“I never wanted to be a vanilla actress — I want to ruffle feathers, spark debates, and leave a mark with every role.”
1. Who am I beyond the lights, camera, and action?
Beyond the world of performance, I’m a girl who approaches life with adventure and purpose. I can’t bear to let a single day slip by without meaning. If I had the chance, I’d be out climbing mountains, swimming in oceans or lakes, hiking through forests — simply immersing myself in nature, which has always felt like home to me. I’m a mountain girl at heart, and the outdoors is where I truly thrive and recharge.
I have an insatiable curiosity about the world. I love to travel, meet new people, and exchange ideas. I’m constantly dreaming up new things, and there’s something profoundly inspiring about connecting with different cultures and perspectives. These experiences fuel my creativity and help me return to my work with fresh eyes.
At my core, I’m someone who values relationships deeply. While the world of lights and cameras is ever-changing, the love and grounding I receive from my family and friends remain constant. They are my anchors, and spending time with them keeps me centered. For me, life is about balancing exploration with connection — that’s what truly defines who I am.
2. What has been the most defining role of my career so far, and why?
Without a doubt, it’s Leela from Lipstick Under My Burkha. That role marked a turning point in my career — it truly changed everything. Before that, I made my television debut in Yudh opposite Mr. Amitabh Bachchan, where I played his daughter. That alone was a huge moment: sharing the screen with a legend in my very first show. But Lipstick Under My Burkha was a completely different milestone. It was my first Hindi feature film, and it introduced me to the world in a way I’d never experienced before.
The film premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival, and I still remember walking the red carpet for the first time, being asked, “Who are you wearing?” — it all felt surreal. That was also the first time I saw the film myself. This was back in 2016, before social media became what it is today, so everything felt raw and real. The film eventually released in India in 2017 after initially being banned and then unbanned. Even though it played in limited theaters, it found its audience purely through word of mouth.
The power of Lipstick Under My Burkha lay in its portrayal of four women in a small Indian town, each fighting for independence in deeply personal ways. Leela, my character, was a beautician — bold, sensual, spirited — but underneath, she was a young woman searching for something more: freedom, identity, and love beyond the roles that defined her. Playing her allowed me to explore both vulnerability and strength, and the way audiences connected with that performance was beyond anything I had imagined.
That role gave me visibility, recognition, and most importantly, a voice. It was the beginning of something much bigger — not just for me as an actor, but as a storyteller.
3. How do I choose roles that challenge me as an artist and also challenge my audience?
For me, it’s largely instinctive. I always ask: What is this role bringing to the table? Will it push me creatively? Will it provoke thought? I truly believe cinema, at its best, is a powerful tool — almost a form of activism. It can spark conversations, plant new ideas, and move people toward reflection rather than just passive entertainment.
I’m not interested in stories that feel pre-packaged or spoon-fed. Unfortunately, a lot of mainstream cinema tends to do just that. But today’s audience is intelligent, discerning, and hungry for more. They don’t want recycled narratives; they crave depth, meaning, and complexity. That’s where I find my challenge as an artist: to bring characters to life that linger in people’s minds long after the screen fades to black.
Theatre taught me this deeply. On stage, we don’t explain everything — much is left unsaid, left to the audience’s imagination. That’s what makes it magical. I try to bring that same spirit to my screen work, choosing roles that aren’t easy or formulaic, roles that push boundaries and explore grey areas. And I’ve seen that those are often the characters people remember. When someone stops me at an airport or on the street and says, “That character stayed with me” or “That show made me think” — that, for me, is the greatest reward.
Ultimately, I choose roles that help me grow and also ask something of the audience. I’m proud of the choices I’ve made so far — they’ve shaped me into the artist I am today.
4. What’s one behind-the-scenes reality of an actor that most people don’t know?
The biggest myth is that acting is all glitz and glamour. In truth, it’s one of the hardest, most emotionally demanding professions out there. What people don’t see is the sheer volume of rejection we face — often on a daily basis. You’re constantly being told you’re too much of something or not enough of something else. You might be talented, trained, and passionate, but still not get cast because you don’t “look the part,” or you’re not connected to the right production house, or simply because someone with more social media followers walked into the room.
It’s a tough industry that demands thick skin. Sadly, talent isn’t always the deciding factor. These days, having a strong PR team can be just as important as having acting chops. The lines have blurred between being an actor and being an influencer, and many of us are still trying to navigate that shift. It’s heartbreaking, especially for trained, passionate actors who’ve dedicated their lives to the craft, to see follower count sometimes speak louder than skill.
What keeps me grounded is theatre. It’s my anchor. On days when I don’t have screen work, I continue performing on stage. I think it’s vital for an actor to keep acting, especially during the quiet periods. Theatre reminds me why I started this journey in the first place: the joy of performance, the thrill of live storytelling, and the pure connection with an audience.
The truth is, even people at the top aren’t immune to the uncertainties of this industry. Stardom no longer guarantees success, and we’re all asking the same question: Do we now have to become content creators just to stay relevant as actors?
So yes, behind the lights and red carpets is a world of resilience, uncertainty, and deep passion. It’s far from easy — but we stay because we love it. Because hope — the hope that someone will cast you for your craft — is what keeps us going.
5. How do I handle moments of rejection and creative fatigue?
This one’s tough, because as an actor, rejection is part of daily life. The hardest part is understanding that it often has nothing to do with your talent. Sometimes, you’re not being rejected as an actor — you’re just not the right fit for a particular role. It’s rarely personal, and that’s a lesson I’ve learned over time. No one sets out to make a bad project; everyone wants their work to succeed. So, you have to detach from the outcome and keep working on yourself.
