“Silence Can Be the Strongest Emotion”: Mihir Ahuja Opens Up About Ghuppi’s Inner Battle in Shabad – Reet aur Riwaaz

In a world where young people are increasingly encouraged to follow their dreams, Reet aur Riwaaz offers a poignant look at what it means to break free from expectation. At the centre of this emotional story is Ghuppi, a teenager torn between inherited faith and personal freedom, brought to life with quiet intensity by Mihir Ahuja. Through silence, stillness, and the raw energy of sport, Mihir crafts a layered performance that captures the ache of being unheard and the courage it takes to choose one’s own path.

Reflecting on Ghuppi’s conflict, Mihir says, “In today’s world, people are dreaming differently. They have the courage to take up challenges, follow what they love, follow their passion and heart.” He considers himself fortunate to have always had the support of his parents. “When I told them that I wanted to become an actor, even though no one in my family is connected to films or the film industry, they supported me,” he shares.

Hailing from Jamshedpur, Mihir recalls the moment he opened up to his father about his career choice. “My dad has a business there. One fine day, I told him that I wanted to become an actor, and he was very supportive of my career choice. He said that I should study first, and when I go to college, I can try acting as a hobby, and if I get work, it can become a profession.” As a result, he did not face any resistance at home. “So I did not face conflict at all. My conflict was with myself, whether I would be able to do it or not,” he admits, adding that repeated rejections often made him wonder if he would ever land a project.

Ghuppi’s journey, however, is far more complicated. “In Ghuppi’s case, his conflict is mainly with his father, who wants him to be a ragi in a Gurudwara, while Ghuppi wants to become a footballer,” Mihir explains. “When he is on the football field, he feels like himself. He loves himself when he is playing football.” While the actor could not directly relate to this struggle, he says, “As actors, we put ourselves in the character’s shoes.” What moved him most was Ghuppi’s courage. “Ghuppi does not get that support from his father, yet he chooses to follow his heart and passion. That is something I would suggest to everyone, if you have a dream, just go for it.”

One of the most defining aspects of Ghuppi’s character is his stammer, which shapes both how others perceive him and how he views himself. For Mihir, portraying silence was one of the biggest challenges. “I believe that the biggest challenge for an actor is when there are no dialogues in a scene. The best acting is seen through the eyes, when there is nothing to say,” he says.

He adds that Ghuppi’s emotional world is shaped by multiple pressures. “Ghuppi’s internal and external struggles come together — his school life, being bullied, his relationship with his parents, and the fact that his father is very strict. All of that creates an angst within him.” Unable to express his feelings openly at home, Ghuppi finds release on the football field. “He does not express it in words in front of his parents, but he channels that angst on the football field. That is how I portrayed Ghuppi, through silence and by using that internal fire while playing football.”

Through this delicate balance of restraint and intensity, Mihir Ahuja delivers a performance that feels both authentic and deeply moving, making Reet aur Riwaaz not just a story of tradition and faith, but also a heartfelt exploration of identity, resilience, and the courage to dream beyond boundaries.