Television actor Parth Samthaan has taken a deep dive into learning Urdu as part of his preparation for the role of Mahid in the new TV drama Seher Hone Ko Hai, currently airing on Colors TV. Samthaan’s commitment to mastering the language highlights his effort to present an authentic portrayal rooted in the cultural and linguistic landscape of the show’s setting.
A Role That Demanded More Than Just Acting
Samthaan, best known for his earlier television success, returns to the small screen with this complex character after a break. Mahid, a member of a respected scholarly family from Lucknow, carries emotional depth and cultural layers that go beyond surface-level performance. According to the actor, he was drawn to Mahid’s grey-shaded personality, emotional trauma, and strong religious grounding, which he felt offered a challenging and artistically fulfilling role.
“It wasn’t just about learning lines. This character lives and breathes Urdu—the language itself carries a cultural identity,” Samthaan said, highlighting how the linguistic elements are central to portraying Mahid convincingly.
The Language Journey: From Listening to Speaking
Urdu, known for its lyrical flow and nuanced pronunciation, posed a unique challenge for Samthaan, who typically works in Hindi. To prepare, he immersed himself in language lessons, focusing on pronunciation, recitals, and listening exercises to internalize its subtleties. “Urdu has a softness and emotional weight that must be honoured when spoken. I spent time understanding pronunciation and listening to recitals to capture these elements,” he said.
Samthaan described his learning process as involving intense practice “I had to clear English out of my thought process, work through Hindi first, and then make the transition to Urdu,” he explained in an interview. Living in Lucknow during the shoot further helped him absorb the local culture and mannerisms, enabling him to speak more naturally and confidently.
Why Authenticity Matters: Cultural and Narrative Context
Seher Hone Ko Hai is a family drama that blends societal themes with interpersonal conflict. Set in Lucknow, the narrative follows Kausar, played by Mahhi Vij, and her daughter Seher, portrayed by Rishita Kothari, as they navigate obstacles in pursuit of freedom and education. The storyline touches on issues like tradition vs. personal choice and the tension between generational expectations.
Against this backdrop, Mahid’s character, a member of a traditional family with scholarly influence, speaks Urdu as part of his cultural identity. Samthaan’s language preparation was not just an exercise in diction but a way to ensure his portrayal fit naturally into the cultural milieu of the show’s Lucknow setting.
Producers and co-stars have also noted how language adds authenticity. Mahhi Vij, sharing her experience with the mother-daughter narrative, emphasized the show’s grounded portrayal of real struggles faced by women in conservative environments, where linguistic context is part of the lived reality.
Audience and Industry Response
Early responses from viewers and critics suggest that Samthaan’s Urdu efforts are gaining appreciation. Social media reactions, including discussions in fan forums and comment threads, highlight audience recognition of the actor’s dedication to capturing the linguistic nuances of his character. Many viewers have remarked on the natural flow of his Urdu dialogue on screen and how it enhances the credibility of Mahid’s persona.
Such audience feedback aligns with Samthaan’s intention: to move beyond superficial portrayal toward a deep, rhythmic authenticity that does justice to both character and setting. “Every day I’m still learning new words,” he reflected, underlining his ongoing journey in mastering the language for the role.
Language as a Tool for Performance
Parth Samthaan’s Urdu learning journey for Seher Hone Ko Hai exemplifies a growing trend among actors who seek immersive preparation to bring authenticity to their characters. By embracing linguistic challenges and cultural context, Samthaan aims to enrich his performance and resonate more deeply with audiences. As the series unfolds, his dedication to language and character craft remains an indispensable part of the show’s narrative strength.
By – Sonali