From Dehradun to Mumbai, from pageants to becoming a household name on Indian television, Asha Negi’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In this episode of AfterHours with All About Eve, hosted by Bani Anand, Asha opens up about the hustle, heartbreak, self-discovery, and second chances that shaped her career and identity.Winning Miss Uttarakhand gave Asha the confidence to move to Mumbai, despite her family’s initial hesitation. But her early struggles in Mumbai and navigating auditions and rejections led to a period of self-doubt. Asha's first major break came with Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, a pivotal moment where she worked alongside television icons Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar.The reality of the casting couch in TVAsha speaks openly about the casting couch, sharing the difficult truths many young actors face. She emphasises the importance of setting boundaries, staying grounded, and never letting desperation override one’s self-respect.Working with Ekta Kapoor and moving to OTTAsha also shares her admiration for Ekta Kapoor, admitting she was initially intimidated by her. But over time, she discovered the warmth and humour behind Ekta’s powerful image. It was Ekta who gave Asha one of her biggest opportunities, and Asha credits much of her success and recognition to the world of Pavitra Rishta that Ekta built.As the industry shifted from traditional television to OTT platforms, Asha had to adapt and reinvent herself. She speaks about the difference between “TV Asha” and “OTT Asha,” and how attending acting workshops helped her unlearn theatrical habits and embrace more nuanced, internalised performances.Criminal Justice and working with Mohd Zeeshan AyyubAsha Negi's work on Criminal Justice marked another phase of growth. Though her role was brief, collaborating with actors like Zeeshan Ayyub and Pankaj Tripathi was transformative. Asha describes Zeeshan’s humility and natural brilliance, and how Pankaj Tripathi’s calm and grounded energy left a lasting impression.This podcast also delves into her personal life—her experiences navigating the casting couch, the importance of drawing boundaries, her perspective on nepotism, and the societal pressure to marry. Asha Negi’s story is a powerful reminder that growth takes time, courage, and constant reinvention. Whether you’re an aspiring actor, a long-time fan of Pavitra Rishta, or simply trying to find your way—this episode will move and inspire you.Timestamps:(00:00) Episode begins(03:30) Winning Miss Uttarakhand(05:17) Persuading her parents to let her move to Mumbai(07:49) Asha Negi's first audition(09:08) First television role in Sapno Se Bhare Naina(10:20) On Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Ram Kapoor & Sakshi Tanwar(13:19) On Pavitra Rishta(15:19) The influence of beauty pageants(20:08) Feeling like a misfit in the industry(23:44) How women can protect themselves from the casting couch(25:47) Her experience with the casting couch(29:01) What she learnt from Ekta Kapoor(30:50) Still recognised as Purvi from Pavitra Rishta(31:44) Popularity on television vs. OTT(32:44) Award show experiences(35:01) Working with Ankita Lokhande(35:26) On Sushant Singh Rajput(36:12) Asha's work with Hiten Tejwani(37:37) Does television pay well?(38:20) On Criminal Justice and Pankaj Tripathi(39:15) Acting alongside Mohd Zeeshan Ayyub(40:37) Transitioning from ‘TV Asha’ to ‘OTT Asha’(45:30) Growing from her 20s to her 30s(50:37) Insecurity and self-doubt in her 20s(52:26) Cringing at old performances(55:04) How Asha Negi unwinds AfterHours(56:46) On Criminal Justice(57:55) Would she ever go on Bigg Boss?(59:03) GameFollow us: Instagram:   / allabouteve_in   Facebook:   / allaboutevein  Pinterest:   / allabouteve_in  Website: https://allabouteve.co.in/#pankajtripathi #ektakapoor #ashanegi #pavitrarishta #pavitrarishtashorts #dailysoap #indiandrama #podcast #interview #allabouteve #podcasting