Aishwarya Sharma is not someone who rushes to grab the spotlight — she earns it and holds it on her own terms. With an enviable TV streak — from portraying the emotionally complex Pakhi in Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin, to surviving the wilds in Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 13, and keeping it raw on Bigg Boss 17 — you’d expect her to hop onto the next big thing.
But Aishwarya chose pause over pressure. Unwilling to settle for roles that don’t align with her craft, she’s in no mood to play it safe. Whether it’s being brutally real on Instagram or calling out OTT typecasting, she’s not afraid to be seen as too much. Fiercely honest, wonderfully flawed, and refreshingly self-aware — Aishwarya isn’t chasing fame. She’s chasing growth. And that makes her a rare one.
In an unplugged chat with Downtown Mirror, she talks about embracing uncertainty, defying industry formulas, and carving a path that’s entirely her own.
In an unplugged chat with Downtown Mirror, she talks about embracing uncertainty, defying industry formulas, and carving a path that’s entirely her own.https://t.co/ozHGNKcfzO#DowntownMirror x #AishwaryaSharma @AishwaryaSharFC @Aishwaryaxbae @Aish_neiwarya_ @Aish16427679 pic.twitter.com/kU1zc9PQMA
— Downtown Mirror (@downtownmirror) June 7, 2025
Niharika Pawar: Having completed a decade in an industry defined by unpredictability — both professionally and personally — what’s been your biggest learning so far?
Aishwarya Sharma: The biggest learning for me has been that consistency matters more than momentum. In an industry where highs and lows are part of the terrain — where work, praise, and relationships can all be fleeting — I’ve learned to anchor myself in discipline, humility, and craft. The external world might be unpredictable, but showing up, doing the work, and staying grounded is what keeps you going. Success comes and goes, but integrity and growth as an artist are what truly stay with you.
Niharika Pawar: Your transition from supporting roles to leading Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has been remarkable. How has that shift shaped your artistic goals?
Aishwarya Sharma: The transition from supporting roles to leading a show like Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin has been both validating and eye-opening. Supporting roles taught me patience, observation, and the importance of being part of a larger story. Now, as the lead, the responsibility is greater — not just in terms of screen time but in carrying the emotional weight of the narrative. It has pushed me to dig deeper into my craft, to explore more nuance and vulnerability. Artistically, it’s made me hungrier — not for fame, but for roles that challenge me and allow me to constantly evolve.
“They say some roles change your career… Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin changed me. It taught me to stay present, stay vulnerable, and give every scene everything I’ve got.”
Niharika Pawar: What has been your biggest takeaway from Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin?
Aishwarya Sharma: They say some roles change your career… Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin changed me. It taught me to stay present, stay vulnerable, and give every scene everything I’ve got. I’m grateful for the lessons, the love, and the madness that came with it.
“Reality shows are a mix of real emotions in an unreal setup. There’s editing, there’s narrative-building, and sometimes favouritism.”
Niharika Pawar: It’s been almost two years since Bigg Boss 17. What have you been focusing on during this break, and what’s kept you away from screens?
Aishwarya Sharma: I didn’t want to jump into the next project just for the sake of being seen. I wanted to be intentional about what I did next. So I’ve spent this time working on myself, personally and professionally. I’ve been reading scripts, exploring new mediums, and honestly, just reconnecting with the person behind the performer. The break wasn’t about disappearing — it was about preparing for what’s next.
“I’ve been reading scripts, exploring new mediums, and honestly, just reconnecting with the person behind the performer.”
Niharika Pawar: You’ve done two high-profile reality shows. People often question the ‘reality’ of reality TV. What was your experience?
Aishwarya Sharma: Reality shows are a mix of real emotions in an unreal setup. The situations are designed to provoke reactions, and yes, sometimes what you see is only a part of the story. There’s editing, there’s narrative-building, and sometimes favouritism. I won’t say it’s scripted, but it’s definitely shaped. What’s real are the emotions you go through — you can’t fake 24/7, but some people can. The connections, breakdowns, and conflicts — that’s raw. But how it’s presented? That’s showbiz.
