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For Rishabh Jaiswal, Tu Ya Koi Nahi was never just another project. The Director’s Kut Production show on YouTube, helmed by Ishika Shahi, carries a personal weight for him, one that goes back to where it all began. He had already been part of Ishika’s first project, Jab Zodiacs Met, so when word came that she was making something new, his interest was immediate.
He said,
“The title itself is very intriguing. When I got to know that Ishika was making this project, I was instantly interested because I’ve been part of her first project, Jab Zodiacs Met. I feel a strong connection with the production house and especially with Rajan sir, who is like a father figure to me. So whenever a project comes from them, it feels personal, almost like something coming from home.”
“When Ishika and Arun sir narrated the story, I was both excited and a little surprised. I even asked if they were sure they wanted me for this role, especially because it was very different from anything I had done before. But their confidence made it a no-brainer for me to say yes,” he added.
The role he stepped into, Ayush, is layered in a way that kept him engaged throughout. He said,
“I would describe my character as a good friend, tough, and compassionate. He has that protective instinct towards his best friend, especially when he feels something might go wrong. At the same time, he has a slightly rough edge, which makes him quite interesting to portray.”
The story itself operates on more than one level, and he offered a sense of what viewers can expect without giving too much away. He said,
“The central theme revolves around love and emotional connections but with a very unique and intriguing twist. Without revealing too much, it’s also a story involving doppelgangers, where the lead character is seen in two different roles. That adds a layer of complexity and keeps the audience engaged throughout.”
Coming from a television background made the shift to this format noticeable in the best way. He said,
“It was very different from television. I’ve worked in TV for about three to three-and-a-half years, where the storytelling is often high on drama with louder dialogues. But this project is subtle, raw, and real. The performances are more natural, and the emotions feel very authentic. The way it was shot is also very candid and not overly staged, which makes it stand out.”
There was one sequence in particular that tested him as a performer. He said,
“There was a particular scene where I was running away from the villain while trying to save the heroine. I’m rushing to reach a cab and trying my best to protect her using the information I’ve gathered. That entire sequence, especially the way it concludes, was quite intense and pushed me out of my comfort zone as an actor.”
On the chemistry between the leads, he gave an honest and grounded read. He said,
“Off-screen, I’m not entirely sure, but on-screen they looked really good together. They share a very natural camaraderie, which is clearly visible in front of the camera, even during the shoot. That ease and comfort definitely reflect in their chemistry and make it believable.”
What Ishika brings to her projects has a consistency to it, and he traces it back to how she approaches storytelling itself. He said,
“Ishika has a very unique way of storytelling. Even her earlier project, Jab Zodiacs Met, had a very different narrative style, and the same goes for this one. The storyline, the treatment, and the way the narrative unfolds are quite distinct. Her passion and clarity really stand out, and that reflects in every aspect of the show.”
As the show prepares to reach audiences, he has one simple ask of the people watching.
“I would say definitely tune in to the show with an open mind. It has some amazing characters, a very engaging storyline, and a unique way of storytelling. The way it’s been shot is also quite different from what we usually see. I think audiences should spend some time watching it because they’re definitely going to enjoy it. I’m very excited about the project and can’t wait to see how people react,” Rishabh ended.
