Being the shoulder to lean on

Aakash Ahuja

A decade and six television shows later, Aakash Ahuja is content with his "roller-coaster" life in showbiz. After working in movies, television, and digital entertainment, the actor claims that while his trajectory has been slow, it hasn't been without success. The actor, who made his Bollywood debut with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas (2019) and was last seen in Faltu, is gearing up for his new show, Badall Pe Paon Hai.

While most shows use the trope of a brooding, domineering, and rich CEO falling in love with a woman from humble backgrounds, Ahuja says that he took up the role because it was different. "In the majority of the shows, the male lead is either a rude businessman or a vagabond. I think TV shows need to be a little more creative in that aspect to make them unique for the audience. Badall Pe Paon Hai is about a woman from a poor economic background pursuing her dreams [of being a stock broker] against all odds and her family's wishes. It is a career path that is not typically associated with women. My character, Rajat Khanna, isn't the typical male lead either. His presence provides a sense of stability and perspective. He keeps her grounded, ensuring she doesn't lose sight of her path amidst the challenges and opportunities that come her way," says the actor, adding that his character and the plot of the show will be relatable to viewers. Ahuja also claims that the show would "challenge stereotypes." "In reality, women are increasingly venturing into [different] career paths, which makes our show's approach unique and refreshing. Baani's [Amandeep Sidhu's character] involvement in the stock market challenges this stereotype, showcasing that women can excel in any field they choose. It's an important narrative that reflects the changing dynamics of our society, where women are increasingly breaking barriers and pursuing unconventional career paths."

Having dabbled in various mediums, Ahuja disagrees that TV is regressive in comparison. The actor believes that the medium is slowly evolving with time. "Regressive might be too harsh, but I agree that TV has been cautious about experimenting. [Keeping up] the demanding schedule of seven days a week often leads to compromises in quality. Despite this, I believe things are gradually changing. We are beginning to see shows that aim to shift the narrative and present more progressive stories," he shares.