Aaditi Pohankar says her Aashram co-star Bobby Deol and she have become the ‘closest’: ‘… it felt like we had known each other for many lifetimes’ – Exclusive |

Over three seasons of Aashram, Aaditi Pohankar’s equation with Bobby Deol has transformed from initial hesitation to a deep connection built on mutual respect and camaraderie. In this candid conversation with ETimes, she shares how their bond evolved, hilarious behind-the-scenes moments, and the one trait about Bobby Deol that deserves more recognition.
Aaditi said, “I think Bobby Sir and I have become the closest now. He actually called after the season was released. Initially, there was always that distance—it was Bobby Sir, after all—but it lasted for only five days. After that, it felt like we had known each other for many lifetimes. Or maybe I am just speaking out of so much love for him that I never felt any distance between us.”

Elaborating further, she added, “That connection actually helped me a lot. There was a moment where Pammi goes, and he really appreciated that. I was like, “Wow, you’re noticing these small things that an actor does every single time.” That meant he was fully present in the moment, and I think an actor couldn’t ask for more from a co-actor than this—that they are present and reacting. Bobby Sir has been a tremendous support, an amazing co-actor, and I think Pammi’s journey and many of my scenes depended on his reactions. That really helped me build Pammi as I moved forward.”

Sharing a fun BTS incident she said, “One particular incident comes to mind. In the first part of the third season, I met Bobby Sir for the first time that day, and the scene we had to shoot was an intense one—where he had raped Pammi, and she knew it, but her parents didn’t, and her father was dying. I was wondering how to rehearse the scene with him since we hadn’t met before. So, I started looking at him in that way and reacting accordingly.”

She continued, “Turns out, he actually thought I was giving him looks! For the next three to four days, he was ignoring me, and I couldn’t figure out why. Finally, being myself, I just went up to him and asked, “Sir, what happened? Did I do something to piss you off?” And he was like, “Yeah, why were you looking at me like that? What did I do? What was wrong that day?” I was shocked and said, “Are you serious? That was just me rehearsing!” It was a misunderstanding, but thankfully, it lasted only five days.”
“Also, I ate a lot of Litti Chokha. It was ordered for everyone, and I thought everybody was eating, so I just kept eating whatever was there. I eat quite a lot, so I finished it all. Then someone asked, “Where did the Litti Chokha go?” And someone said, “Oh, mom ate it.” After that, every day, they’d joke, “She’s eating everything! Save food from her!” There were many such fun moments, but these are the ones I remember the most”, Aaditi shared.
When asked what is one thing about Bobby Deol that not many know outside his circle, Pohankar added, “I think one thing people may not fully realise about Bobby Sir—or maybe they do, but it needs to be talked about more—is that he is extremely hardworking. I am sure people know this, but not to the extent that I have seen. I have witnessed him push through all odds—whether physical challenges, emotional struggles, or anything else—both in his character and personal life. I have seen him show up, deliver his lines, and finish his schedule without any trouble. He is just a very easygoing and genuine person.”