“What started as a leap of faith turned into a dream, I now get to live every day,” says Kumkum Bhagya’s Aarchi Sachdeva, reflecting on her journey from aviation to acting

In the ever-evolving, fiercely competitive world of Indian television, where countless dreamers spend years chasing that one big break, Aarchi Sachdeva’s journey feels nothing short of cinematic. Best known for her charming portrayal of Payal in Kumkum Bhagya, Aarchi is fast becoming a household name. But behind the fame and the flashing cameras lies an inspiring tale of transformation — one that began miles away from the arc lights of showbiz.

Before she ever faced a camera, Aarchi was gearing up for an entirely different kind of takeoff. With her aviation training nearly complete, she was all set to embrace life in the skies as a cabin crew member. But as fate would have it, a spontaneous decision, inspired by her mother, to attend an audition changed everything. That single step opened doors to a series of opportunities, and soon she found herself immersed in the vibrant world of television. Leaving behind her aviation dreams to follow her heart, she began working across multiple television shows, each contributing to her experience and deepening her love for the craft. That journey reached a defining milestone when she landed her role in Kumkum Bhagya. Today, she feels truly blessed to be part of such an iconic show, and as she reflects on her path, Aarchi is filled with gratitude for every twist and turn that brought her here.

Aarchi Sachdeva said, “I come from a family with no ties to the entertainment world, so acting was never really on my radar while growing up. I always imagined myself doing something simple and stable. In fact, I even worked as an art teacher for a while before deciding to pursue aviation. I studied hard, gave interviews with several airlines, and was genuinely set on becoming a cabin crew member. But somewhere deep down, there was always a love for acting — a dream I had quietly carried since childhood. It was my mom who reminded me of that passion. She encouraged me to start auditioning, just to see where it might lead, while I was still preparing for airline interviews. To my surprise, I landed an opportunity, and from the moment I stepped on set, it felt right. That’s when I decided to let go of aviation and move to Mumbai to follow my heart.”

She added, “Looking back, it feels surreal — like life had a plan I didn’t even know about. I feel incredibly grateful for every role that’s shaped me as an actor, but Kumkum Bhagya holds a special place in my heart. Being part of such an iconic show with such a loyal audience has truly been a blessing. The love and appreciation I’ve received mean more than I can put into words. What started as a leap of faith turned into a dream I now get to live every day.”

While Aarchi continues to shine in real life, her on-screen journey in Kumkum Bhagya is full of its own dramatic turns. Will Payal be able to marry Raunak (Akshay Dev Bindra)? Or will fate bring Raunak and Prarthana (Pranali Rathod) together?

To know more, keep watching Kumkum Bhagya, every day at 9 pm on Zee TV!