Akanksha Puri is gearing up for a transformative role in the highly anticipated historical drama Shringarika, set to stream on Atrangii starting January 17th. Playing the role of Aabha, a fierce and determined warrior, Akanksha promises a performance that is different from anything audiences have seen her do before. Known for her iconic portrayal of Goddess Parvati in mythological shows, Akanksha's shift from a divine character to a bold, complex warrior is bound to leave a lasting impression. In an exclusive conversation, Akanksha opened up about her role, her chemistry with co-star Vishal Kotian, and the challenges of portraying such a multifaceted character.
In Shringarika, Akanksha plays Aabha, a woman driven by vengeance, love, and a sense of justice. Unlike the traditional characters she has played in the past, Aabha is a warrior—strong, fearless, and far removed from the mythology genre. Speaking about the stark contrast, Akanksha shares:
“I have been known for playing Goddess Parvati for years, where I embodied a divine, calm figure. But Aabha is completely different. She is a warrior, a fighter who is driven by a sense of revenge. This character is far from anything I’ve done before. It was thrilling to step into her shoes.”
One of the most surprising aspects of her character was that Aabha doesn’t rely on the traditional glam makeup that many TV characters do. Instead, Akanksha’s portrayal of Aabha features visible scars, symbolizing her battles and emotional trauma. For Akanksha, this was an exciting yet daunting aspect of the role.
“I was so happy when I got the role. In the entire show, I don’t need makeup. The character has visible scars on her face, and I had to portray a warrior without hiding behind a polished look. It was something I had never been offered before. There are so many layers to Aabha—revenge, love, and more. It was challenging but extremely exciting to step into this role with a scar on my face, showing Aabha’s raw, unfiltered strength.”
The emotional depth of the character also resonated with Akanksha. She reveals that Aabha's emotional journey, including themes of vengeance, connected deeply with her.
“Aabha’s story of revenge is incredibly emotional. People will remember the chemistry between Vishal and me, just like they remember Ranveer and Deepika from Padmavat. We had an amazing experience shooting together, and I think our chemistry will remind viewers of some of the most iconic on-screen couples.”
Shringarika is a grand 60-episode saga, which will be released in seasons, with each episode diving deep into the epic story of love, revenge, and politics.
The show will stream on Atrangii from January 17.