You Can Achieve What You Want, Married Or Not: TV Actor Ayushi Khurana

For years, Indian television has been dominated by tear-jerking saas-bahu sagas, but a refreshing change has swept over the screen and one of the recent shows portrays Jaidev Sharma and his daughters talking about real issues. This particular story hits home for every woman out there—it captures that relatable moment when they think about leaving their parents to start a new life with someone they love. This show breaks free from the conventional mold, delving into the complexities of family, love, and the delicate balance women navigate in pursuit of their dreams.

Ayushi Khurana and Mahesh Thakur, in a conversation with SheThePeople, shed light on the shift in storytelling seen in Aangan-Aapno Kaa, where Khurana portrays Pallavi, the youngest daughter of Jaidev Sharma, as essayed by Thakur. The show presents an affectionate tale focusing on a daughter's unwavering commitment to her father while also offering a modern take on the complexities of marriage.

Capturing the Essence of Real Issues

Khurana introduced her character, saying, "Pallavi is very modern and relatable. She deeply cares for her father and is dedicated to looking after him. She thinks nothing should hinder her responsibility to her father, not even getting married." She added, "She doesn't want to get married, as she doesn't want to leave her father alone because, when she was very small, she saw the sacrifice that his father had made."

Talking about what made her nod in agreement to do the show, she mentioned, "I was drawn to the show because it touched upon something personal for me. I could connect quickly because, you know, I'm facing a similar situation. My family wants me to get married, and this storyline felt relatable. The story resonates with many women."

Balancing Life Post-Marriage

It's often assumed that once a woman is married, her career growth and relationships with friends and family may suffer. However, this belief doesn't align with reality. Many women effectively balance their professional pursuits, maintain strong relationships, and fulfil their familial duties post-marriage. They navigate these various facets of life adeptly, disproving the notion that marriage is a hindrance.

Commenting on the same, Khurrana said, "Many women can relate to this. It's a different story, something I haven't seen before on TV. The character doesn't want marriage to affect her career. She believes in finding a balance between her personal and professional lives. People often think marriage can hinder your career, but that's not true. And that’s what we are trying to show: you can achieve what you want, married or not. For instance, the character is a chef at a hotel and prioritises her career."

Mahesh Thakur's Approach

Mahesh Thakur, a seasoned actor with diverse roles in films, TV, and web series, once again embraces a fatherly role. Discussing the character and its significance, he said, “He's a single dad raising three daughters. Two are married, and the third works. When he learns that his youngest doesn't want to marry because she worries about her priorities changing, just like her sisters' did after marriage."

Discussing the distinctiveness of this character and how he plans to make it memorable like his other roles, he emphasised, "Character depth is crucial. When every actor understands their space and the writing is clear in defining the characters, half the story becomes clearer. The audience resonates better with a well-defined portrayal."

"For a TV show, I gradually immerse myself in the character as the episodes progress. It's a gradual process to understand the character's essence and limitations. Once the boundaries and traits are clear, I follow them, staying true to the character's design, he added.

Ayushi Khurana and Mahesh Thakur bring authenticity to their roles, contributing to a storyline that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the strength of women in the face of societal expectations.