Akanksha Puri is drawing attention for her performance in the web series Inspector Avinash, where she shares the screen with Randeep Hooda. The actress, who has often been associated with glamorous roles and appearances, has taken on a considerably more layered character in the series, giving audiences an opportunity to see a different side of her acting.
Her performance has particularly resonated with viewers on social media, with many praising the emotional intensity and vulnerability she brings to the role.
Akanksha Puri steps outside her comfort zone
In Inspector Avinash, Puri plays a celebrated dancer whose life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes an informer. Her character also develops strong feelings for Avinash after he rescues her from prostitution.
The role required the actress to balance several contrasting emotions. Alongside the character’s confidence and commanding presence, Puri had to portray vulnerability, inner conflict and the impact of difficult circumstances.
For the actress, that complexity made the part particularly demanding.
“Playing this character pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. I had to explore emotions and layers that I had never attempted before,” Puri said.
She added that seeing audiences respond to the performance has made the experience especially satisfying.
“Seeing audiences connect with that effort feels truly rewarding,” she said.
A performance shaped by character preparation
Puri revealed that she spent considerable time understanding the psychology of her character before approaching the role.
Rather than relying only on dialogue and dramatic scenes, the actress focused on the smaller details that could make the character feel believable. Her preparation included working on body language, expressions and emotional reactions to reflect the character’s changing circumstances.
That attention to detail became important because the character moves through different emotional states over the course of the story.
The actress also pointed out that the series was filmed several years before its eventual release. According to Puri, the project was shot in 2021, making the audience response particularly meaningful after such a long wait.
“We shot for this project back in 2021, so I’m really happy that it has finally been released and people are loving my performance,” she said.
Akanksha Puri on working with Randeep Hooda
Puri also spoke highly of her experience working alongside Randeep Hooda.
The actress described Hooda as a committed performer and said observing his approach to his work became a valuable learning experience for her.
“Randeep is such a committed actor. Watching him perform closely was a learning experience for me,” she said.
According to Puri, Hooda’s dedication had an effect beyond his own performance, motivating those around him on set to approach their work with greater intensity.
“His dedication automatically inspires everyone on set to raise their game,” she added.
A different side of Akanksha Puri
Throughout her career, Puri has worked across television and digital entertainment, building visibility through a range of projects. However, Inspector Avinash represents a notable departure from the glamorous image with which many viewers associate her.
The role has allowed her to explore a character driven by complicated circumstances rather than simply relying on screen presence.
That shift appears to be one reason the performance has attracted attention. Viewers have highlighted the character’s emotional journey, while Puri’s portrayal has opened another chapter in her evolution as an actor.
Why the role matters to her career
For an actor, moving beyond an established screen image can be both challenging and rewarding. Puri’s experience with Inspector Avinash demonstrates her willingness to take that risk.
