Actress Smita Sinkar Shah is currently balancing two television shows produced by Rahul Kumar Tewary: Jagadhatri, where she portrays Uma, and Udne Ki Aasha, where she plays Shakuntala. While she acknowledges the challenge, she finds the experience deeply fulfilling.
“It gets hectic at times, especially when I have to shoot for one show in the morning and another in the evening, or even switch between sets in a single day. But since acting is something I truly love, it doesn’t feel like a burden. In fact, it keeps me active, sharp, and creatively engaged throughout the day. It comes with practice. I mentally reset between scenes and stay in the moment,” she said.
Distinct Characters, Natural Switches
Shah explained that the tone of each character is vastly different, making transitions seamless. “Shakuntala is light, warm, and has a comic, relatable energy. Uma, on the other hand, is strong, layered, and more intense. I usually prepare by observing my expressions, sometimes even rehearsing in front of a mirror, so I can align my body language and emotions with the character. It’s about balancing emotions with intent. You stay connected to the character’s core while adapting to the situation,” she added.
What Drew Her to Each Show
The actress shared what attracted her to each project. “Udne Ki Aasha attracted me because of its simplicity and relatability—it’s a very slice-of-life, heartwarming story. I instantly connected with Shakuntala. Jagadhatri, on the other hand, excited me because of the complexity of Uma’s character. It’s layered, evolving, and has shades that challenge you as an actor.”
Both roles are demanding in their own right. “Uma in Jagadhatri is definitely more emotionally demanding because of her depth and the situations she goes through. Shakuntala, while lighter, has her own emotional base—she’s lonely yet loving. Both characters are unique in their own ways, and that’s what makes playing them so enjoyable,” she said.
Different Acting Approaches
Shah tailors her preparation for each character. “For a lighter show like Udne Ki Aasha, I go more with the flow and keep the performance natural and easy. I take it one scene at a time, understanding the background and motivation. Uma doesn’t react impulsively—she processes and then responds, which helps maintain depth. For Jagadhatri, I spend more time understanding the scene, the backstory, and the emotional layers. I also observe a lot of small details, expressions, and reactions to make the character more believable.”
Cross-Show Learning
Shah noted that experiences from one show often benefit her performance in the other. “Observing co-actors and working with such strong teams in both shows have helped me grow. The learning I get from one set, whether it’s performance nuances or emotional depth, definitely reflects in the other.”
Audience Response and Challenges
The actress is pleased with the audience’s reception. “The response has been amazing and very different for both. People absolutely love Shakuntala; she’s warm, funny, and relatable. For Uma, especially when she had negative shades, I received strong reactions, even anger, from the audience. But that’s actually very satisfying as an actor because it means the character is connecting. I ensure Uma reacts individually to each situation, maintaining her graph without losing the larger narrative.”
One of the biggest challenges is emotional balance, particularly on difficult personal days. “Portraying a character who shifts from positive to gray requires restraint and precision. I remember once I had to shoot a funny scene right after hearing about a personal loss—it was extremely difficult. But as actors, we learn to push through and give our best,” she shared.
Growth Through Dual Roles
Shah believes both shows have contributed to her growth. “Playing two completely different characters at the same time has made me more versatile and aware as an actor. I’ve learned to adapt quickly, understand deeper emotions, and bring more authenticity to my performances.”
Praise for Producer Rahul Kumar Tewary
She expressed gratitude toward the producer. “He is a truly wonderful human being—warm, kind, and incredibly comforting. I have experienced this across both teams, and it all comes from him. When the production environment is so positive, it naturally reflects on everyone—it feels like a family. Even though I don’t interact with him very often, his presence is always felt. The team is so supportive that you hardly get a chance to complain. I feel truly blessed and grateful that I got the opportunity to work with him and be a part of such a nurturing environment,” Smita concluded.
