In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Aaditi Pohankar opens up about her unconventional journey from athletics to acting, the challenges of being an outsider, and how Aashram transformed her career. As she explores new roles, Aaditi remains committed to pushing her boundaries and delivering powerful performances
Tejal Sinha
From an unexpected entry into acting to becoming a household name with Aashram, Aaditi Pohankar’s journey has been one of perseverance and passion. Aaditi Pohankar’s rise in the entertainment industry has been anything but conventional. From her early days to becoming a widely recognised face through Aashram, her journey has been marked by perseverance, learning, and transformation. In this candid conversation, Aaditi opens up about her career, the struggles of being an outsider, her approach to acting and how Aashram changed her life. Before stepping into acting, Aaditi was deeply invested in athletics. “Honestly, Lai Bhaari happened to me when I was just 17 or 18. At that point, I didn’t even know if I wanted to be an actor. I was a runner, and my focus was on sports.”
However, an incident from her childhood left a lasting impression. “My mother was a teacher and she once told me she wanted to see me on a hoarding. She meant a school hoarding with student achievements, but I mistook it for a film hoarding,” she shares with a smile. “After she passed away, that wish stayed with me, and I unknowingly walked into this profession.”
Her entry into the film industry wasn’t immediate. She took time to train, attending workshops and performing in theatre to hone her craft. “I had no godfather in the industry. My only strength was my ability to learn, so I committed myself to the process—understanding my characters deeply and bringing them to life authentically.” The She fame is candid about the difficulties she faced as an industry outsider. However, she doesn’t label them as struggles but rather as part of the process. “Yes, I wasn’t handed roles on a platter. There were multiple auditions, meetings and rejections. Even now, after two hit shows with three seasons each, I still have to prove myself through auditions. But I believe that if this process applies to everyone, then it’s a fair game.”
She also notes the changing landscape of the industry. “Earlier, actors had distinct personalities and now, that individuality is making a comeback. I think real, raw performances are being appreciated again.”
One of her most defining roles has been Pammi in Aashram. The transformation of Pammi—from a naive devotee to a determined woman seeking justice—was an intense experience for her.
“The most difficult scenes for me were when Pammi realizes she is being abused. There’s a scene where she first understands that something is terribly wrong, and another where she realises Baba Nirala is the one violating her. These moments broke me into pieces.”
To prepare for the role, Pohankar took a unique approach. “I don’t over-rehearse. I prepare by understanding the character’s emotional depth, but once I’m on set, I react spontaneously to the environment and my co-actors. That’s where the real magic happens.”
Playing Pammi was physically and emotionally exhausting. “There were scenes where I had to be extremely vulnerable, and it took a toll on me. I remember feeling completely drained after certain sequences. It was like living through Pammi’s trauma, and that wasn’t easy.”
The Star actress shares an interesting anecdote about working with Bobby Deol. “We didn’t have any prior rehearsals and I first met him on set. I was rehearsing my expressions intensely, and he thought I was genuinely giving him angry looks. Later, he told me, ‘I thought you were upset with me!’ We laughed about it, but that initial distance actually helped build the tension needed for our characters.”
She also speaks highly of Prakash Jha’s directorial approach. “His discipline and honesty to the script are inspiring. Even when we faced disruptions on set, he never let it affect the shoot. That kind of dedication and courage is something I truly admire.” She acknowledges that Aashram was a turning point in her career. “When the series was released, my phone didn’t stop ringing. Suddenly, people who had never spoken to me before were reaching out.”
She recalls an incident when she was recognised by a fan in a remote area. “I was traveling, and this woman came up to me and said, ‘Pammi! Aapko dekh ke bahut himmat milti hai.’ That moment made me realise the power of storytelling and how much the character had resonated with people.”
She believes that the rise of OTT platforms has transformed the entertainment industry, creating more opportunities for actors based on talent rather than connections. “OTT has leveled the playing field. The audience wants to see strong performances, and that has opened doors for so many of us who might not have had these chances otherwise.”
She also acknowledges that social media has played a role in changing the way actors engage with their audience. “Social media is a double-edged sword. It gives you direct access to your audience, but it also means there’s constant scrutiny. I try to keep a balance—engaging when necessary but not letting it dictate my life.” Despite her growing recognition, Aaditi is in no rush to sign multiple projects. “I’m taking things slow and choosing roles that truly challenge me. I’ve been lucky to work with some incredible directors, and I want to continue growing as an actor,” she says.
While she remains tight-lipped about her upcoming projects, she assures that she is exploring diverse roles. “I want to surprise myself and my audience. Whether it’s an intense drama, an action-packed role, or even a lighthearted film, I want to push my boundaries.”
