Child actor Aditi Jaltare, who essays the lead role of Ahilyabai Holkar in Sony Entertainment Television’s show Punyashlok Ahilyabai has gained a lot of popularity, thanks to her onscreen charm and acting skills.
She is a pro at portraying complex emotions such as jealousy, anger, love, and emptiness with much ease and perfection. As we know, she makes the audience’s heart melt with her performing skills. In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Aditi spoke about her experience, take on women empowerment, inspiration in life, and more. Read on:
Tell us about your experience shooting for Punyashlok Ahilyabai?
The experience has been fruitful. Through the show, I have learnt immensely. As an 11-year-old, I have got a chance to imbibe the right values and understand the essence of good deeds. Moreover, this show has taught me the importance of working hard. If we keep at it, sooner or later success will be ours. This is one of the most important lessons I have learnt from understanding and portraying the character of Ahilyabai.
How has Ahilyabai inspired you in real life?
For me, her most inspiring qualities are kindness, humility, and a sense of gratitude. She was always grateful to God for everything she achieved. Another great quality about her is that she saw the world with fair eyes. Everyone and everything was equal in her eyes. She didn’t approach life with preconceived notions but moved forward and faced challenges with determination, love, and kindness. Ahilyabai Holkar is my idol and I will always look up to her.
Queen Ahilyabai Holkar has her 296th birth anniversary on 31st May, any special message you want to share on the same?
31st May marks the 296th Birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a visionary who set an example for generations to come with her work that stands as a testament to how society benefited at large. I hope that the viewers have also got some inspiration from the show. Personally, even when I grow up, I think I will always cherish the lessons and try to imbibe them in my own life. The world needs more empathy. I have realized this more now after essaying the character of Ahilyabai and getting to know her journey. These memories and learnings will be etched in my heart forever.
What is your take on women empowerment and women education?
For every day that I get to study, do what I love, speak my mind and stand up for what’s right, I feel grateful for the privilege that my parents have empowered me with. I appreciate it even more as I understand how tough life was for women in the times of Ahilyabai, but I try and learn from the exemplary example she became for generations to come. This show takes a deep dive into a significant chapter of history. But for me, it has shown me the path for the future. I want to shape up as a woman of tomorrow.
How supportive is your family in real life?
My family is not only my support system but also my rock. They believe in me and give me the confidence to get to where I want in want and achieve what I want in life. Thanks to my parents, I never had to choose between my passion and academics. They have always made sure that while I am pursuing my passion for acting, I also understand the importance of education. My mother especially has always ensured that I am equally invested and focused on my academics. Both my parents are to me what Malhar Rao was to Ahilya Bai and I am eternally grateful to them for that.
How is it shooting with your co-stars?
My co-stars have been a dream to work with. I have bonded with them in ways I could not have imagined. They are my extended family. Everyone from the director sir to Rajesh ji, Snehalta didi, and Krish are so kind and generous to me. They support me, guide me and stand by me throughout. I am honoured to be on this extraordinary journey with them.
What do you aim to become in life, any inspiration?
I hope to become a better listener, a doting daughter, and a more compassionate friend to people that I know and to strangers. At first, when I landed the role of Ahilyabai, I was thrilled merely about getting a chance to portray a girl who has inspired legions of people with courage and good deeds. But little did I know it would turn out to be a golden ticket to a transformational journey, a journey that would set the tone for the woman I want to be when I grow up.
Any final message!
Ahilyabai’s journey wasn’t an easy one. At a time when societal rules and patriarchy dictated lives, Ahilyabai stood out as a rare and exemplary example that a person becomes great not by gender or birth, but by deeds. I could have been just another 11-year-old girl. Or just another child artist in the world of entertainment. But I am lucky to have found an edge. In between shooting schedules and studies, my passion, and academics, here I am, growing up a little every day, with the show.