There’s something undeniably magical about how our roots shape us—the places we call home, the memories we cherish, and the stories we carry in our hearts. For Ayesha Kaduskar, the rising star of Rajshri Productions’ much-awaited OTT debut, Bada Naam Karnege, her connection to Indore has played a pivotal role in bringing her character, Surbhi Gupta, to life.
Set to premiere on Sony LIV on February 7, Bada Naam Karnege promises to be a heartfelt journey filled with love, laughter, and moments that linger long after the screen fades to black. At the heart of this captivating tale is Ayesha, whose portrayal of Surbhi—a young woman from Ujjain—is as authentic as it is emotionally resonant. And much of that authenticity stems from her own deep-rooted ties to Indore.
AYESHA’S INDORE CONNECTION: MORE THAN JUST A BACKDROP
Though Ayesha now calls Mumbai home, her childhood was steeped in the warmth and vibrancy of Indore. Growing up, she spent countless vacations in the city, surrounded by family and the bustling energy of its streets. These experiences left an indelible mark on her, one that she effortlessly channelled into her role as Surbhi.
“I’m extremely proud of my Indore roots,” Ayesha shared. “My parents are from Indore as well, in fact, most of my family still lives there. Growing up, we would visit frequently during vacations to spend time with my grandparents and relatives. Each visit was filled with the love and warmth of the people, and that feeling has stayed with me.”
For Ayesha, stepping into Surbhi’s shoes felt like revisiting her childhood. The character’s journey, set against the backdrop of Ujjain’s rich culture and traditions, mirrored many of her own memories. “Playing her felt like revisiting my childhood—everything, from the streets of Indore to the culture of Ujjain, felt incredibly familiar and real. It’s as if life has come full circle,” she added.
BRINGING SURBHI TO LIFE
Ayesha’s portrayal of Surbhi is a testament to how personal experiences can breathe life into a character. Her understanding of small-town nuances, combined with her emotional connection to the region, allowed her to infuse Surbhi with a depth that feels both relatable and genuine.
The show itself is a celebration of tradition, emotion, and timeless beauty, brought to life by a stellar ensemble cast. Alongside Ayesha, the series features talents like Ritik Ghanshani, Kanwaljeet Singh, Alka Amin, Rajesh Jais, and many more, each adding their unique flair to this richly woven narrative.
A JOURNEY WORTH A WATCH
As the countdown to Bada Naam Karnege begins, Ayesha Kaduskar’s performance is poised to leave a lasting impression. Her ability to draw from her roots and translate those experiences into her craft is a reminder of how art imitates life—and sometimes, life imitates art.
