Exclusive: Pushpa Impossible’s Karuna Pandey on the initial challenges he faced, says ‘I came to Mumbai on my own and struggled to get a break’

The television industry has long been home to inspiring characters, but few resonate as deeply as Pushpa from Pushpa Impossible. Actress Karuna Pandey, who brings this beloved character to life, recently sat down with Times of India TV to discuss her journey, the impact of Pushpa, and the importance of resilience and self-empowerment.
Pushpa’s Strength and Resilience: A Source of Inspiration
Pushpa is a character that embodies strength, resilience, and an indomitable spirit. When asked how Pushpa inspires her personally, Karuna Pandey shared, “Yes, Pushpa is no doubt a strong and resilient character. She inspires me with her positivity, her childlike innocence, and her righteous nature despite her imperfections. The message we convey through Pushpa is that everyone is flawed, but we must tackle challenges head-on and move forward. We must try to be good people, even if we have traits that not everyone appreciates.”
Pushpa is not just about overcoming struggles; she also enjoys life while taking care of those around her. Pandey believes this balance is crucial, especially for women. “She helps others selflessly, but she never ignores herself. That’s a powerful message for women—to care for others without putting themselves on the back seat.”
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Women often juggle multiple responsibilities in their personal and professional lives. For Pandey, managing her acting career along with her personal life is not as challenging as it may seem. “It’s not very difficult for me because I don’t have a big family living with me. It’s just my husband and my pets. My husband works from home and takes care of things when I’m away. We share responsibilities, ensuring that our home and loved ones are always taken care of.”
Despite the mental load that comes with maintaining a work-life balance, Pandey remains dedicated to her craft. “I love my work, and I try to do my best while being responsible towards my family,” she says.

Challenges as a Woman in the Entertainment Industry
The entertainment industry is known for its challenges, and Pandey’s journey was no exception. Recalling her early struggles, she shares, “When I came to Mumbai, I had no godfather. I came on my own and struggled to get a break. I got a film, but it didn’t release for two years. That was tough, but I didn’t let it discourage me.”
Determination has been her key to overcoming setbacks. “I believe in moving forward. You only stop when you’re no longer alive, so I kept going. I was clear about my principles—I wouldn’t compromise, and I would work on my own terms. That clarity helped me avoid unnecessary complications and politics.”

Women’s Day Message: The Key to Self-Empowerment
On Women’s Day, Pandey offers a heartfelt message to women striving for independence and empowerment. “Be true to yourself. Don’t put yourself on the back seat. Be good to people, animals, and the world around you. Try not to intentionally hurt anyone. Empowerment comes from being a good human being. There’s no fixed formula—different things work for different people, but taking care of your health, reading, writing, and continuously learning can help.”
For Pandey, self-empowerment is deeply tied to goodness. “You cannot empower yourself without goodness. That is my belief.”

Real-Life Parallels with Pushpa
There are undeniable similarities between Karuna Pandey and her on-screen persona. She relates to Pushpa’s childlike energy, positivity, and strong sense of gratitude. “Pushpa never forgets those who helped her. In today’s world, people often forget kindness, but Pushpa values it. She holds people together and moves forward with them, and I resonate with that.”
She believes Pushpa’s journey will continue to inspire audiences. “She is not portrayed as perfect—she makes mistakes, learns from them, and grows. That’s something real. No woman is perfect, but like Pushpa, we can keep learning, growing, and inspiring those around us.”