Aparna Dixit Concludes 40-Day Lucknow Shoot for Fourth Web Series
Aparna Dixit, the acclaimed actress known for popular television shows like Woh Toh Hai Albelaa, Bepanah Pyaar, and Mahabharat, has recently completed a significant 40-day filming schedule in Lucknow for her upcoming web series. This project marks her fourth venture into the digital streaming space, following her previous works Unafraid, Exit, and Sabse Bada Rupaiya.
Roots in Agra and Family Legacy
In an exclusive and candid conversation, Aparna opened up about her deep connections to Agra, where she spent her formative years. "I was born in Delhi since my mom hails from there, but my dad is from Agra. My entire schooling and childhood unfolded in Agra. All my friends, right up to class XII, were there," she shared. Later, she pursued her graduation from Delhi University.
She revealed that her father, like many traditional parents, encouraged her to become a teacher, given that her entire family consists of educators. "My dad insisted I become a teacher as my whole family consists of teachers, including my mom, viewing it as the safest career for a girl. That’s why he pushed me toward Physics Honours at Delhi University, but God had different ideas," Aparna explained with a smile.
Her parents continue to reside in Agra, and she recently visited them for the Holi festival. "Your roots, where you grew up, hold you forever, and I’m deeply proud of myself," she expressed. Interestingly, despite her strong ties to the city, Aparna has never filmed in Agra. "After all these years, it’s my biggest dream to shoot there someday," she admitted.
Pride in the City of the Taj Mahal
Reflecting on her upbringing in Agra, Aparna highlighted the unique pride associated with being from the city of the iconic Taj Mahal. "All my childhood has only been about visiting Taj Mahal. I just remember seeing a lot of foreigners and being fascinated by them at the Taj Mahal," she recalled.
She emphasized that this global recognition brings a sense of achievement. "Staying in the city and being from the city of Taj Mahal itself made us very proud that wherever you go, everybody knows Taj Mahal and you are from that city. So that itself felt like a big achievement," Aparna stated.
Smooth Journey in the Entertainment Industry
Aparna described her career trajectory in the entertainment industry as remarkably smooth and positive. "It’s been too damn good. I’ve worked with great makers on TV like Ekta Kapoor ma’am. I feel shows actually choose you, and you don’t choose shows," she noted.
Arriving in Mumbai in her early 20s with no industry contacts, she has managed to build a steady career. "My journey has stayed pretty smooth, and I have no negative experiences till date," she affirmed. From 2013 onwards, she has been consistently working, taking on one or two shows every year.
"Work is like a sacred thing in my life. And I have never rejected shows that came my way. So, I was never extremely picky or choosy about anything," Aparna revealed. Her initial projects included five back-to-back shows with Ekta Kapoor, and there was a period when she juggled three shows simultaneously, leading to many sleepless nights.
Transition to OTT Platforms and Content Boundaries
Discussing her shift to web series, Aparna shared insights into her fourth digital project shot in Lucknow. Her web journey began with Unafraid, where she played the lead role under director Vikram Bhatt. "Meeting him for the role is a very funny story. Knowing that he only makes bold content, I thought that I will not do the project. But then I also thought that I don’t want to let it go," she recounted.
To her surprise, the narrative was a cop-based story with no bold elements. "He narrated me the entire story and there was nothing bold in it. I was playing a police officer. So that’s how my web journey started," Aparna explained.
When it comes to intimate or bold scenes on OTT platforms, Aparna has clear personal boundaries. "I don’t have a clause, but I am not comfortable. Yeah, I do have a mental clause that I’ll not go bold," she stated firmly.
She believes that her personality should not be defined by her profession. "If as a person, I’m not comfortable with a few things, then I would not push myself just because my profession demands it," Aparna emphasized, showcasing her commitment to authenticity.
Divine Experiences in Lucknow
Her extended 40-day stay in Lucknow allowed Aparna to explore the city beyond the sets. "I have been there for my shoot but never more than 10 to 12 to 15 days, this time it was 40 days. And I think I’ve enjoyed my off days so much," she shared enthusiastically.
She particularly enjoyed the local cuisine and took time to visit several temples, including Chandrika Devi Temple, 51 Shakti Peeth Temple, Hanuman Setu, Hanumant Dham, and Manakameshwar temples. "The evening aarti at the Manakameshwar temple was so divine. The way the shankh and the dhamrus were being played, there was divine energy all around," Aparna described, reflecting on the spiritual ambiance of Lucknow.
This blend of professional dedication and personal spirituality underscores Aparna Dixit's multifaceted approach to her career and life, as she continues to navigate the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment with grace and conviction.
