Sony SAB’s Yaadein continues to keep viewers engaged with its emotional storytelling and layered characters. Among the show’s standout characters is Dr. Sunny, played by actor Anurag Sharma. While Dr. Sunny often finds himself at odds with Dr. Dev, his journey is shaped by years of emotional pain, frustration, and difficult choices.
In this interview, Anurag Sharma talks about portraying Dr. Sunny, playing morally complex characters, and his experience working with the cast of Yaadein.
Dr. Sunny is not completely positive or negative. How would you describe him?
Anurag Sharma:
Dr. Sunny is not entirely good or bad. There are many layers to his personality. He was once a talented doctor who always felt he never received the recognition or opportunities he deserved. That frustration stayed with him for years. Things changed after an unintentional mistake led to the loss of a child’s life, following which Dr. Dev decided to take strict action against him. Since they were family, Dr. Sunny felt deeply hurt and unfairly treated. That pain, combined with the fear of losing his career, slowly pushed him towards a darker path.
Dr. Sunny and Dr. Dev once shared a close friendship. What changed between them?
Anurag Sharma:
Dr. Sunny and Dr. Dev were once very close and shared a strong bond as doctors who genuinely wanted to help people. Over time, life and personal pain changed them in very different ways. Dr. Dev became strict and emotionally distant after losing his son, while Dr. Sunny was deeply affected by the unfairness and hurt he felt he had gone through. At their core, both are still good doctors, but their experiences shaped them into very different people.
Loading ...What has been the most challenging part of playing Dr. Sunny?
Anurag Sharma:
Certain scenes demand a lot emotionally, especially the moments where Dr. Sunny is trying to hide his mistakes and protect himself. What makes the character interesting is that he never intentionally set out to become a bad person. Circumstances slowly pushed him in that direction. Portraying his desperation while also making sure the audience understands and empathizes with him is the biggest challenge.
Did you have to emotionally prepare yourself differently for this role?
Anurag Sharma:
Honestly, no. For the last 15 years, most of the roles I have played have been negative characters. Initially, people felt I had a very soft face and wouldn’t suit such roles, but once one negative character connected with audiences, I kept getting similar opportunities. Over time, I started genuinely enjoying these layered characters.
Every actor dreams of playing the hero, but even being the main antagonist on television comes with its own identity and recognition. I still remember Sushant Singh Rajput once telling me that I was like the Irrfan Khan of television. Somewhere, I feel I have now become the ‘negative Irrfan’ of TV. It was a huge compliment because Irrfan sir brought honesty and depth to every role.
As an actor, do you enjoy playing characters with grey shades?
Anurag Sharma:
Absolutely. There is a different kind of excitement in playing characters with grey shades because they are unpredictable and emotionally complex. Such roles allow an actor to explore many layers and emotions. I have genuinely enjoyed playing these kinds of roles and always try to bring something new to every character.
Is there any quality in Dr. Sunny that you personally connect with?
Anurag Sharma:
Honestly, not really. Dr. Sunny and I are very different people. I don’t personally relate to the negative choices he makes because, in real life, I am a very positive and simple person. I believe in working with honesty and sincerity and never allow the characters I portray to influence who I am personally.
What has your experience been like working with Iqbal Khan, Gulki Joshi and the rest of the cast?
Anurag Sharma:
It has been a wonderful experience. Everyone on set is warm, supportive and easy to work with. This is my first time working with Iqbal and Gulki Joshi, and both of them are fantastic actors as well as genuinely humble people. Despite achieving so much, they remain grounded and make everyone feel comfortable. The younger cast members are also energetic and respectful. Overall, the entire cast and crew share a great bond, and I truly enjoy working with all of them.
Watch Yaadein on Sony SAB
Yaadein airs every Monday to Saturday at 8:00 PM on Sony SAB.
