From sprinting on the athletic field to delivering intense performances on screen, Aaditi Pohankar journey is a masterclass in discipline, resilience, and reinvention. With standout roles in acclaimed shows like She and Aashram, and a growing presence across Marathi, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, Aaditi embodies the perfect blend of physical strength and emotional depth. In this exclusive interview, the versatile actress opens up about how her sports background shaped her acting career, her process of transformation for challenging roles, and her aspirations for the future.
A Foundation Built on Sports
Before lights, cameras, and the glamour of cinema, Aaditi was first an athlete. The competitive spirit and mental fortitude she developed early on continue to guide her through the demanding nature of show business.
“Sports have helped me tremendously. It’s the idea of never giving up, of going on and on no matter how hard it gets,” Aaditi shares. “Sometimes I’m shooting for 35 consecutive days, and exhaustion sets in. But my training as an athlete taught me endurance. That inner strength—to keep pushing, to show up every day—has been invaluable, especially in acting and theatre.”
It’s clear that her athletic roots aren’t just about physical fitness; they’ve instilled in her a level of discipline and mental focus that reflects in every role she takes on.
Transforming Into Bhumika: The Art of Observation
One of Aaditi’s most talked-about performances is her role as Bhumika in She, a character undergoing an intense personal transformation. When asked about the preparation process, Aaditi highlights how attention to the smallest of details becomes crucial.
“I was told Bhumika is a girl with no sex appeal. So, I consciously changed my walk—I walked without bending my knees, almost like a stiff, awkward horse walk,” she explains. “But the real challenge was to reflect her growth. As the character transforms, my walk changes too. It’s these nuances, the tiniest shifts, that I love diving into.”
This level of thoughtfulness and body language precision underlines her commitment to authenticity, which keeps viewers captivated.
Crossing Languages & Cultures: Lessons from Three Industries
Having worked in Marathi, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, Aaditi has had the privilege of experiencing the diversity of India’s film landscape firsthand. Each industry brought its unique flavor, challenges, and learning curves.
“Marathi and Hindi were relatively smoother since I was familiar with the languages,” she admits. “But Tamil was a new adventure. It was exciting to step into an unfamiliar world, adapt, and learn. Each project—regional or mainstream—taught me more about the craft, the culture, and myself. It was all about growth.”
A Dream Collaboration Realized: Working with Imtiaz Ali
For any actor, collaborating with a visionary director is career-defining, and for Aaditi Pohankar, working with Imtiaz Ali was exactly that.
“Imtiaz Sir is my favorite director. Getting the chance to work with him was surreal,” she smiles. “What stood out was the freedom he gave me. He allowed me to truly own the character, to interpret and evolve it naturally. That trust—giving actors creative space—is what makes him such an extraordinary director.”
Looking Ahead: Dreams, Genres & New Horizons
With the success of She and Aashram, Aaditi Pohankar is now setting her sights on exploring new territories in storytelling. When asked about her wish list, she doesn’t hesitate.
“Zoya Akhtar tops my list of dream directors to work with,” she reveals. “I also want to explore different genres—romance, comedy—and challenge myself further. There’s so much more I wish to do. Honestly, I feel like this is just the beginning.”
Aaditi Pohankar’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, attention to detail, and fearless dreaming. Whether she’s embodying a character undergoing a powerful transformation or navigating between industries, one thing is certain—she’s only getting started, and the future holds endless possibilities.