Tejal Sinha
Harleen Sethi has always stood out for her impeccable talent and the meaningful projects she chooses to be a part of. With her refreshing humility and dedication, she has carved a unique space in the industry, delivering performances that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Sethi has for long been celebrated not just for her talent but also for the thoughtful choices she makes as an artist. Speaking with her feels like stepping into a world of passion and humility.
She has once again enraptured hearts with her latest release Doctors, a groundbreaking show exploring the lives of doctors—the Kohrra fame sits down to share her thoughts on the journey, the challenges of embodying such a layered role and the gratitude she feels for the opportunities that come her way.
“Thank you for the compliment! You’ve truly made my day,” Harleen begins this chat with warmth. “I feel so blessed and grateful to be doing what I love. It feels amazing to talk about a project that I’m so proud of. As an actor, I strive to make good choices and hearing such appreciation makes everything worthwhile.”
Harleen’s ability to immerse herself in diverse roles has earned her a special place in the hearts of audiences. Her latest project, a show centered on the lives of doctors, stands as a testament to her dedication to meaningful storytelling.
Her pride for her latest endeavor is palpable. “This show is so close to my heart. We shot it over a year and a half ago and I recently revisited the show. Watching it brought back all the emotions, the anxiety, and the hope we felt while making it. It’s not just a project; it’s a tribute to doctors—especially after what they endured during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
She continues, “The show captures the selflessness of doctors. They’re there for us 24/7, often putting their own lives at risk. In most movies, we see glimpses of doctors’ lives, but this series dives deep into their world, showing that they’re human too—prone to mistakes, pressures and challenges. It’s something India hasn’t seen before. I hope it inspires young minds, much like an army film motivates the youth. It’s a celebration of their dedication and resilience.”
She plays Dr. Nitya, a character she describes as a heroine in every sense. “Vidya is a superhero, but she’s also deeply human. The show unfolds through her eyes, showcasing her journey from revenge to love and redemption. Initially, she carries this heavy baggage of revenge, which drives her to the hospital. But over time, she transforms into a true healer and hero. It’s an inspiring arc and I feel incredibly honored to bring her to life.”
Portraying a doctor required extensive preparation. “From the scripting stage, we had real doctors—Dr. Agni and Dr. Janavi—on set. They helped us understand medical terminology, mannerisms and real-life cases sourced from AIIMS and around the world. We learned everything from how to take a pulse to administering CPR, checking and even the correct way to wash hands. Every detail mattered.”
The Broken But Beautiful fame also dived deep into the psyche of a doctor. “I attended workshops, read books like Complications by Atul Gawande and observed real doctors to understand their mindset. It’s not just about physical skills; it’s about the emotional toll their work takes. The show offers a unique perspective on the personal and professional challenges they face.”
“Every role comes with its own challenges, but professional roles like this are particularly demanding,” she explains. “From the outside, it may seem glamorous, but the closer you look, the more you realise how challenging it is. Doctors, for instance, work under immense pressure, with 24/7 responsibilities and constant life-and-death situations. Separating personal life from professional life becomes crucial and mastering that balance is an art.”
She recalls a pivotal scene in the series where Nitya experiences her first patient death. “It’s a moment of reckoning for her and for me as an actor. Sharath (Ishan) says, ‘What you do in this moment will define what kind of doctor you become.’ It was incredibly challenging to portray that depth of emotion and responsibility.”
Through this project, she developed a profound respect for the medical community. “I’ve come to understand just how hard doctors work and the immense responsibility they carry. They form their own communities because only they can truly understand the challenges they face. Shooting in real hospitals gave me a glimpse into their world, and it was deeply humbling. Doctors often create a second family among their peers because they spend so much time together. This sense of community and shared purpose is incredibly inspiring.”
As she reflects on her journey, the Gulmohar Grand fame shares her excitement for the future. “I like to take my time choosing projects. It’s important to me that each role challenges me and allows me to break away from my last image. I’m currently reading scripts for next year and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
Among her upcoming projects, Harleen reveals, “I’ve worked on a film with Remo D’Souza and Abhishek Bachchan for Amazon Original, which will release next year. I also have a dance sequence in Woh Ladki Hai Kahaan with Taapsee Pannu. Additionally, a couple of short films I’ve done will be doing the international rounds. I’ve entered the new year with so much hope and gratitude.”
Harleen signs off with a message of gratitude: “Every project I do is a labor of love, and it feels wonderful when people connect with it. I hope Doctors resonates with audiences and inspires them as much as it inspired me. Here’s to a new year filled with stories that move, motivate and make a difference.”
Indeed, Harleen Sethi’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and making meaningful choices—both on and off the screen.
