have been moments on set when we’ve witnessed our own crew members laughing, crying, and applauding while a scene is being filmed. That, to me, is the best indicator of how powerful and engaging this track is. Their response has been extraordinary, and if their emotions are anything to go by, I have no doubt that the audience will be equally captivated. This is more than just a story—it’s an experience, one that will take viewers through the highs and lows of an epic love saga. Expect passion, devotion, trials, and ultimately, a love story that transcends time itself.
Watch ‘Shiv Shakti – Tap Tyag Tandav’ every Monday to Sunday at 8:00 PM only on COLORS.
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