Aishwarya Sakhuja has carved a distinct niche for herself over the years with memorable performances in hit shows like Saas Bina Sasural, Main Na Bhoolungi, and Yeh Hai Chahatein, alongside high-profile reality outings like Nach Baliye and Khatron Ke Khiladi. She is presently seen in the Dice Media and Pocket Aces’ latest venture, Shayad Yahi Hai Pyaar on Colors TV. Playing the pivotal role of Sandhya, Aishwarya opens up about the evolving landscape of content, her deep personal connection with her character, her strong bond with co-star Aditi Dev Sharma, and her biggest takeaways regarding beauty and acting.
Collaborating with a powerhouse production house like Pocket Aces brought an immediate sense of assurance. “I am so happy to be back with a show like Shayad Yahi Hai Pyaar. People are appreciating it, and we knew from the very beginning that working with a team like Pocket Aces means quality because they have truly made a name for themselves in the web space. I am genuinely thrilled with the way the show has been developed.”
Characters often mirror parts of ourselves that we leave behind in the hustle of daily life. For Aishwarya, slipping into Sandhya’s shoes proved to be a surprisingly therapeutic experience that unlocked a dormant side of her own personality. “Sandhya resonated with me deeply; she brought a side of my personality back to life that is more fun and more giving. I had somehow kept that trait hidden away, but playing Sandhya has completely rekindled it.”
On-screen female friendships are frequently plagued by toxic tropes, but Shayad Yahi Hai Pyaar offers a refreshing take on companionship. Aishwarya sheds light on the pure, respectful dynamic shared between Sandhya and Preeti. “Sandhya and Preeti are soul sisters rather than just best friends. Having grown up together, they share a very non-invasive relationship where neither steps into the other’s shoes. It is a wonderfully respectful and happy bond.”
Sharing screen space with a powerhouse performer often elevates the creative process. “Aditi Dev Sharma is one of the main reasons why I said yes to the show. I have always admired her from a distance, and since we both naturally tend to stay away from socialising, we never really got around to meeting before this. She is a fabulous actress, and I genuinely enjoy interacting with her every time we have scenes together. There is so much to learn from the craft she displays for everyone to see.”
Aishwarya attributes her strong affinity for meaningful, lifelong female friendships to her unique upbringing as an army officer’s daughter, which taught her the value of deep connections. “I am deeply blessed that my father was in the army. Because we kept moving places and going to new towns, I learned how to make friends easily—and I am still in touch with many of them. There are a few incredible women in my life who truly are my soul sisters, and looking back, I realise I’ve always naturally gravitated toward having more girlfriends.”
Working with fresh talent can sometimes be unpredictable, but Aishwarya is impressed by newcomer Daksh Puri’s intense dedication, work ethic, and command over his craft. “I knew right away that Daksh is a man who has his head firmly on his shoulders. He truly understands the craft; he is sincere, loves to read his script beforehand, and knows his screenplay inside out. For a newcomer to be this sincere and confident is definitely a treat. You can see that brilliance translated clearly on screen now.”
Reflecting on the audience’s overwhelming response to her look and performance, Aishwarya highlights a liberating realisation about beauty standards. “I’ve learned one major thing: the less makeup I use and the less I work over my hair, the more beautiful I look! The kind of compliments I have received for my natural look are massive. My family can usually get quite critical about my work, but they genuinely loved the way the character has been styled.”
“My biggest takeaway from the show is that sometimes you need to do less to look better. On top of that, it’s wonderful to see television finally embracing natural acting and spontaneous improvisations. It’s an absolute pleasure to be working on a show like this,” she concludes.
