By Anil Merani: Ever since talented, good-looking actress Rishita Kothari entered the Colors TV show Seher Hone Ko Hai, co-star Parth Samthaan’s fans have been attacking her. Usually, in such a situation, most actors keep quiet or fire back at themselves. Still, here Rishita is letting her boyfriend, Mridul Meena, do all the heavy lifting while staying out of the fracas.
Actor-producer Mridul has been sparring with fans for a while. The matter escalated when Parth recently alleged that a “paid bot” campaign was targeting him and his family, driven by someone close to Rishita, without naming her or Mridul. Parth (Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan and Kasautii Zindagii Kay fame) is on a SM detox as well.
This triggered a wave of online trolling against Rishita, with some fans demanding her exit from Seher Hone Ko Hai, accusing her narrative building.
Mridul again stepped in, denying any such campaign, accusing unnamed parties of spreading “manipulative PR” and “canards,” and warning people not to attach his name to the controversy sans proof.
Mridul’s firefighting is being interpreted by some as either Mridul influencing Rishita or Rishita hiding behind him. Select fans further feel that such a sexist approach weakens her character’s (Seher) on-screen struggle against patriarchy.
Our take
Yes, Rishita has chosen a different tone, keeping her counsel and avoiding direct public attacks on Parth. Her brief statement emphasises that staying quiet does not imply arrogance or guilt, but rather a conscious choice to protect her well-being. In that sense, she is fighting her own battle—just not in the loud, reactive way that fans expect.
When Rishita was about Mridul statement? She says she has seen and acknowledges her boyfriend Mridul Meena’s statement, and she respects the sentiment behind it. She adds that while she values his support and understanding, she believes it’s important for her to maintain her own focus and not get carried away by external narratives. According to her, both of them are mature enough to handle situations in their own way, and right now, her priority remains her work and the show. She further mentions that she prefers to keep personal matters dignified and private, allowing her professional commitments to take centre stage.
Whether she should speak more openly is ultimately her call. Public figures can defend themselves through statements, infer possible legal action, or strategic silence, while still letting allies address specific allegations (Bots or PR strategies in this case).
Her measured responses shows smartness and must be respected. Not all battles are won by shrill noise.
PS If Mridul is fighting for his gal what is anybody issue? He knows that contractual obligations force Rishita to keep quite. Interestingly, Parth has also not spoken much. Most of the noise has been from his fans, and we can’t hold him responsible for their actions.
Bottom Line. The channel and PH (Richa Yamini and others) will tolerate this off-screen drama till the numbers don’t get hit. Alternatively, they would even hope all this drama direct fresh traffic to the show. In today’s marketing scene, any buzz is good buzz, until it blows up in your face!
