In the quiet aftermath of the Dehradun Crime Literature Festival, actor Tridha Choudhury offered a reflective and honest conversation. Speaking with the clarity of the city's winter air, she delved into the nuances of crime fiction, her pivotal role in the web series Aashram, and the complex realities women navigate both on-screen and off.
From Victim to Temptress: The Evolution of Babita in Aashram
The discussion naturally began with her character, Babita, from the popular series Aashram. Choudhury pointed out that Babita's journey in the first season starts from a place of naivety and victimhood. “She’s naïve, she’s a victim. And eventually, yes, she becomes a temptress,” the actor stated. However, she emphasized that this transformation is not the conclusion of the character's story.
For Choudhury, the real intrigue lies in what happens after a character's fall from grace. “I think it’s important to have an experience. Once a character has had a bad experience, that’s when the pivot happens,” she explained. This moment of realization, where a woman understands she can take charge, seek vengeance, or choose a new path, is crucial. Choudhury believes this narrative holds significant value for women in real life as well.
The Blurred Lines of Choice and Consent in Filmmaking
The theme of choice—and its subtle erosion—permeates much of Tridha's work. When asked about her own autonomy and facing pressure in the entertainment industry, she addressed the issue without dramatization. “Being forced into a character is not possible. You know what you’re signing up for. That’s a fact,” she stated plainly.
However, she revealed that complications often arise after filming wraps. “Sometimes it’s about how something is presented later—graphic representation, post-production decisions,” Choudhury noted, highlighting where an actor's consent can become blurred. She shared an experience from a project other than Aashram, where scenes were altered without her approval. “That shouldn’t happen,” she asserted. “I had a bad experience, and I wouldn’t want anyone else to go through that.”
A Moral Compass On and Off Screen
While crime fiction often exposes systemic traps, Choudhury sees this as a reflection of broader life. As a woman with strong independent values, she has faced unsettling advice like being told to “take advantage” of her looks. “It’s horrific to hear that,” she admitted.
She maintains a neutral stance towards such narratives, both personally and through her characters. “I don’t think this way of thinking works anymore... I’m opinionated, and I try my best to reverse that narrative,” she affirmed. For her, a moral compass is very, very important. She takes pride in portraying characters like Swadheenta from Dahleez, Sandhya from Bandish Bandits, and Babita from Aashram, who possess intrinsic values and strong personalities.
The most humbling feedback, she shared, is when young women tell her that her characters inspired them to become lawyers, make different choices, or find their voice. “That makes me very mindful of what I represent. It’s a responsibility I feel I have towards people,” Choudhury reflected.
As the conversation drew to a close, the actor acknowledged a personal lesson in balance. “I think I’ve taken my career very seriously, sometimes too seriously,” she said with a smile, admitting she may have overlooked other aspects of life. Finding that equilibrium, she feels, is the next chapter waiting to be written.
