Aaditi Pohankar became a household name after making a mark within the digital space along with her compelling performances in web series like She and Ek Badnaam Aashram. Despite her rise to fame, her journey had its share of missed opportunities. One such instance was when she auditioned for Aamir Khan’s blockbuster Dangal but didn’t make the ultimate cut. Nevertheless, as fate would have it, her preparation for that role eventually played an important part in shaping her profession down the road.
Aaditi Pohankar On Losing Out Dangal
In a recent interview with ETimes, Aaditi opened up about losing out on Dangal but maintained a positive outlook. She firmly believes that each learning experience has a purpose, whether immediate or in the long run. For the film, she dedicated time to learning the Haryanvi accent, understanding the mindset of wrestlers, and undergoing intense physical training. Although she didn’t get to showcase those skills in Dangal, they became invaluable when she took on the role of Pammi in Ek Badnaam Aashram.
Within the conversation, she shared her happiness about having the ability to utilize her Dangal training in the online series, because it not felt like an unfulfilled opportunity. Reflecting on the experience, Aaditi said, “That have gave me perspective on many things—about myself as an athlete, as an actor, and the strength required to handle rigorous performances.”
Her character in Ek Badnaam Aashram is a young wrestler who initially idolizes Baba Nirala, played by Bobby Deol, before her journey takes a dramatic turn. Though the roles are vastly different, her earlier training gave her an edge in performing with authenticity. She expressed her gratitude, stating that the experience not only helped her hone her athleticism and acting skills but additionally provided her with deeper insights into the physical and emotional demands of such roles.
Speaking about Prakash Jha’s crime drama, she likened the experience to creating 4 movies directly, balancing wrestling, rigorous training, and emotionally charged performances. The series, first released on MX Player in 2020, has continued to enjoy success, with its latest installment, Season 3 Part 2, recently airing. Other than Aaditi and Bobby Deol, the ensemble solid includes Darshan Kumar, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Tushar Pandey, Anupriya Goenka, and Adhyayan Suman.
