Sumbul Touqeer has grown up in front of the camera, evolving from a young performer into one of Indian television’s respected lead actresses. With notable roles in popular shows like Imlie, Kavya—Ek Jazbaa, Ek Junoon, and the ongoing Itti Si Khushi, Touqeer views the industry as her second home. Having navigated teenage years, adolescence, and early adulthood through various projects, she brings a depth of experience that continues to captivate audiences with every on-screen appearance.
In a recent conversation, the actress shared her lifelong passion for performing. “I always wanted to be an actor. Though my journey in the industry started with dance reality shows, I always wanted to face the camera, and things worked out well for me,” she recalled. Touqeer acknowledged that the path was not without challenges. “Of course it was not easy. I have seen the bad, the better, and the good—all three—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” From her early assignments to current lead roles, she finds joy in bringing diverse characters to life, each offering new opportunities to connect with viewers.
One aspect of the job that particularly stands out for Touqeer is the deep emotional investment audiences make in the characters she portrays. “However, I must admit that when you play a character and it resonates with the audience, the line between the character and actor can sometimes blur,” she observed. Yet she embraces this connection as a marker of success. “But I feel when the audience reacts strongly to your character, it means a job well done. I am so proud of the characters that I have played so far and can’t wait to explore more and bring much more for the audience.”
Touqeer offered balanced insights into how viewers perceive protagonists and antagonists. Positive characters often lead audiences to expect similar moral qualities in real life, such as selflessness and patience. Antagonists, on the other hand, frequently face real-world backlash. “I have seen people curse negative characters, but they should know it’s just a part of the story,” she explained. Actors, she noted, work within the boundaries of the script, infusing given dialogues with emotion and authenticity. “We actors follow a script and say the dialogues we are given; we only put our emotions into the words that are given to us. But again, be it the love or the hate, that’s another part of the job we are doing.”
This duality highlights the powerful influence of television storytelling. While strong reactions can sometimes feel personal, Touqeer recognises them as validation of effective performance and narrative impact. Her experience across multiple shows has taught her that audience engagement — whether admiration or criticism — stems from the ability of characters to mirror real-life complexities and emotions.
Beyond professional milestones, Touqeer finds deep satisfaction in the inspirational role her characters play in viewers’ lives. “Be it my character in Imlie or Kavya or Itti Si Khushi, I am happy to know that the audience gets inspired by my character. Something that she has said or done had helped them in their difficult times,” she shared. These moments reaffirm her childhood dream of becoming an actor. “It’s for moments like these that I wanted to become an actor, and it also tells us how powerful storytelling can be.”
Sumbul Touqeer’s journey reflects the dedication required to sustain a career in Indian television. Starting young and steadily taking on more demanding roles, she has demonstrated versatility and commitment that have earned her a loyal following. Her thoughtful perspective on audience relationships underscores a mature understanding of the actor-audience bond — one built on authenticity, emotional truth, and mutual respect.
In an industry where daily soaps create intimate, long-term connections, Touqeer’s approach emphasises the responsibility that comes with visibility while celebrating the joy of meaningful impact. As she continues to evolve as a performer, her work serves as a reminder of television’s unique ability to entertain, reflect society, and occasionally provide solace during challenging times.
For aspiring actors and dedicated viewers alike, Sumbul Touqeer’s reflections offer valuable insight into the realities of life in the spotlight. Her pride in past characters and excitement for future roles signal a performer who remains deeply committed to her craft. As Itti Si Khushi and future projects unfold, audiences can expect the same sincerity and emotional resonance that have defined her career so far. In the end, strong viewer reactions — love, inspiration, or even spirited debate — confirm that storytelling has done its job.