For me, the best way to handle rejection is to keep creating. I return to theatre, which is my sanctuary. It gives me space to explore parts of myself that cinema sometimes doesn’t, especially in an industry that often prioritizes glamour over grit. On stage, I get to challenge myself, refine my craft, and stay connected to my artistic voice.
Creative fatigue is very real too — especially in a world that demands constant visibility. So I ground myself by learning new things: horse riding, dance, gymnastics, playing sports. Sports, in particular, have been one of the best ways for me to stay mentally and physically active. They remind me a lot of theatre — if you make a mistake, the game doesn’t stop. Life doesn’t stop. You just keep going.
Sport has taught me resilience — the joy of showing up, improving a little every day, and not being afraid to fail. In that space, I don’t have to be perfect; I just have to be present. And that mindset helps me navigate the highs and lows of this profession.
Ultimately, nothing in life is permanent — not success, not failure, not fatigue. You can’t take any of it personally. Life moves on. And the real triumph is when you choose to move with it.
6. What advice would I give to young actors navigating the OTT world today?
First and foremost: talent is everything. You could be the child of someone influential or have millions of followers online, but if you don’t deliver on screen, the audience will know. Today’s viewers are sharp, discerning, and informed. They aren’t interested in mediocrity; they want real performances and real connection. If you’re not honest in your craft, the screen will expose it.
In the era of OTT platforms, yes, visibility matters — but authenticity matters more. And that comes from working on your craft every single day. Acting isn’t about quick fame; it’s about showing up with honesty, discipline, and vulnerability.
I often meet young actors who feel disheartened because they’re overlooked in favor of influencers or trending names. And it breaks my heart, because many of them are truly talented — they’re just not “social media-savvy.” To them, I always say: stay rooted in the work. Do theatre, take classes, pick up a new skill, keep performing — even if it’s on a small stage or in a workshop. Don’t let the noise around you distract you from why you came into this field.
It’s a ruthless world — not just in acting, but across industries. You need to develop thick skin, stay focused, and turn your dreams into actionable goals. Goals you can work toward, measure, and fight for.
Most importantly, believe in your talent. If you’re good and honest in your work, your time will come. No one can take away what’s meant for you if you stay committed to your craft. Hard work is the one thing no one can shortcut — and it’s the one thing that will never fail you.
7. If my life were a genre, what would it be and why?
Surprisingly to some, I’d say comedy or slice of life. I absolutely love to laugh, and I genuinely believe in living life to the fullest. I’m someone who finds humor even in the tough moments — I’m often the one cracking jokes on set, lightening the mood, or making people around me smile.
Life throws a lot at you, but I’ve learned that if you can’t laugh at yourself, you’ll probably struggle to get through the hard parts. For me, joy and resilience go hand in hand. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I try to approach life with a sense of play and wonder.
Comedy, to me, is deeply human. It’s about connection, timing, and being present. And slice of life — well, that’s where the magic of everyday moments lives. Whether it’s sitting quietly with a cup of tea, dancing in my living room, or sharing a laugh with friends, I think those small, seemingly ordinary moments are what make life truly beautiful.
So yes, if I had to sum up my life in a genre, it would be something light, joyful, and deeply rooted in the human experience — a celebration of the messiness, unpredictability, and humor that come with simply being alive.
Bio:
Aahana Kumra's artistic journey is a testament to her multifaceted talent and unwavering passion for acting. Born into the culturally rich city of Lucknow, Aahana's early fascination with performance art led her to the prestigious Whistling Woods International, where she earned her postgraduate diploma in acting, laying the foundation for a promising career ahead.
Her initial strides into the realm of acting were through the vibrant theater scene in India, where she captivated audiences with her powerful portrayals. Transitioning to television, Aahana delivered a memorable performance in "Yudh," not as a journalist, but as a dedicated oncologist, sharing the screen with Amitabh Bachchan and earning accolades for her nuanced acting.
The film "Lipstick Under My Burkha" marked a significant milestone in Aahana's career. As Leela, she embodied the aspirations and conflicts of a young woman challenging societal norms, a role that resonated with viewers globally and showcased Aahana's ability to tackle complex characters with grace and conviction.
Aahana's versatility shone through in her diverse selection of film roles. In "The Accidental Prime Minister," she stepped into the political arena, while "Khuda Haafiz" saw her in an action-packed avatar. Her performances in "India Lockdown" and "Salaam Venky" further highlighted her adaptability and the depth of her talent, as she brought to life stories of resilience and humanity.
Her prowess extends beyond the big screen to the digital space, where she has been a part of groundbreaking web series. In "Marzi," Aahana's intense performance gripped viewers, while "Call My Agent Bollywood" showcased her flair for comedy and satire. The horror series "Betaal" displayed her ability to delve into the supernatural, and "Sandwiched Forever" had her navigating the quirks of domestic life with humor and relatability.
Aahana's commitment to her roles is evident in her meticulous preparation and the authenticity she brings to each character. Whether portraying the layered personalities in "Marzi" and "Betaal" or the comedic timing in "Call My Agent Bollywood" and "Sandwiched Forever," she has consistently proven her ability to adapt to different genres and narratives.
Off the screen, Aahana is a vibrant personality with a strong presence on social media, where she engages with her fans and supports various social causes. Her advocacy for women's empowerment is particularly notable, as she uses her influence to champion the rights and achievements of women.
With each role, Aahana Kumra continues to push the envelope, challenging herself and the industry's norms. Her contributions to Indian cinema and television have not only earned her critical acclaim but also a place in the hearts of audiences. As she takes on new projects, Aahana remains a symbol of artistic integrity and a beacon for aspiring actors, proving that with talent and tenacity, one can illuminate the most compelling stories.
Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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