“Family Support Matters in Tough Times”: Yesha Harsora on Choosing Acting Over a Corporate Career

Television actor Yesha Harsora, currently gaining attention for her negative role in the show Jagaddhatri, comes from a family where performance runs in the blood. While she is winning praise on screen, her off-screen journey is a story of family influence, discipline, and a bold career decision — turning down a corporate job to pursue acting.

Featured in the Sunday Star series, Harsora reflects on her personal and professional life, revealing how her family shaped her path into television.

Acting Began at Home

All three Harsora sisters have worked in television, but the acting spark began with the youngest sibling. Her sister Ami made a guest appearance alongside Hina Khan in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, bringing excitement to the household. Encouraged by that experience, their mother urged elder sister Neha Harsora to audition, eventually leading her into a successful acting career.

At the time, Yesha had not planned to enter the industry. She was focused on academics, while quietly supporting her sister behind the camera.

Learning the Craft Behind the Lens

“I used to shoot Neha’s audition videos,” Yesha recalls. “We would keep filming until we were satisfied.” Constantly assisting in auditions gave her an unintentional training ground. She absorbed the technical nuances of performance and camera presence long before stepping in front of the lens herself.

Once Neha established herself in television, she encouraged Yesha to audition. Armed with practical experience and confidence, Yesha entered the industry and quickly found work. She went on to appear in popular shows including Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, Khoobsurat, Pocket Mein Aasmaan, and now Jagaddhatri.

Choosing Passion Over Security

Originally, the sisters had planned separate career paths — Neha in acting, Yesha in corporate life. Yesha graduated in Banking and Finance from Mithibai College, Mumbai, and completed a diploma in Financial Management from Welingkar Institute. She even secured a position with a major corporate group.

But just before joining, she received an audition call. She tried out, was selected for Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, and made a life-altering choice.

“I rejected the corporate offer and chose acting,” she says.

The Demands of Daily Television

Daily soap schedules leave little personal time. Long hours, heavy costumes, and elaborate makeup routines make self-care a challenge. Meals are often rushed or delayed, and regular workouts become difficult to maintain.

Yesha credits her mother for managing her diet as much as possible and says she prioritizes sleep to stay healthy. Despite the exhausting routine, she remains grateful.

“When you love your work, you learn to manage everything else,” she says.

She considers herself fortunate to live with her family in Mumbai — a support system many actors in the city lack. “Family makes difficult days easier,” she adds.

For Yesha Harsora, success is not just about screen presence. It is about courage, sacrifice, and the strength that comes from having loved ones close.