Family Aaj Kal actress Apoorva Arora on things we are better off without in the Indian society

When actress Apoorva Arora signed up for Family Aaj Kal, she knew it would be a difficult role to essay because most often it’s the simplest of characters that pose the biggest challenge. Apoorva plays a simple girl from an average middle-class family who dares to fall in love with a cab driver and plans to get married to him. When she tells this to her family, her supposedly “modern” family starts to crack with both mother and father showing aversion to her idea of love.

Exploring social dynamics, how far are our average middle-income families ready to sacrifice for the sake of their children’s happiness, and breaking taboos, Family Aaj Kal takes a fresh look at a lot of social issues. Apoorva Arora spoke exclusively to WION about things we are better off without in Indian society, how Family Aaj Kal doesn’t shy from discussing rigidity that is deep-rooted within our societies and much more.

Here are the edited excerpts of our chat:

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Q: Your role in Family Aaj Kal was well received. What was your takeaway from the show and why do you think audiences could connect with you?

A: Playing Mehar in Family Aaj Kal was an enriching experience. The biggest takeaway for me was understanding how each member plays a vital role in maintaining harmony. I think audiences could connect with my character because it mirrored the reality of many families today—striving to find balance amidst chaos. The relatable struggles and triumphs of my character resonated with viewers on a personal level.

Q: In your personal experience, how does one deal with a dysfunctional family or one where it's an effort to make your voice heard?

A: A lot of times in families, it’s great to be open and talk about things but most of the times people don’t have the privilege to talk openly. It’s great that women are speaking up and are becoming more independent. That they are learning and practising how to articulate these feelings and are not being left out. This change is great because there are a lot of women who don’t have that kind of privilege. Families become dysfunctional when some members are not given the space to open up.

A: Do you think Indian society is more tolerant of new age ideas now?

A: Yes, I do believe that Indian society is gradually becoming more open and accepting of new age ideas. There is a growing awareness and acceptance of diverse lifestyles, mental health issues, and gender equality. While there is still progress to be made, the shift towards a more inclusive and progressive mindset is encouraging.

Q: What are some things we are good without in our society?

A: I think we are better off without the rigid societal norms and stereotypes that limit individual freedom and expression. The pressure to conform to traditional expectations can be stifling. By letting go of these outdated notions, we can create a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone can thrive.

Q: You face a huge dilemma in Family Aaj Kal. Have you faced anything similarin real life, anything that has been a task for you to make your parents consider and come to a consensus on?

A: It’s very normal to find these kinds of disagreements in families – since the new and old generations usually have different understanding of solutions to a said issue. In my family, sometimes what my niece and nephew suggest, might not sit well with me but when you start seeing them as individuals with their own ideas, you find these dissonances fine.

In my personal family equation, since I am an only child, I think I got emotional maturity faster than my peers. I feel I manage dilemmas better than Meher because I am privileged like that.

Q: How do you position yourself as an actress?

A: I want to be known as a dependable actor who can hold the crew together and be responsible for vision and ideas. Time is expensive on set. Growing up on sets made me believe that I can pull off things. I am lucky to have directors around me who believe in me and give me the space I need to explore beyond what is required in the script. I want to be known as a versatile and dependable actor.

Q: What’s next after this?

A: I’m excited for Unreal, which is directed by Rohan Sippy and Lipstick, which focuses on the importance of mental health. I am exploring other projects too.