Aishwarya Khare: My parents were very supportive. If they had told me I can’t act I wouldn’t be here

Actress Aishwarya Khare, who is currently seen in the show, Dr Aarambhi, says that the role stood out to her immediately because of its central theme — self-love and self-discovery. “It’s actually a love story of your own. This show is based on self-love. Not many people get to do something like this, especially on TV,” she says. According to Aishwarya, the narrative addresses subjects that are rarely explored on mainstream television. “One of the most important subjects of our show is gaslighting. Half the people don’t understand it, so we are trying to explain it in a very normal language.” Talking about her character R.M.D., she describes her as layered and realistic. “She is a very street-smart girl, but she has forgotten everything she has done for her family for the last 10 years. She has forgotten herself and her career,” Aishwarya explains. She points out how emotional conditioning affects many women. “Her husband has put so many thoughts in her head that she has forgotten her own point of view. This usually happens with people. Girls in Indian households usually forget themselves.” For Aishwarya, the show highlights the importance of reclaiming one’s identity. “Finding your own voice is a journey. The story starts from her self-reflection, which is much more difficult than daily life.” On a personal note, she says she was fortunate. “My parents were very supportive. If they had told me I can’t act and should become an engineer or doctor, I wouldn’t be here.” However, she acknowledges that not everyone has that freedom. “Sometimes families don’t let you pursue what you want. That’s when you start following other people’s opinions. I think every girl can relate to this somewhere.”