Chahat Pandey on Hasratein 3 role: ‘Smita is conditioned to stay quiet and carry judgment
Actress Chahat Pandey, who plays Smita in season 3 of the streaming show Hasratein, has spoken about the emotional depth of her character, saying Smita represents women who are conditioned to suffer silently while carrying loss, judgment and unfulfilled desires.
Chahat features in the episode Naya Kiraayedaar, which centres on Smita, a sexually unfulfilled and emotionally abandoned woman living with her controlling mother-in-law after her husband’s mysterious disappearance. Her life is marked by social scrutiny, workplace harassment and suppressed emotions, leaving her existence stagnant and constrained.
The narrative takes a turn when Samarth, a young and charming musician, enters her life as a paying guest. His presence gradually awakens Smita’s long-buried sense of identity and desire, forcing her to confront emotions she was never allowed to express.
Speaking about the role, Chahat said Smita is among the most emotionally complex characters she has portrayed. She described the character as someone conditioned to remain silent, absorbing pain and judgment without ever voicing her needs.
She added that after Smita’s husband disappears, society tightens its grip on her life—questioning her morality, controlling her choices and denying her the right to feel alive again. Through this journey, Chahat explored what happens when a woman who has remained invisible for years is finally seen and heard.
According to the actress, Smita’s story goes beyond romance or longing. It is about reclaiming agency and recognising that choosing one’s own happiness is not betrayal, but survival.
About Chahat Pandey
Chahat Pandey is a familiar face on Hindi television and trained at the Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh. She made her television debut with Pavitra Bandhan and gained recognition through shows like Hamari Bahu Silk, Durga – Mata Ki Chhaya and Nath – Zewar Ya Zanjeer.
With Hasratein season 3, Chahat Pandey steps into a layered narrative that reflects uncomfortable social realities, giving voice to women whose desires and choices are often silenced.
Our Thoughts
Chahat Pandey’s portrayal of Smita stands out for its emotional restraint and realism. In an ecosystem where women’s inner conflicts are often sidelined, Hasratein season 3 offers a narrative that confronts judgment, desire and agency head-on. Smita’s journey feels less like fiction and more like a reflection of lived realities, making Chahat’s performance quietly powerful.