Friendship is rarely about proximity or constant check-ins; at its core, it is an anchor of authenticity in a fast-paced world. Grounded in this truth, actor Aishwarya Khare, who plays the lead role of Aarambhi in Colors TV’s Dr Aarambhi, reflects on what true friendship means to her this Friendship Day.
When asked about the people who keep her grounded despite her stardom, Aishwarya credits two close friends, Aakansha and Arunima, for keeping her grounded. “Neither of them treats me like an actor. I’m just Aishwarya to them, and I love that. If I’m wrong, they’ll say it to my face without sugarcoating it. Aakansha came into my life through work when she was the creative on my last show, while Arunima has known me since school for over 15 years. I think everyone needs friends who keep them grounded instead of putting them on a pedestal.”
Navigating friendships inside and outside the industry comes with its own set of checks. “For me, the biggest test is whether I can be completely myself around them. If I have to think before speaking or pretend that everything is okay, then that comfort isn’t there. A real friend is someone you can call on your best day and your worst day, and they’ll react the same way. They’ll celebrate your wins, but they’ll also tell you when you’re going wrong. That honesty matters a lot to me,” she says.
Aishwarya values the bonds forged on set, saying, “What I really enjoy is the bond that develops on set because you’re spending so much time together every single day. Our conversations are a mix of work and fun. Sometimes we’re discussing scenes, helping each other understand a moment better… And the next minute we’re talking about food, families, sharing funny stories, pulling each other’s leg, or laughing over the most random things.”
In an industry where peers often compete for the same roles, maintaining healthy relationships can be tricky. However, Aishwarya believes ambition and genuine affection can coexist seamlessly. “I’ve never believed that friendship and ambition can’t exist together. At the end of the day, every actor has their own journey. You can respect someone’s talent and still work equally hard for your own dreams. I genuinely feel that what’s meant for you will come to you. Looking at everyone as competition is exhausting.”
Over time, Aishwarya’s perspective on friendship has shifted from constant contact to emotional depth. “A safe space is where you don’t have to perform. As actors, we’re constantly around people, so it’s a blessing to have friends with whom you don’t have to explain yourself or pretend to be okay. You can laugh, cry, complain, be quiet, or just exist, and they won’t judge you for it.”
Concluding her thoughts, Aishwarya sends out a heartfelt gratitude message to her inner circle, Arunima and Aakansha. “Thank you for accepting me exactly the way I am, for always showing up when I need you, for celebrating my happiest moments, and standing by me through the difficult ones. I truly feel blessed to have people like you in my life. Happy Friendship Day!”
