Aetashaa Sansgiri speaks about how she finds playing Ahilyabai inspiring

Ahilyabai Holkar’s accomplishments, wisdom and courage have made a mark in history and the brave and just queen’s legacy lives on in the form of the numerous temples, dharamshalas, and the enormous amount of social work she dedicated her life to. Sony Entertainment Television’s magnum opus Punyashlok Ahilyabai takes us through the life journey of the queen who brought peace and prosperity with her wisdom and proved that one becomes great not by gender or birth but by deeds.

As the show depicts her life journey, it also throws light on critical societal matters that are relevant even today. In the current track of the show, an acquaintance of Dhanaji and Gunoji – ‘Pilaji’ has been accused of harassing women in the village. Ahilya herself captures Pilaji and takes the decision to punish him, but as a result, she is met with severe opposition in the darbaar, especially by her own trusted people. Amidst complaints of Ahilya being unfit to aadminister properly, Malhar returns and wholeheartedly supports Ahilya’s decision.

Actress Aetashaa Sansgiri who essays the titular role of Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in the show believes that Ahilyabai was a woman ahead of her times. To support a harassment victim and take a stand against your own people, that too at a time, where women were considered inferior individuals and unfit rulers, Ahilyabai showed exemplary fortitude and determination.

Sharing her thoughts, Aetashaa said, “As an actor, I have always believed in learning from each character. Picking up lessons and applying them in real life. But, being a part of Punyashlok Ahilyabai has taken the passion for my profession to another level. Each day that I spend on the sets fills me with insurmountable enthusiasm and zeal for my job. By being a part of the show, I’ve learnt how to be more selfless, giving and courageous enough to fight all odds, use our power in the right direction and pave the way for others. She battled against harassment and stood for the right even when her own questioned her ruling abilities, that’s enormously inspiring.”

Watch Punyashlok Ahilyabai every Monday to Friday, at 7:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television