Television heartthrob Shabir Ahluwalia is stepping into a fresh chapter with Sony TV’s upcoming romantic drama, Uff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil. Slated for a June premiere, the show brings him together with Meet star Ashi Singh in a story that delves into the complexities of love and human connection. The duo portrays Yug Sinha and Kairi Sharma — two polar opposites drawn together by destiny in a relationship that’s anything but ordinary.
In a candid chat with Bollywood Bubble, Shabir opened up about everything from his unconventional onscreen pairing with Ashi, support from his wife Kanchi Kaul, to the challenges of moving on from Kumkum Bhagya and his stance on the evolving landscape of Indian television.
On the Show’s Title and the Modern Take on Love
“The title Yeh Love Hai Mushkil really hits home,” says Shabir. “It captures love in its current, chaotic form — confusing yet profoundly real. What intrigued me was how the narrative embraces contradictions. Yug and Kairi are nothing alike. He’s impulsive and spontaneous, while she’s cautious and introspective. But somehow, that friction sparks a connection. That’s what modern love is — messy, layered, unpredictable. The show reflects that beautifully, and it’s what drew me in.”
On Kanchi Kaul Being His Constant
For Shabir, family remains his emotional anchor. Speaking of his wife, actor Kanchi Kaul, he shares, “She’s my calm amid the madness. This industry can throw a lot at you — erratic schedules, intense roles, public opinions. But Kanchi keeps me grounded. Her clarity, her support — it’s invaluable. She’s not just my partner, but my biggest source of strength.”
On Leaving Kumkum Bhagya
Shabir acknowledges the weight of walking away from something iconic. “Leaving Kumkum Bhagya wasn’t easy. It shaped so much of my journey. But as an artist, you eventually crave change. I wanted to explore new challenges, new stories. It was a leap of faith, but necessary for growth.”
On Indian Television’s Evolution
When asked about the changing face of Indian television, Shabir offers a balanced view. “Television mirrors society, and yes, there are times it leans on regressive tropes. But there are also bold, meaningful stories being told. While the pace of evolution may lag behind OTT or cinema, I believe authenticity in storytelling always wins. Whether it’s progressive or not is secondary — what matters is honesty.”
On the Age Gap with Ashi Singh and Audience Perception
Pairing with a younger co-star often sparks conversation, and Shabir doesn’t shy away from addressing it. “There were murmurs, naturally. But chemistry isn’t measured by age — it’s about trust, intent, and mutual respect. Ashi is immensely talented, and both of us were clear about our vision for Yug and Kairi. If the audience connects with our characters, those judgments fade away.”
On Bigg Boss and Reality TV
Having previously braved the physical challenges of Khatron Ke Khiladi, would Shabir consider entering the mental battleground of Bigg Boss? “Not really on my radar,” he laughs. “Khatron was about confronting physical fears. Bigg Boss? That’s mental warfare! Right now, I’m happy navigating the scripted chaos of fiction — it feels a lot safer.”
As Uff…Yeh Love Hai Mushkil gears up for its launch, fans are in for a tale that’s raw, romantic, and refreshingly real — just like Shabir Ahluwalia’s approach to life and love.