Dussehra is a festival that reminds us of the victory of good over evil. For actor Aadesh Chaudhary, who is currently seen in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, the occasion is also a reminder to look within, learn from past experiences and hold on to the values that matter in life.
Talking about the qualities he has worked on over the years, the challenges that have taught him important lessons and the changing nature of human behaviour, Aadesh shares his thoughts on what the festival means to him.
On a quality he has consciously worked on changing in himself, Aadesh says, “Over the years, I have learnt to be more patient. Earlier, I would sometimes expect things to happen quickly, both in my personal life and professionally. But with time, I have understood that everything has its own pace. You cannot control every situation, but you can control how you react to it. I am still learning, but patience has definitely helped me become a better person.”
Talking about a challenge that taught him an important lesson, he says, “Every actor goes through phases when things don’t work out as expected. There are times when you question yourself and wonder what you could have done differently. I have also faced such situations, and they have taught me to keep working without losing confidence. I have realised that one difficult phase does not decide your entire journey. You have to keep moving forward and be ready when the next opportunity comes.”
When asked which value he feels people should hold on to, Aadesh says, “I think honesty is something we should never lose. Today, people are often in a hurry to get ahead, and sometimes they forget how important it is to be honest with others and with themselves. For me, being honest and treating people with respect matter a lot. Success is important, but the way you achieve it and the way you treat people along the way are equally important.”
As an actor, he has played characters with different shades, including those who are not entirely good or bad. Speaking about how such roles influence his understanding of people, he shares, “Playing different characters makes you realise that human behaviour is not always black and white. Everyone has their own reasons for behaving in a certain way. When you play a negative or complicated character, you try to understand what has made that person the way he is. It does not mean you agree with his actions, but it helps you understand different sides of human nature.”
On how he makes sure that success does not change his values, Aadesh says, “I believe you should always remember where you started and the people who stood by you during your difficult times. Your work may change, you may get new opportunities, and life may become different, but that should not change the way you treat people. I try to stay grounded and focus on my work. There is always something new to learn, and I feel that attitude keeps you connected to reality.”
Reflecting on the biggest battle he feels he has won so far, he adds, “I think the biggest battle is learning to handle your own fears and doubts. There will always be situations that are not in your favour, and you cannot expect life to be easy all the time. What matters is how you deal with those moments. For me, learning to stay positive, keep faith in myself and continue working even when things are uncertain has been an important part of my journey.”
