Shruti Bhist talks about playing a ghost whisperer in COLORS’ supernatural thriller ‘Noyontara’

COLORS’ new supernatural thriller ‘Noyontara’ is about a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who’s long been mocked for her gift. Her life turns upside down when she marries Surjo, a rational man hung up on his past. Upon entering her eerie sasural, Pari Mahal, Noyontara is drawn into a maze of dark secrets refuse to stay buried. With a mischievous ghost named Hasiram as her ally, she must untangle the haveli’s sinister past and choose between two women—each claiming to be her mother-in-law, Lalita. One wants to save Surjo, the other is a threat to his life. But in a house where nothing is what it seems, can Noyontara trust her instincts and save her husband—or will her gift become her curse? Starring Shruti Bhist in the titular role, Arjun Chakrabarty as Surjo and Narayani Shastri as Lalita/ Lata, ‘Noyontara’ premieres every day at 8:30 PM only on COLORS. In a candid chat, Shruti Bhist talks about her character’s sixth sense in Noyontara.

1. Tell us something about the show.
A. Noyontara is a supernatural thriller centered around Noyontara, a 23-year-old ghost-whisperer who’s always been ridiculed because of her rare gift. Her life spins out of control when marries Dr. Surjo, a man grounded in science, still hung up on the shadows of his past. After stepping into her in-laws’ ancestral haveli, she’s pulled into a web of secrets. With a mischievous ghost named Hasiram as her unlikely ally she starts digging into the haveli’s history of cruelty, greed, and buried truths. But then comes the twist—two women, both claiming to be her mother-in-law, Lalita. One of them puts Noyontara on a mission to save her husband from a fate worse than death with the gift the world mocked her for. Caught in the middle of trying to figure out who’s on her side and who’s pulling her into a trap, Noyontara must protect her husband, navigating a loveless marriage.

2. Tell us something about your character.
A. Noyontara is a 23-year-old girl with an extraordinary gift — she can see and communicate with spirits, ever since she was blessed by Baba Bhootnath as a child. To the world, this makes her “odd” or “cursed.” To her family, it made her future — especially marriage — a constant worry. But behind the whispers and wary glances, Noyontara stands tall with a quiet strength and compassion. She listens to lost souls, not with fear, but with empathy, guiding them toward peace. Now married to Surjo, a rational man of science trapped in his own grief, Noyontara’s world has become even more complicated. She may share a roof with him, but their hearts are miles apart. What started as a marriage of hope has slowly revealed itself to be one of distance. And yet, she refuses to give up on him. She senses that something — or someone — is holding him back, and she’s determined to uncover the truth and help him heal and protect him. But in a house full of secrets, trust doesn’t come easy. A twist comes with two women in the haveli, both claiming to be her mother-in-law, Lalita. One of them puts Noyontara on a mission to save her husband from a fate worse than death with the gift the world mocked her for. She is unsure which path leads to answers and which one to betrayal. And yet, through it all, she remains a warrior in her own quiet way. She’s kind and patient while dealing with a loveless marriage, protecting her husband from an otherwordly threat and figuring out who’s on her side.

3. What motivated you to take up the show?
A. A girl who can talk to spirits—that’s a rare space to explore as an actor. But what really stayed with me was the emotional weight she carries. Noyontara isn’t just someone with a supernatural gift, she’s someone who uses it with empathy. She listens to lost souls and helps them find peace, even when the world doesn’t understand her. That inner strength, that quiet resilience—that’s what made me want to be her. What also excited me was the world we were building. There’s a certain rootedness in the show—the Bengali setting, the way she dresses, speaks, carries herself—it all adds to the character, and none of it feels forced. Wearing those traditional sarees, adjusting to the rhythm of her speech and movement, it felt immersive, not decorative. These details helped me find Noyontara’s truth. And the timing felt right. This show came to me at a point where I was looking
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to do something that would really push me creatively. The role, the story, the platform all aligned in a way that just made sense.

4. How did you prepare for your role in the show?
A. For my character, Noyontara, I really had to dive in and prepare thoroughly to make her feel authentic. Since I’m from Uttarakhand, my natural Hindi had to be softened with a Bengali touch, so I worked on getting the accent right and also started learning basic Bengali to add honesty to the performance. A lot of effort also went into her physicality, how she walks, how she moves in a saree, her gestures, her stillness, especially because Noyontara is someone who listens more than she speaks. The look played a big role too—wearing a long wig, understanding the drape of the saree, and even the details like her Bengali-style eye makeup. These weren’t just cosmetic changes; they helped me step into her world fully. It was a team effort, and thanks to that support, I was able to shape a version of Noyontara that feels honest and layered.

5. How is working in a supernatural thriller different from other genres?
A. Working in a supernatural thriller is definitely a unique experience. When you play a character like Noyontara, who interacts with ghosts, you’re often reacting to things that aren’t physically there on set. Unlike dramas or romances where you respond to another actor face-to-face, here you rely heavily on your imagination and instincts to connect with unseen presences—many of which are added later in post-production. This adds a layer of challenge but also makes the process creatively exciting. The atmosphere on set is filled with mystery, tension, and sometimes even fear, which brings a different energy altogether. It really stretches you as an actor and keeps you on your toes.

6. What kind of bond do you share with your co-actors?
A. The bond on set has been truly special, especially with Arjun and Narayani ma’am. Arjun, who plays my on-screen husband, has become a good friend off-screen as well. I remember early days in Kolkata when he encouraged me to try the local food—that little adventure helped us connect beyond the camera. Narayani ma’am is someone I’ve looked up to for a long time, and working with her has been a great learning experience. She’s incredibly warm and generous with her guidance. Both are always there to support me, whether it’s getting through emotional scenes or sharing tips to make moments stronger. It feels like a real team effort, and I’m grateful for their friendship and support.

7. How was your experience of shooting the show in Kolkata so far?
A. Shooting in Kolkata was such a memorable experience. The early call times in the cold January mornings were tough, no doubt! But the city’s charm made it worthwhile. Kolkata has this warm, welcoming vibe that instantly made me feel at home—even though it was my first time there. And being a big foodie, I had the best time exploring the street food scene. Puchka quickly became my favourite, and honestly, I still crave it! Kolkata really gave the whole shooting experience a beautiful start and left a lasting impression on me.

8. Tell us about your experience of shooting with COLORS.
A. Returning to COLORS has been very fulfilling. My previous role as Mishri gave me a wonderful beginning, and now with Noyontara, I’m exploring a completely different and complex character. Mishri was gentle and grounded, while Noyontara is layered, spiritual, and intense. This contrast has been a rewarding challenge. COLORS has always believed in my work, and getting to portray such diverse roles on this platform feels like an honour and a great creative opportunity.

9. What is your message to the viewers?
A. I’m really grateful for all the love and support from the viewers, it means so much to me. I’m glad you liked the promo because I truly enjoyed working on this show. It’s a story that’s a little different and keeps you guessing at every turn. I hope the show inspires you to embrace being different, because that’s not something to fear but to celebrate.

Watch ‘Noyontara’ every day at 8:30 PM only on COLORS