Niharika Pawar: Looking back, do you feel you entered Bigg Boss too early in your career? And would going in solo, instead of with your husband, actor Neil Bhatt, have allowed you to show more of your individual self?
Aishwarya Sharma: Yes, I do feel I should’ve gone in solo. Entering Bigg Boss was a big decision, and in hindsight, doing it individually might’ve allowed me to show more of me — my personality, my individuality. When you’re in there with your partner, you’re viewed as a unit. I think solo would’ve been a stronger, more personal journey. Maybe people would’ve understood me better — beyond the roles and beyond the relationship.
“I’m trying very hard to break into OTT — and I won’t sugarcoat it, it’s not easy. There’s a perception gap.”
Niharika Pawar: What kinds of roles are coming your way lately and what are you truly looking for as an actor?
Aishwarya Sharma: Lately, I’ve mostly been offered negative roles — probably because people saw a certain version of me and decided to stick to it. Unfortunately, the industry has a habit of typecasting. There’s a kind of herd mentality — a bhedchal — where if one thing works, everyone follows the same formula. But as an actor, I crave variety. I want to explore layered characters — flawed, yes, but not one-dimensional. I’m not here to play safe or repeat myself. I’m here to grow, surprise people, and tell stories that challenge me. I’d rather break the mold than fit into one.
“This industry isn’t just about talent; it’s also about timing, perception, and staying power.”
Niharika Pawar: In such a competitive industry, how do you deal with the dry spells — especially when peers are landing back-to-back projects?
Aishwarya Sharma: There have been quiet phases, and yes, they test your patience — especially when people around you seem to be constantly moving forward. But I’ve come to see those pauses as part of the process. This industry isn’t just about talent; it’s also about timing, perception, and staying power. So, I use the quieter moments to grow, to reset, and to keep preparing — because when the right opportunity comes, I want to be ready not just as an actor, but as a person.
#AishwaryaSharma graces the June, 25 magazine cover of @downtownmirror woman.https://t.co/F8XOikGCfv@AishwaryaSharFC @Aish_neiwarya_ @Aishwaryaxbae @Aisharma_fan @Aish16427679 #DowntownMirror #DowntownMirrorWoman pic.twitter.com/9XAWNAZPlC
— Telly Maska (@TellyMaska) June 7, 2025
Niharika Pawar: Are you actively exploring opportunities on OTT platforms? What challenges have you faced breaking into that space?
Aishwarya Sharma: Yes, I’m trying very hard to break into OTT — and I won’t sugarcoat it, it’s not easy. There’s a perception gap. People tend to box you based on what you’ve done before, especially if you’ve been on television or reality shows. I’ve faced situations where I know I can bring depth to a role, but I’m not even considered because I don’t fit their imagined profile. I even got to hear that I’m “overexposed.” That’s frustrating. But I’m not giving up. I know my worth, and I’m here for the long game.
Niharika Pawar: Acting doesn’t come with a fixed monthly income. Does financial pressure ever get to you — especially with a long gap like this one?
Aishwarya Sharma: As passionate as I am about acting, I also understand the industry’s uncertainties. So yes, I’m working on a backup — not because I’m walking away, but because I want to stay grounded. Having another avenue gives me the freedom to choose better roles instead of saying yes out of desperation. It’s not about quitting — it’s about sustaining your passion in a smart, balanced way.
Niharika Pawar: One can’t not talk about social media — everyone’s most visible tool today. While most stick to polished personas, your Instagram stands out for being refreshingly candid — playful, spontaneous and effortlessly real. But does being that authentic online ever backfire or lead to misunderstandings?
Aishwarya Sharma: Being real on social media is a double-edged sword. I post what I feel, I joke around, I speak my mind — and while most people connect with that, sometimes things get misunderstood or taken out of context. But honestly? I’d rather be misunderstood for being authentic than be praised for being fake. I’m not here to curate perfection — I’m here to be human.
Aishwarya Sharma was styled by StylingYour Soul Co . The outfit by Threads By Pri and jewellery by Tanvi Gupta. And The cover shoot was done by celebrity photographer Sagar S Mindhe
