Acclaimed actress Shefali Shah, currently receiving widespread praise for her powerful performance in the third season of 'Delhi Crime', recently visited Ahmedabad, a city she fondly calls her second home. In an exclusive conversation, the versatile star shared insights into her craft, upcoming projects with her director-husband Vipul Shah, and her views on pressing industry debates.
The Evolution of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi
Discussing her iconic role as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, Shefali Shah revealed that the character's core remains unchanged but has matured significantly. The essence of her portrayal lies in spontaneity and authentic reaction to each moment on set. She describes herself as a spontaneous actor who doesn't rely on a rigid instruction manual, instead drawing from the immediate environment, her co-actors, and the character's rich, often unseen, backstory.
"Every situation in life gets a different reaction from us. A conversation can change based on our state of mind," she explained, drawing a parallel to her character's nuanced development. For Shefali, building a character starts from a clean slate during filming, allowing for an organic and truthful performance that resonates with audiences.
Upcoming Film 'Hisaab' & A Special Co-Star
The actress shed light on her next project, 'Hisaab', a witty bank heist film directed by her husband, Vipul Shah. This marks his return to the genre after the 2002 hit 'Aankhen'. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast including Jaideep Ahlawat, Abhishek Banerjee, Rohitashv Gour, and Srishti Shrivastava.
Shefali expressed particular admiration for her co-star, calling Jaideep Ahlawat "one of my favourite actors and co-stars." On working professionally with her spouse, she emphasized mutual respect. "We respect each other's work a lot. I will never tell him to make a film for me, and he won't tell me to do a film just because he's directing it," she stated, adding that they maintain professionalism while having fun on set.
On a personal note, Shefali Shah is celebrating a significant milestone—her 25th wedding anniversary—with a trip to Norway and Finland to chase the aurora borealis and dive with orcas, a long-planned adventure.
Taking a Stand on Industry Issues
The actress did not shy away from commenting on current debates within Bollywood. On the contentious issue of long working hours, she asserted that every individual has the right to decide their optimal schedule. "Working extended hours should be an anomaly, not the norm," she said, suggesting that recent discussions have been blown out of proportion and that creative disagreements are a normal part of the process.
Regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking, Shah offered a balanced perspective. She views AI as a support system but firmly believes it "can't be the life and soul of any creative project." The human touch and emotion are irreplaceable, she argued, though she acknowledged the potential for new forms of expression, much like animation in its early days.
The OTT Landscape and a 'Greedy' Actor's Appetite
Commenting on the rise of OTT platforms, Shefali pointed out that while they provide a safer space for diverse stories, they are not the only avenue for small films. She cited theatrical successes like 'Vicky Donor' and 'Badhaai Ho' as proof that audiences are receptive. OTT offers creators the freedom to experiment and the security that a film won't be judged solely on its first weekend's performance.
Ever eager for new challenges, Shefali Shah declared herself a "greedy actor." She expressed keen interest in exploring genres she hasn't yet tackled, including mythological or period films, should the right opportunity arise.
Through this candid interview, Shefali Shah emerges not only as a performer deeply committed to her art but also as a thoughtful voice on the evolution and ethics of the Indian film industry.
