‘My love for acting helps me push through tough days...’

A talented actor, Aadhya Anand, debuted in the world of acting with Netflix original series Bombay Begums where she won hearts as the youngest Begum, Shai. While Bombay Begums circles women across generations in an intriguing plot of desires, trials and tribulations, A Yellow Bird marked her foray into films with the Singaporean movie that was screened at the International Critics’ Week at the Cannes Film Festival 2016. Then came another Singapore-based movie Utter 2016: One Hour to Daylight, a social drama. Knock Knock Kaun Hai marks her successful innings in the world of cinema in 2025 in India.

Shilpi Madan caught up with her for this chat.

How has the journey been from ‘A Yellow Bird’ to ‘Knock Knock Kaun Hai’?

Looking back, it has been a rollercoaster ride filled with learning, growth and unforgettable experiences. My journey has taken me from the runways of Singapore to the sets of some of India’s most talked-about shows. And I can truly say the graph is only going up from here.

What’s the best part about being in the OTT space?

The best thing about being in the OTT space is the freedom to tell different kinds of stories and connect directly with the audience. You get to entertain people while they’re relaxing in the comfort of their own homes. Also, viewers have the freedom to explore and switch between shows or movies at their own pace, something that’s not possible with the traditional theatre experience. It’s all about convenience, choice and comfort. However, I feel nothing beats the charm of the old big-screen experience, and that’s something I want to tap into soon.

A skill that you have picked up while prepping for your character?

Using real-life memories to access emotions that resonate with the character is something I picked up quite a while ago. But, over time, that approach has changed. Now, I find myself completely stepping into the character’s shoes, thinking, feeling and reacting based on her experiences and the situations in the story, rather than my own.

What genre do you want to specialise in?

I’ve always been a fan of thrillers, horror and suspense. Knock Knock Kaun Hai gave me exactly the kind of experience I love. I want to explore all genres in my career.

How was working on Bombay Begums?

Working on Bombay Begums was nothing short of a blessing. Being surrounded by stalwarts such as Pooja Bhatt, Shahana Goswami and Amruta Subhash was an incredible experience. I had so much to learn from each of them. I was quite young when I joined the cast, but I was always treated with warmth.

How has working in Knock Knock Kaun Hai been?

Knock Knock Kaun Hai is a mix of suspense, thriller, murder and romance. I’ve received so much love and encouragement from my family, my followers and the wider audience. So many people messaged me saying they binge-watched all 16 episodes in one day.

The biggest challenge about being an actor?

It takes a lot of resilience to keep going, especially when things get hectic. I always remind myself of how much I love acting. My love for acting is what keeps me grounded and helps me push through the tough days. In the end, nothing else really matters as much as that.