Introduction
Aishwarya Sakhuja, a name that resonates with versatility and resilience, has carved a niche for herself in the Indian entertainment industry. From her early days as a model to becoming a celebrated television actress, Aishwarya’s journey is a testament to her strength and determination. In this blog, we will delve into the various facets of her life – from her humble beginnings to her triumphs in the face of adversity, all while exploring her advocacy work and the positive influence she exerts in the realm of social causes.
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Aishwarya Sakhuja was born on January 4, 1985, in Wellington, Tamil Nadu. At the age of 34 in 2019, she proudly identifies as Indian and hails from Delhi. She pursued her graduation from the University of Delhi. While she was initially a non-vegetarian, Aishwarya has since adopted a vegetarian food habit. Standing at a height of 178 cm (5′ 10″), Aishwarya has captivating brown eyes and black hair.
Aishwarya Sakhuja’s upbringing was marked by the frequent transfers of her ex-army man father, Sudhir Kumar Sakhuja. Her early education took place in various locations, and she completed her graduation in English Literature from the University of Delhi. Aishwarya’s passion for modelling ignited early, leading her to participate in a local beauty pageant in 2003, where she won the title of Miss Delhi.
In her free time, Aishwarya indulges in hobbies such as watching films, traveling, and reading. She also has a special tattoo of her pet dog, Pepper. This charismatic actor and model continue to leave a lasting impression on the entertainment industry with her talent and versatile roles.
How Aishwarya Sakhuja entered the pageant
Aishwarya Sakhuja was born and brought up in Delhi, where she completed her graduation in English literature from the University of Delhi. She was interested in modeling and acting since her childhood, and participated in various fashion shows and theatre events. She also worked as an anchor for a local channel.
In 2006, she decided to take a leap of faith and audition for the Femina Miss India pageant, which is one of the most prestigious and glamorous beauty contests in the country. She was among the thousands of aspirants who applied for the pageant, and underwent rigorous training and grooming sessions to prepare for the competition.
She impressed the judges with her confidence, poise, and personality, and made it to the top 21 finalists who competed for the coveted crown at the grand finale held in Mumbai on March 18, 2006.
How Aishwarya Sakhuja performed at the pageant
Aishwarya Sakhuja was one of the most popular and promising contestants at the pageant, and received a lot of support and appreciation from the audience and the media. She showcased her talent, intelligence, and beauty in various rounds, such as the swimsuit round, the evening gown round, the question and answer round, and the sub-contests.
She won two sub-titles, namely Miss Catwalk and Miss Beautiful Smile, and was also among the top five finalists who qualified for the final question and answer round. She faced a tough question from the celebrity judge Karan Johar, who asked her what she would do if she had the power to change one thing in the world. She gave a thoughtful and mature answer, saying that she would like to change the mindset of people who discriminate against others on the basis of caste, creed, color, or gender.
She received a huge applause for her answer, and many expected her to win the crown. However, she narrowly missed the title, and was declared the fourth runner-up. The winner was Neha Kapur, who went on to represent India at the Miss Universe 2006 pageant.
How Aishwarya Sakhuja felt about the result
Aishwarya Sakhuja was disappointed but graceful about the result, and congratulated the winner and the other finalists. She said that she was happy to be a part of the pageant, and that it was a great learning experience for her. She also gave a big thanks to her family, friends, and fans for all the love and support they’ve shown her.
She said that she was proud of herself for reaching so far, and that she would not give up on her dreams. She said that she would pursue her passion for modeling and acting, and that she hoped to make a name for herself in the industry.
Television Debut and Rise to Fame
Aishwarya Sakhuja’s foray into the world of television began with anchoring roles at Zee Sports and Zoom channel. However, her true breakthrough came in 2010 when she made her acting debut with Sony TV’s “Rishta.com,” portraying the role of Sukhrit Singh, a bubbly and confident character working in a matrimonial agency.
Her career-defining moment arrived with the immensely popular show “Saas Bina Sasural,” where she played Tanya (Toasty) Tej Prakash Chaturvedi. Her portrayal of a cheerful and smart daughter-in-law managing a household of seven men not only won hearts but also earned her the Indian Television Academy Award for Best Actress – Popular.
Challenges and Triumphs
Aishwarya Sakhuja’s journey has been fraught with challenges, both in her personal and professional life. Diagnosed with tuberculosis while shooting for “Saas Bina Sasural,” she had to quit the show midway. Later, during the filming of “Main Naa Bhoolungi,” she faced a facial paralysis stroke, affecting her ability to emote and blink. Undeterred, she battled through these health issues with resilience, medication, and therapy.
Her indomitable spirit was further evident when she revealed her battle with ovarian cancer in 2020. A survivor in every sense, Aishwarya emerged stronger, becoming a beacon of hope for those facing similar adversities.
Personal Life and Marriage
Aishwarya Sakhuja’s personal life has been a source of joy and support. Married to television producer Rohit Nag, the couple tied the knot on December 5, 2014, after a six-year courtship. Their relationship, characterized by love and mutual support, has been showcased on reality shows like “Nach Baliye 7” and “Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 7.”
The couple’s shared love extends to their furry family member, Pepper, a pet dog, symbolizing their compassion for animals.
Versatility Beyond Television
Aishwarya Sakhuja’s talents extend beyond the small screen. She ventured into Hindi films with roles in “U R My Jaan” (2011) and “Ujda Chaman” (2019). Additionally, she explored the digital space with the web series “Junooniyatt,” portraying the character of Dr. Pari Ahuja.
Social and Charity Work
Beyond her entertainment career, Aishwarya Sakhuja is a compassionate advocate for various social causes. Her involvement in cancer awareness, animal welfare, women empowerment, and environmental conservation showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on society.
1. Cancer Awareness:
As a cancer survivor, Aishwarya has been actively involved in raising awareness about the disease, supporting campaigns like Pinkathon and NDTV-Fortis Cancerthon.
2. Animal Welfare:
An ardent animal lover, Aishwarya has collaborated with organizations like People for Animals, World For All, and The Welfare of Stray Dogs, contributing to the cause of animal rights.
3. Women Empowerment:
A vocal advocate of women empowerment and gender equality, Aishwarya speaks out against issues like domestic violence and female foeticide, supporting initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Laadli.
4. Environmental Conservation:
Aishwarya’s eco-conscious mindset is reflected in her participation in events like Earth Hour and Greenathon, promoting awareness about climate change and environmental issues.
Advocacies
Aishwarya Sakhuja, beyond her roles as an entertainer and advocate, has used her platform to address significant societal issues.
1. Mental Health:
Opening up about her struggles with depression and anxiety, Aishwarya encourages others to seek help and support, endorsing campaigns like Live Laugh Love and You Are Not Alone.
2. Body Positivity:
Aishwarya embraces her body and challenges societal standards of beauty and fitness, endorsing brands like Dove and Nykaa that promote body positivity and self-love.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights:
A supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, Aishwarya celebrated the decriminalization of homosexuality in India and featured in a web series, “Love Bytes,” portraying a lesbian relationship.
Conclusion
Aishwarya Sakhuja’s journey from a Miss India finalist to a successful television actress is not just a story of glamour and fame but a testament to resilience, determination, and compassion. Her ability to overcome health challenges and use her platform for social causes makes her a role model for many. Aishwarya Sakhuja is more than a versatile actress; she is a force for positive change, both on and off the screen. As she continues to shine bright in the entertainment industry, her impact on society and her fans remains enduring.