In the gripping series Aadhira, audiences are taken on an emotional journey that uncovers themes of love, pain, empowerment, and survival. At the heart of the story are two powerful performances by the series’ lead actors, who breathe life into the characters of Aadhira and Dharma.

In an exclusive conversation, they open up about their journeys, the challenges of portraying intense roles, and the impact this series has had on their personal perspectives.

The actress behind Aadhira’s character began her career in modeling and beauty pageants, representing Malaysia at Miss International 2014 and securing the first runner-up title at Miss Tourism Sri Lanka 2016. A finance and accounting graduate, she eventually pursued her true passion in the creative field, making it to the finals of Asia’s Next Top Model Season 6. In 2019, she transitioned into acting, making a name for herself in the Malay film and television industry before recently stepping into the Tamil entertainment space with Aadhira.

Speaking about what drew her to the role, she says,

“Stepping into Aadhira’s world was both a challenge and a turning point for me. I’ve never personally experienced the struggles she goes through, but that unfamiliarity drew me in. Aadhira’s resilience, her refusal to give up despite everything she faces, truly inspired me. I may not have lived her story, but I deeply understand what it means to fight for your voice.”

Portraying a woman enduring emotional and physical abuse demanded deep emotional preparation. She recalls how mentally taxing certain scenes were:

“I knew I had to prepare myself to separate the character’s pain from my own reality. The scenes involving abuse were heavy, and at times, it was hard not to carry those emotions home. But I constantly reminded myself, this is Aadhira’s story, not mine. It was important to stay grounded while giving my best to the role.”

Through her journey as Aadhira, she gained a deeper awareness of the silent struggles faced by women everywhere. After the show aired, she was overwhelmed by the number of messages from viewers sharing their personal stories.

“It hit me how widespread domestic violence is, even within our own communities. For me, this role became a responsibility, to give voice to those who are silenced. Aadhira may be fictional, but her story reflects the reality of so many women.”

While Aadhira’s character symbolizes strength, Dharma played by Theeban G represents a complex and darker reality. For Theeban, portraying such an intense role was both challenging and exciting.

“I’ve always wanted to explore a variety of characters, and Dharma gave me that chance. The moment the role was pitched, I knew I had to do it. It had the right mix of complexity and evil, and I was curious to see if I could pull it off.”

Preparing for Dharma meant more than memorizing lines; it required fully immersing himself in the character’s psyche.

“I had to think like Dharma, become Dharma, and walk in his shoes. It was about understanding his twisted perspective, not just acting it out. That mental shift was the most demanding part.”

Despite playing a character tied to acts of domestic abuse, Theeban made it clear that the purpose of the show goes beyond storytelling:

“What you see on screen is drama, but the reality behind it is very real. These stories exist around us, and we need to acknowledge that. My takeaway is simple: don’t be Dharma. Choose empathy, respect, and love.”


Both actors shared that the emotional weight of the story required a strong support system on set. Theeban recalls how certain scenes tested his limits:

“Some of the emotionally charged moments were madness at times. I would need to step away after filming to calm down. But thanks to the director, the crew, and my co-actors, we managed to bring those scenes to life with care and sensitivity.”

For the actress, having that collaborative environment was equally important:

“The team was incredibly mindful during filming. After every intense scene, there would always be someone checking in to make sure I was okay. That support helped us both balance the emotional depth of the story with our own well-being.”

Through her portrayal, the actress hopes that Aadhira becomes more than just a character, she wants her to be a symbol of strength for women everywhere.

“My message is simple: your pain is valid, and you deserve to reclaim your voice. Love should never hurt. If someone celebrates cruelty, walk away. There are support systems and organisations out there. Leaving doesn’t mean weakness, it’s an act of courage.”

Theeban echoes this sentiment, urging audiences, especially men, to reflect on the reality of abuse:

“The message isn’t just for women. Men also need to take responsibility to create safer, kinder spaces. Be mindful of the people you let into your life and always stand for equality and respect.”

Beyond the screen, the actress draws inspiration from women like Anuradha Koirala, a renowned activist who rescued thousands of girls from human trafficking after surviving domestic abuse herself.
“Anuradha’s story reminds me that pain can lead to purpose. Playing Aadhira has shifted something in me too. It’s made me more intentional about the roles I take and the causes I support. If storytelling can open doors to important conversations, then our craft has meaning.”

Aadhira is more than a series; in their own words, they hope this series sparks conversations, the kind that dismantle silence, inspire change, and remind audiences that no one has to suffer in silence.