Actor Shruti Gholap, currently seen as Malti in Oh Humnava—Tum Dena Saath Mera, believes that rejection in the entertainment industry is often misunderstood. Having been part of shows like Jamai No. 1, she reflects on how the journey has shaped her perspective. “Rejection is never easy. Initially, I used to feel very disheartened after giving countless auditions, often without even getting a response,” she shares. Coming from a theatre background, Shruti recalls how difficult the transition to television was. “While I was doing theatre, I wanted to move into serials but faced constant rejection. There were moments when I questioned myself and wondered if something was wrong with me,” she admits. However, with time came clarity. “I later realized it’s not always about you—it’s about the right fit and timing.” Her journey in Mumbai spans over 17 years, filled with both struggles and growth. “I have seen many ups and downs, but today I am no longer struggling. I focus on my work and feel proud of how far I’ve come by learning from my mistakes,” she says, with quiet confidence. Shruti’s path has been largely self-driven, without the guidance of a mentor. “What I understand today is because of my own experiences. When my father passed away, my mother and I had no support system—we still don’t. It has always been just my mom, me, and my God,” she shares. Despite the challenges, she remains grateful. “I’m thankful to all the friends, colleagues, and productions that became part of my journey.” Reflecting on her growth as an actor, Shruti speaks candidly about how her understanding of the craft has evolved over time. “I’m very critical of myself. Earlier, until around 2014–15, I felt like I was just ‘showing’ acting—it was superficial,” she says. Today, she strives for authenticity. “Real acting comes with time, effort, and honesty. It’s about going beyond the surface and truly feeling what you perform.”