Mumbai: Actor Aadesh Chaudhary, who is currently winning appreciation for his performance in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, believes that true creative freedom in acting is not about having complete control but about being honest with the characters he portrays. The actor says the ability to question, experiment, and stay authentic is what gives meaning to his craft.
Speaking about what creative freedom means to him, Aadesh said, “For me, creative freedom means the freedom to ask questions. To choose roles that scare me a little. To say no to things that don’t align with what I believe. And to bring my own truth to a character, even if the script is already written.”
He added, “It’s not about doing whatever you want. It’s about having the space to fail, to experiment, and to tell the truth without fear. That’s when acting stops being a job and starts being an art.”
The actor also stressed the importance of telling stories that represent India’s rich diversity instead of focusing on a limited set of narratives. “India isn’t one story. We are 28 states, hundreds of languages, thousands of traditions. If we only keep telling the same two or three kinds of stories, we’re doing a disservice to our audience,” he said.
According to him, artists have a responsibility to ensure every section of the country feels represented on screen. “As artists, we have a responsibility to hold up a mirror that looks like all of India, not just the metros. When a kid from a small town sees himself on screen, in his language, with his values, that’s when cinema becomes powerful. That’s when it heals and connects.”
Reflecting on how acting has shaped his understanding of freedom, Aadesh said the profession has taught him that freedom and responsibility always go hand in hand. “When you’re in this profession, you realize freedom isn’t free. The more freedom you have to express, the more responsibility you have for what you put out. Millions of people see you. Young people copy you. So you can’t just speak or act for a reaction. You have to think, ‘Is this adding something? Is this responsible?’ Freedom is to choose your roles and your voice. Responsibility is to use that voice carefully,” he explained.
Asked about stories he hopes to bring to the screen someday, the actor revealed that he is drawn towards unsung heroes rather than well-known historical personalities. “I’ve always been drawn to untold stories of ordinary people who did extraordinary things. I’d love to explore someone from our freedom movement or social reform space who never got mainstream attention. Maybe a teacher, a doctor, or a soldier from a small town who changed lives in their community.”
Aadesh also shared that his background in nutrition and clinical psychology has influenced the kind of stories he wants to tell. “I’m very interested in stories about health, psychology, and resilience in India. I feel there’s a lot there that hasn’t been told on screen yet,” he said.
Talking about staying grounded in an ever-changing entertainment industry, Aadesh credited his family, upbringing, and life beyond acting. “By going back. Back to family, back to food, back to the language I grew up with. The industry keeps changing, but your roots keep you grounded. My work in nutrition, wellness, and studying psychology keeps me connected to real people and real problems. I also try to choose stories that I’d be proud to show my parents and grandparents. If they can relate to it, I know I haven’t lost touch.”
For Aadesh, the most meaningful roles are those that reflect values he grew up with. “I feel proud when I play characters who are not perfect, but who keep trying. Who respect elders, who take responsibility, and who fight for what’s right even when it’s hard. That’s the India I know. The India of hard work, of dharma, and of community. When people from different states message saying, ‘This felt like us,’ that’s the proudest moment for me,” he concluded.
Having returned to television after a long gap with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Aadesh also opened up about how the experience has been. The actor said coming back to the small screen has been both fulfilling and creatively satisfying. “Returning to television with Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been a wonderful experience. It feels good to be back on a set after a long time, especially on a show that has such a strong connection with audiences. The love I’ve received has been overwhelming and it reminds me why I chose acting in the first place.”
He added that television has evolved over the years, making the journey even more exciting. “A lot has changed in terms of storytelling and the way content is made. As an actor, it’s exciting because you get to explore different shades and challenge yourself. I came back when I felt creatively ready, and this show gave me the right opportunity. Working with such a talented cast and team has made the return even more special.”
