It’s easier to play a negative character than a simple and grounded person: Aakash Ahuja on his role in Sony SAB’s ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’

As the launch of Sony SAB’s upcoming show ‘Badall Pe Paon Hai’ approaches, audiences are eagerly anticipating the journey of Baani, a hard-working middle-class Punjabi girl played by Amandeep Sidhu. Baani, full of ambition and determination, is set on improving her family’s living conditions despite life’s limitations. And joining the cast alongside her is Aakash Ahuja, who is stepping into the character of Rajat Khanna.

Ahead of the show’s premiere, Aakash Ahuja shared insights into the layers of his character, his experience shooting in Chandigarh, the privilege of working with producers Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey and more.

Can you tell us about your character Rajat Khanna in Badall Pe Paon Hai? What drew you to this role?

My character Rajat is a down-to-earth simple guy, hailing from a modest background and content with the simple pleasures of life. Rajat runs a small business and his main focus is ensuring the happiness and well-being of his loved ones. Him and his family are pretty satisfied with what they have. What drew me to this role was the opportunity to portray the sincerity and grounded nature of Rajat, who represents the essence of middle-class values and aspirations.

Rajat is described as a simple and ordinary guy. How do you approach portraying a character with such grounded and relatable traits?

Playing Rajat, a down-to-earth and relatable character, feels like second nature to me. I see a lot of myself in Rajat, as he’s just an ordinary guy with simple values. Unlike more complicated roles, Rajat’s honesty shines through in his everyday demeanor, making him easy to connect with. To bring Rajat to life, I tap into my own experiences and stay true to his genuine and straightforward nature.

What aspects of Badall Pe Paon Hai and its theme appealed to you the most?

What appealed to me most about Badall Pe Paon Hai is its inspiring concept. Baani, a small-town girl with big dreams, and although she doesn’t have enough support from her family, remains determined to pursue her dreams against all odds. It’s a powerful message that ambition knows no boundaries, and everyone deserves the chance to chase their dreams.

What challenges did you face in portraying Rajat, and how did you prepare for this role?

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While portraying Rajat, I didn’t encounter any specific challenges initially. He’s a simple person content with his life until Baani enters the picture. Their relationship adds complexity, as Baani strives for her dreams while Rajat remains content. As the story progresses, navigating this dynamic will likely pose challenges, but it’s also what makes the role intriguing.

How has the experience been of working with Amandeep Sidhu?

Working with Amandeep has been a great experience. We’ve been shooting together for about a month now, and it’s been smooth sailing. Both of us are professionals in the industry, I myself have over a decade of experience now. We share a mutual understanding of maintaining a professional and amicable atmosphere on set.

What do you enjoy most about filming in Chandigarh, and how does it contribute to the overall theme of the show?

Filming in Chandigarh has been a great experience for me, primarily because it allows me to stay close to my family in Delhi. With a new member recently joining our family, I’m especially excited to spend more time with them. Moreover, Chandigarh’s vibrant atmosphere and Punjabi culture perfectly complement the theme of the show, adding authenticity to our portrayal of a Punjabi family.

How does it feel to be a part of a project from the renowned production house of Ravi Dubey and Sargun Mehta?

Ravi and Sargun are esteemed professionals with a wealth of experience, having delivered some great shows in recent years. What sets them apart is their hands-on approach; they’re deeply involved in every aspect, from production to directing episodes and crafting the storyline. It’s motivating to see the dedication and hard work of the producers for all of us involved in the project.

How will Rajat’s presence impact Baani’s journey and shape her path towards fulfilling her dreams?

While Baani dreams big and wants to fly to new heights, Rajat’s presence provides a sense of stability and perspective. He keeps her grounded, ensuring she doesn’t lose sight of her path amidst the challenges and opportunities that come her way. It will be quite interesting to see how their journey unfolds.

Tune in to watch Badall Pe Paon Hai on Sony SAB’s Badall Pe Paon Hai from 10th June, Mon-Sat at 7.30 pm