Shabir Alhuwalia is all set to star in romantic drama, Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil on Sony SAB. Scheduled to premiere in June, the show also features Ashi Singh in the lead role. Both of them will be playing two strikingly different characters—Yug Sinha and Kairi Sharma—who are brought together by fate. In an exclusive chat with Bollywood Bubble, Shabir talks about age gap with Ashi, wife Kanchi’s support, leaving Kundali Bhagya and much more.
Q: Your new show Ufff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil justifies what the emotion of love has become in today’s time. While it looks quirky at hindsight, how do you reflect on the title?
I think the title captures the essence of what love feels like today — a little chaotic, a little confusing, but deeply real. What drew me in was how the show plays with contradictions, just like love itself. Take Yug (Shabir) and Kairi (Ashi), they’re polar opposites. Where he’s impulsive, she’s guarded. Where she seeks clarity, he thrives in the moment. And yet, there’s something magnetic about how their differences pull them together. The story reflects how messy, layered, and unpredictable modern relationships can be. That blend of depth and quirk really spoke to me — it’s what made me sign on.
Q: Ever since you’ve been married, how has Kanchi been the anchor and support in your life?
Kanchi has been my calm in the chaos. This industry can be intense — unpredictable hours, emotional roles, public scrutiny. She grounds me. Whether it’s a big decision or just a regular day, her perspective and presence bring a sense of balance. She’s my cheerleader, and more than anything, someone who keeps it real.
Q: You were a part of Kumkum Bhagya and it was one of the top shows. Were you apprehensive when you decided to leave that?
Of course, there was apprehension. Kumkum Bhagya wasn’t just a show — it became a part of my identity for so many years. Leaving something so loved is never easy. But as an actor, you also crave change. I felt it was time to take on something new, to challenge myself in different ways. It was a tough call, but a necessary one for growth.
Q: You’ve seen television transition by being a part of popular shows from 2000 to now. Do you believe the shows now have become regressive?
Television reflects society to a large extent. There are regressive elements, yes, but there’s also bold, progressive storytelling happening. The medium is evolving, but maybe not at the same pace as OTT or films. I think it’s not about being regressive or progressive — it’s about being authentic. When a story is honest, it always finds an audience.
Q: Shabir, there is constant chatter and scrutiny around lead actors’ pairings, be it in TV or films. When you were paired alongside Ashi, were there judgements around the age gap? How do you deal with it?
I won’t deny that there were whispers. People always have opinions, especially on-screen pairings. But I believe chemistry isn’t about age — it’s about performance, intent, and honesty between two actors. Aashi is talented, and we both knew what we wanted to bring to our characters. At the end of the day, if the audience connects, everything else fades into the background.
Q: When it comes to reality shows, you’ve done Khatron Ke Khiladi. Are you planning or looking forward to go to Bigg Boss?
Bigg Boss is a whole different ball game. Khatron was about facing fears, pushing limits — very physically challenging. Bigg Boss is more about mental endurance, I haven’t actively thought about it. For now, my focus is on storytelling — scripted chaos feels safer than real chaos!
Also Read: Kumkum Bhagya: Shabir Alhuwalia aka Abhi quits Ekta Kapoor’s show for THIS reason?
With over 4 years of experience, Aakruti Bagla is a Bollywood and Television enthusiast working as a content writer and anchor in Bollywood Bubble. Whether reporting on red carpet moments or diving into long-form features, she aims to tell stories that resonate with readers and reveal the people behind the personas.