by From regional cinema to becoming a household name across India, Tridha Choudhury’s journey is a testament to perseverance, reinvention, and quiet resilience. While she began her career in Bengali cinema and explored opportunities in South Indian films and television, it was her role as Babita in Prakash Jha’s controversial and massively popular web series Aashram that truly changed the course of her professional life.
In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Tridha opened up about her Aashram journey, confirmed the much-awaited fourth season, reflected on her mental health struggles during the peak of her fame, and spoke with visible excitement about her upcoming film Akhri Sawal, which will see her sharing screen space with Sanjay Dutt.
Candid, grounded, and introspective, Tridha’s words offer a rare glimpse into the emotional cost of success and the courage it takes to stand tall when life tests you the most.
From Regional Cinema to National Recognition
Tridha Choudhury’s career trajectory has been anything but conventional. She made her mark early on in the Bengali film industry, carving a niche for herself with meaningful performances. Her work soon extended to South Indian cinema and television, including the critically appreciated show Dahleez. Yet, despite consistent work and critical acknowledgment, nationwide fame remained elusive.
That changed dramatically with Aashram.
“When I signed the show, I never imagined it would become what it is today,” Tridha admits. “You do projects with honesty, but you never know which one will change everything.”
The Serendipitous Moment That Changed Everything
Interestingly, Tridha’s entry into Aashram was not the result of a conventional audition process. Instead, it was a chance encounter—one that would unknowingly alter her career forever.
“It’s an interesting story about how I bagged Aashram,” she recalls with a smile. “I was in a supermarket where I met Madhvi Bhatt, the DA. She told me, ‘Tridha, I am so happy I bumped into you here. I really think that you should do this show.’”
Madhvi Bhatt, convinced that Tridha was right for the role, personally persuaded filmmaker Prakash Jha to consider her.
“But sir initially said, ‘Nahin, woh thodi si bacchi lagegi. We have to show her as a woman,’” Tridha reveals.
What followed was not rejection, but transformation.
Breaking the ‘Perfect’ Image for Babita
Prakash Jha’s vision for Babita was deeply rooted in realism. He wanted the character to look lived-in, weathered by circumstances, and emotionally complex—far removed from the polished, glamorous image often associated with actresses.
“Sir advised me very clearly,” Tridha says. “‘You can’t look so perfect for this character. You need to look weathered.’”
Taking his guidance seriously, Tridha underwent physical and emotional preparation for the role.
“I put on weight. We had trainers. We worked extensively on the dialogues. It wasn’t just about looking different; it was about becoming Babita.”
This commitment paid off. Babita emerged as one of the most memorable characters in Indian OTT history—vulnerable yet strong, flawed yet fiercely human.
‘Japnaam’ Instead of ‘Namaste’: When Fame Became Real
Despite the effort she put into the role, Tridha never anticipated the scale of success Aashram would achieve.
“It was very hard for me to believe that this project would make me a household name in India,” she says honestly. “But it has.”
Today, the impact of the show follows her everywhere.
“Anywhere I go, people greet me with ‘Japnaam.’ No one says ‘Namaste’ anymore,” she laughs. “For every actor associated with Aashram, the show has been groundbreaking.”
The phrase—borrowed from the show’s universe—has transcended screens and become part of pop culture, a rare feat for any series.
Why Aashram Worked: Entertainment with a Warning
Aashram is widely regarded as one of the most-watched shows in the history of Indian digital content. Beyond its gripping narrative and powerful performances, Tridha believes the show’s mass appeal lies in its message.
“It is an informative show, at the end of the day,” she explains. “Cinema is 100% meant for entertainment. Some projects are purely for joy—like Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, where you walk away with laughter and smiles.”
“But Aashram is different,” she adds thoughtfully. “It is more educational. We are telling people—Satark raho. What we are showing is actually happening in the world.”
According to Tridha, creativity can—and should—serve as a medium to raise awareness without becoming preachy.
“Alerting people through storytelling is also a form of social responsibility.”
EXCLUSIVE CONFIRMATION: Aashram 4 to Begin Shooting in 2026
One of the most awaited questions surrounding the series has finally been answered.
