Maahi Gouthami 
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

For someone who began her television journey with a checklist, Maahi Gouthami is in a happy place. The past few months have been both hectic and fulfilling, as she was able to tick off the dates she had once promised her mother — proof that she could make a mark in the television industry. “It feels like an affirmation that I’m on the right path,” says the actor at the launch of the new serial Deergha Sumangali Bhava on Zee Telugu.

Challenging role

A scene from Deergha Sumangali Bhava
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

“I’m fortunate to portray diverse and challenging roles,” says Gouthami, who plays Ahalya — a tailor with a positive outlook on life, despite facing hardships. While on a spiritual yatra to Amarnath with her ailing grandmother, Ahalya falls in love with Indra (played by Pavan Ravindra), a soldier grappling with his own troubled past. The story unfolds with several twists and turns, as Ahalya finds herself torn between love, loss, and life-altering events. She stands at a crossroads — will she surrender to fate or find the strength to move forward?

While Gouthami, Pratap, and Pavan play the lead roles, the supporting cast includes Srilakshmi, Jackie, Asha Rani, and Sumith in key roles.

Television buff

With the Chiranjeevi Lakshmi Soubhagyavathi team on Zee Telugu
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Gouthami, an engineering graduate, has enjoyed being in front of the camera since childhood. An avid television viewer, she was deeply influenced by her favourite Hindi serials Miley Jab Hum Tum and Phir Mil Gaye, and always hoped to make her mark as an actress on the small screen.

Though television was her first love, she began her career as a radio jockey under the name ‘Masti Maahi’, and later went on to work as a television anchor for two and a half years. Her acting break came in 2021 with Neevalle Neevalle on Star Maa, where she played the role of a police officer. “Although the show lasted only six months, it opened up a world of possibilities for me,” recalls Gouthami. She soon went on to play diverse roles in Agni Pariksha (Zee Telugu) and Rangula Ratnam (ETV).

She currently plays the lead in Chiranjeevi Lakshmi Soubhagyavati, which has completed over 700 episodes. As Lakshmi, a resilient businesswoman, she navigates difficult situations with strength and determination. “My character fights against all odds. Many women have told me they relate to Lakshmi and feel inspired by her tough spirit,” she shares.

Playing diverse roles
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Gouthami celebrates each of her roles and finds both responsibility and fulfilment in portraying them. “I feel inspired to take on challenging characters. Most of the time, I don’t even use glycerine — tears come naturally to me,” she says, reflecting on her emotionally intense performances.

As for her ultimate dream? “I grew up watching Hindi serials and was completely fascinated. One day, I hope to act in them too,” she smiles.

Dheerga Sumangali Bhava airs every Monday to Saturday at on Zee Telugu at 1 pm