MUMBAI: 31st May marks the 296th Birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar, a visionary who set an example for generations to come with her work that stands as a testament to how the society benefited at large. Aditi Jaltare who can be seen portraying the character of young Ahilyabai Holkar in Sony Entertainment Television’s Punyashlok Ahilyabai, is learning a lot through the show. As a 11 year old, the child artist is imbibing the right values and understanding the essence of ‘good deeds’. 

Celebrating Ahilyabai’s birth anniversary, Aditi shares her heartfelt gratitude. She says, “This show has taught me the importance of working hard. If we keep at, sooner or later, success will be ours. This is one of the most important lessons I've learnt from understanding & portraying the character of Ahilyabai Holkar.” 

Ahilyabai Holkar’s journey wasn’t an easy one. At a time when societal rules and patriarchy dictated lives, Ahilyabai stood out as a rare and exemplary example that a person becomes great not by gender or birth, but by deeds. 

Aditi further adds, “For me, her most inspiring qualities are kindness, humility and a sense of gratitude. She was always grateful to the God for everything she achieved. Another great quality about her is that she saw the world with fair eyes. Everyone & everything was equal in her eyes. She didn’t approach life with preconceived notions but moved forward and faced challenges with determination, love and kindness. Ahilyabai Holkar is an inspirational personality and a woman I look up to.”

Born in a village of Chaundi, Ahilyabai was chosen as a child bride by Malhar Rao Holkar, one of the chief generals of the Peshwa and the ruler of Malwa, for his son Khande Rao.  Impressed by her egalitarian approach, unique thought process and inquisitive personality, Malhar Rao realized her thirst for knowledge, bended societal rules to quench it, and unknowingly prepared her to be his true heir.

Aditi signs off by saying, “Even when I grow up, I think these are some of the lessons I will always cherish and try to imbibe in my own life. The world needs more empathy. I have realised this more so now after essaying the character of Ahilyabi Holkar and getting to know her journey. These memories and learnings will be etched in my heart forever.”