The heart of a hero: Abhishek Sharma on bringing depth to Dev’s vulnerable moments

Zee TV’s is breaking the stereotype of ‘mard ko dard nahi hota’ through the dynamic protagonists who aren’t afraid to show their vulnerable side. There’s a powerful misconception in society that to be a “real man” means to be unshakeable, always composed, and never showing weakness. But when it comes to family, many men reveal a deeper truth that strength and vulnerability can coexist. In Zee TV’s Vasudha, Abhishek Sharma who plays Dev has struck a powerful chord with viewers, not just for his strength and conviction, but for the quiet vulnerability that defines his journey. Far from being a conventional television hero, Abhishek describes Dev as layered, emotionally complex, and deeply human.

Talking about his approach to the role, Abhishek shares some of Dev’s emotional moments which he connects with the most. “The scene that affected me personally the most was when Chandrika (played by Parineeta Borthakur) stopped talking to Dev and Dev had to call someone he wished he could speak to, for which he called his mother who was sitting in front of him. The weight of that scene was so intense that it moved me to tears during the shoot, and once we wrapped, I went straight to the greenroom and called my parents.” he says. “Dev’s silences, his inner conflicts, and the moments where he feels lost are what make him real and after playing that character for almost two years, I feel that the lines between Abhishek and Dev have been blurred.” Whether it’s grappling with personal loss, carrying the weight of responsibility, or struggling to express emotions he has long buried, Dev’s vulnerability adds depth to the narrative of Vasudha.

Abhishek consciously focuses on body language, pauses, and restrained expressions to convey Dev’s emotional state, allowing viewers to sense what the character feels even when he says very little. “At this point I respond to Dev more than I respond to my own name,” he added. Dev’s bond with his family and his moral dilemmas often place him at emotional crossroads, and Abhishek ensures these moments are handled with sensitivity rather than melodrama.

Dev and Vasudha’s journey now have been going through an extremely bumpy patch, making them both emotionally vulnerable. Will these emotions become a barrier between them, or will they help them reconcile despite all the hurdles?
To know about the next stage of Dev and Vasudha’s journey, watch Vasudha every day at 9:30 PM, only on Zee TV!