"I am a being of light, passing through this realm to witness, create, and just be—acting and dancing are merely my chosen languages."
1. How do you introduce yourself beyond your many roles—actor, dancer, entrepreneur, advocate?
This could be a long answer, but to keep it short—I see myself as a being of light, passing through this realm for a brief moment, here to experience, grow, witness, create, and simply exist.
Beyond labels like my name, hobbies, or professional titles, I understand that I am something much more. I’m my own self—a truly unique being. I often feel like energy, like soft electricity running through my veins, especially around my feet and heart. I feel deeply. I am a singular presence, but not the only one of my kind.
I am me—in my truest form. In pain, in love, in anger, in music, in art, in voice, in energy, in soul, in mind—and beyond.
2. How has Kathak influenced your work on screen?
Kathak became part of my life when I was very young. My sister and I began learning when we were just 9 or 10. As a little girl, finding a channel for self-expression through tabla beats, synchronized movements, elaborate costumes, and vibrant energy truly shaped my personality. It helped me discover who I was outside of school and academics, and it revealed strengths I hadn’t known I possessed.
I strongly believe in the importance of extracurriculars for children—it builds personality and confidence. I owe a lot to my mother for encouraging it.
On screen, Kathak makes me more expressive. I like to describe it as “controlled emotions in flow”—which is exactly what acting is. Both are immersive storytelling forms. And honestly, going through life while dancing just makes everything more joyful.
3. What’s been the biggest takeaway from your first Telugu film experience?
That art has no boundaries. Even though it was my first time shooting a feature film, I realized that language—or even nationality—doesn't stand in the way when the will to create is strong.
Working on the Telugu film opened my mind to the richness of the language and culture. Everyone on set supported me, even though I had a language coach. I was determined to deliver my lines without dubbing, and I’m proud I did.
During my time in Hyderabad, I also traveled to Chennai and worked on Tamil ads. Understanding the nuances of each industry and language gave me immense respect for cultural diversity. That experience deepened my connection with people, cultures, and storytelling—it went far beyond just that one project.
4. What inspired you to start Advai Leela, and how do you choose what to create?
Back in my first year of law school, I joined the college’s entrepreneurship cell and started my first venture—CLOVATION (Clothing + Innovation). We upcycled old jeans into bags and accessories. At the time, upcycling was still a very new concept. We even won a startup weekend competition!
Although I couldn't continue that project, I promised myself that my next venture would be something that fills a real gap in the market and aligns with my passion.
Advai Leela is my gift to women. I’ve always loved the experience of sharing outfits, tips, and styling moments with friends and sisters. I wanted to celebrate femininity and the joy of getting ready together.
It all started with a waist chain. I don’t wear bad alloys on my skin, especially around my waist, and while I wanted a gold chain, it felt like too big an investment for occasional wear. Pure silver was the solution—but designs were limited and gold-plated ones were overpriced. So I decided to create my own.
I’ve always collected unique, vintage jewelry, but skin allergies from alloys were a constant struggle. That led me to explore hypoallergenic, affordable options that still allowed for creative freedom. I even began a jewelry design course (which I couldn’t finish due to my schedule), but I didn’t let that stop me. I haven’t launched the waist chain line yet—but it’s coming!
5. What makes a collaboration feel truly “soulful” to you?
It’s all about intention. The purpose behind the collaboration, and the depth of the art being created.
Once we create something, it takes on a life of its own—it no longer belongs solely to the creator. Art breathes. To us, it’s personal. But to others, it’s interpreted through their lens. So for me, a soulful collaboration is one where the intention is to elevate the vibration of the universe through the art we put out.
6. How do you stay authentic on social media while managing such a large audience?
Honestly, I just don’t care anymore about what people think online.
In my time on social media, I’ve met some genuinely wonderful people—and that’s what I treasure: a sense of community. I don’t chase likes or comments.
I’m an artist, and that’s only one part of me. I don’t even consciously try to be authentic—it just happens. Once you let go of the need for engagement, it all starts to feel more like Facebook—or in my case, LinkedIn.
7. What pushed you to create Shari – Call My Didi, and what impact do you hope it has?
My didi inspired me. We were in constant conversation, like sisters are. That bond was so strong, it felt like we didn’t need anyone else. Her world was mine, and mine was hers. So was our soul.
Call My Didi was born from that intimacy. Whenever I needed her, I’d call—and vice versa. Just knowing there’s someone you can call at any hour means you’re never really alone.
She also struggled deeply with mental health. Though she lost her life, her fight against the stigma is not over. That’s why this platform will bring in psychiatrists and psychologists to answer real, technical questions—no fluff. It’s about giving people someone to “call”—even if it’s not her anymore.
8. What gaps in mental health support are you trying to fill through your network?
There are so many. We aim to give people straightforward access to professionals who can provide technical, accurate guidance. We’re also creating space for survivors, families of those who’ve struggled, and people who just want to learn.
Mental health care in India is still far behind in terms of accessibility and affordability. Therapy and medication are often out of reach. Stigma is everywhere.
I want people to know that mental health issues are common, and that’s okay. It doesn’t define you. We’re also addressing legal gaps—like the lack of protections for mental health professionals. There’s a long way to go.
9. If your life were a piece of jewelry, what would it be called?
Come On, Advai Leela. Of course!
Bio:
Aastha Sharan is a multifaceted talent and a rising force in the Indian entertainment industry. With over 7 years of experience as an actor and 8+ years of Kathak training, she brings a rare blend of discipline, grace, and emotional depth to every performance. Her work spans theatre, television commercials, music videos, and short films, and she is currently starring in a lead role in an upcoming Telugu feature film alongside Naveen Chandra and Sunil.
Beyond the camera, Aastha is a passionate entrepreneur and storyteller. She is the founder of Advai Leela, a jewelry brand born out of her love for vintage aesthetics and hypoallergenic designs. Each piece reflects her deep-rooted belief in beauty with intention.
Aastha’s influence also extends into mental health advocacy. After the heartbreaking loss of her sister to suicide, she created Shari – Call My Didi, an upcoming podcast dedicated to spreading awareness and accessibility around mental wellness. Backed by her father, Dr. Ram Sharan, a psychiatrist and hospital founder in Gorakhpur, Aastha is building a platform that connects youth—especially girls and queer individuals—with professional support and survivor stories.
With 232K+ followers on Instagram, collaborations with brands like Roberto Cavalli, Max Fashion, and Bhima Jewels, and a deeply personal mission driving her, Aastha Sharan is a name to watch—a soulful creator using her voice, art, and heart to make a lasting impact.
Interviewd by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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