Saanvie Tallwar on Playing Ria, Shooting in Dubai, and Her Bond With Raqesh Bapat

Saanvie Tallwar is no stranger to Indian television audiences. Over the years, she's built a steady presence on the small screen with shows like Yeh Kahan Aa Gaye Hum, O Gujariya: Badlein Chal Duniya, Chandra Nandini, Sufiyana Pyaar Mera, Ali Baba, and Shiv Shakti - Tap Tyaag Tandav. But her latest outing marks a distinct departure from familiar territory - the web series Khamosh Aahatein, which dropped on July 10, pulls her into the world of psychological horror.

"Khamosh Aahatein is a psychological horror thriller that blends suspense, emotions, and the supernatural in a very gripping way," Saanvie explains. What sets the project apart, she notes, is its cross-border cast - while the lead actors are Indian, the supporting ensemble brings in performers from Pakistan and Dubai, lending the show an unusual international texture.

At the heart of the story is Saanvie's character, Ria - a woman whose entire identity is built around the people she loves. "She's a devoted mother, a loving wife, and a caring sister who believes that family is her greatest strength," Saanvie says. "She's compassionate, resilient, and will go to any extent to protect the people she loves."

That devotion is soon tested in ways Ria never anticipated. Her life spirals when she finds herself ensnared in a mysterious Chakravyuh curse - one built on a chilling premise: every promise demands a sacrifice. "From that moment on, Ria's world changes completely, and the audience experiences every twist, emotion, and revelation through her journey," Saanvie says.

For the actor, playing Ria meant navigating uncharted emotional terrain. "Playing a character who carries the emotional and psychological weight of the entire story was both challenging and incredibly fulfilling," she says. "It gave me the opportunity to explore so many different shades of one character. Those constant transitions made Ria one of the most challenging and rewarding characters I've portrayed."

The series was filmed entirely on location in Dubai, weaving through the city's streets and hotels - a shoot Saanvie describes as one of the more memorable experiences of her career. She also struck up an easy rapport with co-star Raqesh Bapat. "I had seen him in Tum Bin, so when I got the opportunity to work with him, it was a pleasant surprise. We share a great bond. When you have a good co-star, your performance automatically becomes better."

Looking ahead, Saanvie says she's less concerned with the medium than with the material itself. "I'm open to exploring all kinds of roles as long as they challenge me as an actor. For me, it's always about quality over quantity," she says. "I'm looking for meaningful characters with depth, roles that have a purpose, allow me to grow, and leave a lasting impact on the audience. Whether it's a film, an OTT series, or any other medium, what matters most to me is a well-written story and a character I can truly connect with."

Interestingly, acting wasn't always the plan. Before stepping in front of the camera, Saanvie was behind the scenes as a writer for established television shows. "If I hadn't become an actor, I think I would have been a writer," she reflects. "Ever since I was a child, writing and singing have been two of my biggest passions. Even today, writing is something I'm deeply connected to. It's another form of storytelling that I truly enjoy and one that will always be close to my heart."