“I made a conscious decision not to play Avantika through the lens of societal judgment,” Anjuum Faakih on her character in COLORS’ ‘Dr. Aarambhi’

1. COLORS’ latest show Dr. Aarambhi has made a strong impact since its premiere, drawing viewers into a story rooted in emotional struggle, personal sacrifice, and self-realisation. At the heart of the narrative is Aarambhi Balbir Chaudhary, played by Aishwarya Khare — a gold-medallist doctor who steps away from her thriving career after marriage, only to find herself trapped in a controlling and emotionally draining household. When betrayal and a health crisis shake her world, Aarambhi is forced to confront uncomfortable truths and reclaim her sense of self. Rather than a tale of revenge, the show focuses on resilience and inner strength.

Adding a compelling layer to this journey is Anjuum Faakih as Dr. Avantika, a confident cosmetic surgeon navigating a morally complex space. Speaking about her role, Anjuum opens up about playing a character who lives in shades of grey, the emotional weight of being judged by society, and why empathy is crucial when telling women’s stories.

Talking about Dr. Avantika and her preparation for the role, Anjuum shares that the character came naturally to her. Avantika is independent, self-assured, and unapologetically flawed — much like real people. She isn’t meant to be boxed as good or bad. What drew Anjuum to the role was Avantika’s relatability and emotional honesty. Instead of over-preparing, she focused on staying true to the character’s humanity and approaching every situation with sincerity.

Reflecting on her experience on the set, Anjuum describes the environment as warm and supportive. Having previously worked with the creative director and producer Mukta Dhond, there was already a sense of trust in place. That comfort allowed her to take emotional risks and fully immerse herself in the role. She adds that the bond among the cast and crew is genuine, filled with mutual respect and off-screen camaraderie, which naturally reflects in their on-screen chemistry.

Avantika’s relationship with a married man is bound to invite judgment, but Anjuum was clear about how she wanted to portray the character. From the start, she decided not to view Avantika through society’s moral lens. To her, Avantika is first a human being — someone driven by emotions, vulnerabilities, and love. Anjuum explains that love often overpowers logic, and she didn’t want to reduce the character to a stereotype or label her as “the other woman.” Playing Avantika with empathy, rather than judgment, was essential to making her feel real.

On whether playing such a character disturbed her, Anjuum admits that while Avantika herself didn’t unsettle her, the emotional silence the character lives with did. Avantika’s need to hide her feelings and exist quietly in the shadows of love felt heavy. Through the role, Anjuum became more aware of how often women suppress intense emotions without acknowledgment, carrying their struggles silently.

Both Aarambhi and Avantika are doctors, yet society often places women in competition with each other. Anjuum believes the show challenges this mindset. She points out that both women are intelligent, capable, and valid in their journeys. Rather than encouraging comparison, Dr. Aarambhi urges viewers to replace judgment with understanding and empathy. The show highlights how easily society pits women against one another instead of recognising their individual battles.

When asked whether Avantika is truly in control of her life, Anjuum offers a thoughtful perspective. Professionally, Avantika appears confident and secure, but emotionally, she carries her own fears and limitations. Her struggles may look different from Aarambhi’s, but they are no less real. The show, she says, doesn’t rank one woman’s pain over another’s — it simply presents how layered and complex women’s realities can be.

Addressing the tendency to judge the “other woman” more harshly, Anjuum agrees that this bias is still deeply ingrained. While men are often excused, women are judged first and more severely. She questions why accountability isn’t shared equally, especially when relationships involve two people making choices. At her core, Avantika is simply a woman in love — and that truth deserves reflection rather than condemnation.

Leaving a message for the audience, Anjuum hopes viewers take away the importance of empathy. Every character has a story, and every story deserves understanding. She encourages people to protect their peace, choose happiness, and keep an open heart.

Watch ‘Dr. Aarambhi’ every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM only on COLORS.