When asked if a new season of Aashram is in the offing, Tridha smiles before confirming, “Yes, we are shooting very soon—early 2026!”
The confirmation has already sparked excitement among fans, who have been eagerly waiting to see how the story unfolds next.
While Tridha remains tight-lipped about plot details, she assures that the upcoming season will stay true to the show’s intense, layered storytelling.
Fame and the Hidden Cost: Opening Up About Mental Health
While Aashram brought unprecedented recognition, it also coincided with one of the most difficult phases of Tridha’s personal life.
A few months ago, the actress bravely spoke about her mental health struggles, earning widespread appreciation for her honesty. When asked how she is doing now, Tridha responds with calm reflection.
“While I was getting a lot of recognition for playing such a strong character, my personal life was in tatters,” she shares.
She reveals that someone close to her struggled to separate her onscreen persona from her real self.
“I thought the person I was with would understand that it was a fake simulation of things. But that caused friction. I was made to feel low about myself.”
Choosing Self-Worth Over Self-Doubt
Looking back, Tridha acknowledges how deeply those experiences affected her confidence.
“Now when I reflect, I wonder—should I have listened to that one person who was against me, or the 10,000 or more people who were always rooting for me?”
Her voice carries clarity rather than bitterness.
“It’s all in the past now. Thankfully, at present, I am doing good.”
Her journey underscores an important truth about the entertainment industry: success does not immunize one against emotional pain, and strength often lies in acknowledging vulnerability.
Moving Forward with Strength and Perspective
Today, Tridha appears more grounded, self-aware, and emotionally resilient.
“I’ve learned to prioritize myself,” she says. “Mental health is not something you can compromise on, no matter how successful things look from the outside.”
Her openness has resonated with many fans who see her not just as an actor, but as someone unafraid to speak her truth.
Next Big Step: Akhri Sawal and Working with Sanjay Dutt
Looking ahead, Tridha has an exciting project lined up—one that marks a significant milestone in her career.
“It is tentatively titled Akhri Sawal,” she reveals. “We announced it at IFFI Goa last month.”
The film boasts an impressive cast including Amit Sadh, Namashi Chakraborty, and a name that still leaves Tridha awestruck—Sanjay Dutt.
“I honestly won’t believe I’m working with him until I meet him on the set,” she smiles. “It still feels surreal.”
A Role Rooted in History and Youthful Curiosity
In Akhri Sawal, Tridha plays the role of a university student—but this is no ordinary campus character.
“My character talks about a forgotten chapter in history,” she explains. “It’s a role that carries responsibility because you’re representing ideas that deserve attention.”
The film promises to blend social relevance with strong performances, and Tridha’s role appears to align with her growing inclination towards content-driven cinema.
A Career Defined by Evolution, Not Comfort
What stands out in Tridha Choudhury’s journey is her refusal to remain static. From regional cinema to OTT stardom, from personal turmoil to professional resurgence, she has continuously evolved.
“I don’t want to be boxed into one image,” she says. “I want to keep exploring, learning, and challenging myself.”
With Aashram 4 on the horizon and Akhri Sawal set to take her into new cinematic territory, Tridha is clearly entering a phase defined by confidence and creative clarity.
Conclusion: A Story of Grit, Growth, and Grace
Tridha Choudhury’s story is not just about fame—it is about finding strength in vulnerability, trusting the process, and emerging wiser after life’s toughest lessons. From being discovered in a supermarket aisle to becoming one of OTT’s most recognizable faces, her journey reflects the unpredictable beauty of the entertainment industry.
As audiences eagerly await Aashram 4 and her collaboration with Sanjay Dutt in Akhri Sawal, one thing is certain: Tridha Choudhury is no longer just a breakout star—she is a voice, a presence, and a performer here to stay.
As Tridha Choudhury looks ahead to the next phase of her journey—with Aashram 4 set to go on floors in early 2026 and an exciting new chapter unfolding with Akhri Sawal—she stands at a point marked by confidence, clarity, and creative purpose. Having navigated fame, personal challenges, and artistic reinvention, Tridha continues to evolve as an actor unafraid of depth and honesty, making her upcoming work all the more anticipated by audiences and industry alike.
