In a world where reel love is often mistaken for real loyalties, few actors escape the fury of fandom. And lately, no one knows that better than Geetanjali. Ever since her character entered the tumultuous triangle between Armaan and Abhira on Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the screen has been on fire—and so has social media.

But while the drama unfolded on screen, the real tension began to spill off screen. A section of fans, passionately loyal to the “Arhira” pairing (Armaan + Abhira), began unleashing a storm of hate toward Geetanjali—the actress who, by script’s demand, stands between them.

“Homewrecker!”
“She ruined the show!”
“Bring Abhira back!”

The comments poured in. Brutal. Personal. Unrelenting.

Geetanjali, who had remained silent through it all, finally broke that silence this week. In a candid interaction at a public event, surrounded by flashing cameras and buzzing microphones, she was asked directly: “How do you deal with the negativity from Armaan–Abhira fans?”

Her smile didn’t falter. But her voice was steady—calm, yet resolute.

“I understand the love people have for Abhira,” she said. “I really do. But I’m playing a character. I’m telling a story. Please don’t confuse the actor with the role. I respect every viewer’s emotion—but hate? That’s not what this show is about.”

It wasn’t a long speech. But it was enough. Enough to show grace. Enough to draw a line. And in the middle of this brief, powerful response—stood a small figure by her side, clutching her hand tightly.

Her daughter, lovingly called Pookie by fans.

Pookie, barely old enough to understand the full weight of media attention, stood beside her mother dressed in soft pink, with her hair in twin braids. When the reporters turned their cameras toward her, she tucked her head into Geetanjali’s side and gave the shyest, most adorable smile.

It was that one moment—innocent, pure, and deeply human—that turned the tide online.

The video went viral within hours.

Suddenly, hashtags began trending: #RespectGeetanjali, #ProtectPookie, #StopTheHate.

Fans who had once criticized her began softening. Comments turned from cruel to compassionate. “I was harsh on her,” one fan wrote, “but seeing her as a mother… I realized she’s just doing her job. And doing it well.”

Another said, “That little girl’s smile broke me. She didn’t deserve this hate. No child does.”

For Geetanjali, the journey hasn’t been easy. Landing a major role on one of Indian television’s longest-running shows is both a dream and a risk. Especially when you step into the fire that is Arhira’s fan base—one of the most passionate and vocal fandoms in Indian soap history.

But she didn’t come unprepared. Insiders reveal that before signing the show, Geetanjali had several conversations with the production house about fan reception, character arcs, and emotional impact. She knew what might come. She just didn’t expect the attacks to feel so… personal.

“There were nights I cried,” she admitted privately to a colleague. “Not because of what they said about my acting, but what they said about me as a mother. About Pookie. That crossed a line.”

Yet despite the pain, she didn’t retaliate. She didn’t post angry stories. She didn’t fight back with words. She showed up, every day, memorized her lines, faced the camera—and did her job with dignity.

And that’s what turned the narrative.

The industry has since rallied behind her. Fellow actors posted messages of support. The official YRKKH account posted a photo of Geetanjali and Pookie, with a caption that read: “Behind every strong character is a stronger woman. And behind her, a reason to smile.”

Even Rajan Shahi, the show’s producer, released a statement: “Geetanjali is a valued part of our cast. Her professionalism and grace under pressure deserve applause, not abuse. Viewers should always remember—fiction is fiction.”

But perhaps the loudest message came not from a PR team or a fellow actor. It came from Pookie.

A new video emerged from the same event. In it, as the press session ended, a reporter bent down and gently asked Pookie, “Are you proud of your mama?”

The little girl looked up. Smiled. Nodded. And said softly, “Very proud.”

It was a whisper. But in that whisper, something shifted.

Because in the end, no performance, no pairing, no plot twist can outweigh the image of a child looking up at her mother with pride. It reminded the audience that behind every headline is a heartbeat. Behind every actress is a woman. Behind every public figure is a private world that should never be dragged into the mud.

So the next time the screen fades to black and a new episode begins, maybe fans will remember: hate may trend, but kindness transforms.

And perhaps, the strongest character in this story isn’t Armaan. Or Abhira. Or even Geetanjali.

Maybe… it’s Pookie.