Shefali Shah on playing characters that are strong, confident, and unafraid to make a statement

Shefali Shah is a fantastic actor. We know that already. What we probably didn’t know, and certainly didn’t expect, was for her to deliver four fantastic performances (Human, Jalsa, Darlings, and now Delhi Crime 2) in a span of only one year. It makes you wonder if there’s any character or role that she won’t ace. 

In an interview with Bazaar India, Shah speaks about playing characters where women are no longer defined by their relationships but are characters in themselves—strong, confident, and unafraid to make a statement. 

Harper's Bazaar: As we look at it from the outside, it’s been quite a year for you, with one stellar performance after another. You seem to be absolutely unstoppable. What do you make of 2022 so far? 

Shefali Shah: Well, firstly, 2021 was the busiest year of my life. I’ve never done so much work. 2022 has been spectacular. I’ve had the opportunity to explore such incredibly different and diverse characters. It’s put me to the test. And, it’s been great because all the characters have been well received. I’m being recognized for these characters more than I’m recognized as my own self. I take this as a huge compliment. 

HB: Having played a mother in so many films, what's your perception of women in Indian cinema? Has it changed? 

SS: In fact, I was just thinking of a role where I haven’t been a mother. Being a mom was just one part of the characters I played. It didn't fully encapsulate who she was. Luckily, in all the four films I've done this year, the mother has had her own identity. Obviously, this is a prime example of how cinema has evolved and the kind of roles that are now being offered to and created for women. 

HB: As you mentioned, the roles that you’ve played this year are not defined by the relationship that they share with someone, but are complete characters by themselves. How delighted are you to have done so? 

SS: I am absolutely delighted. I mean, thank God. I feel that women in society are recognized by the relationships they hold. They’re somebody’s mother, someone’s wife, daughter, sister, etc. Very rarely are they identified as their own people. Cinema is a reflection of our society. Unfortunately, in our industry, for a very long time, women were recognized as accessories in films. But that’s changing. Because not only are they now full-fledged characters but are also leading from the front.

HB: Do you think such narratives, which see a woman take matters into her own hands, bring out the best in you as an actor?

SS: I say yes, without a shadow of a doubt. The advantage of doing something in the OTT space is that it’s not just one person leading. Every single character is important and a hero or heroine in their own right, no matter the length of their role. 

HB: Your roles in web series are very different from the ones in movies? Do you believe that different formats require this contrast?

SS: I think it has a lot to do with the makers. It’s taken quite some time for content creators to write scripts for me. It’s finally happening. Jalsa and Darlings are both films where I played parallel leads. For me, OTT has changed my life. Delhi Crime has changed my life. But we also have to understand that when it was made it was one director’s vision, recognition of my talent, and his foresight and risk-taking ability—to take me on board and say she’s going to lead this. An OTT platform came onto the project much later. That’s changed my life for sure. I mean, Delhi Crime has been the most determining factor as far as my work goes.

HB: How much of Shefali Shah would you say goes into these characters? And what’s the takeaway from playing such strong roles in your personal life? 

SS: When I’m doing something, I give it my all. To a point where I’m completely consumed, drained, and everything out of me is taken away. I don’t know any other way of working. Obviously, these characters leave something back. It’s like there is a small gap left in me when I give everything (to a character) and something fills it back. You can’t quantify it. It’s a give and take, and all these roles have taken everything out of me. 

HB: We can’t wait to see what’s next. What do you have in store for the coming months and 2023?

SS: Well, I’m in the middle of reading scripts. I did a small part in Doctor G. It’s a commitment that I’d made a long time ago. It’s an important story, a funny and sensitive one. I don’t take credit for that project because it’s an extremely small part. Then there’s this other film that I did—3 of Us by Avinash Arun. That is a very beautiful and delicate film, unlike the characters I’ve played where strength is a predominant part. I’m really looking forward to that. That’s going to be first on the festival circuit. I’m in conversations for a couple of very interesting projects, but I haven’t signed anything yet. I’m hoping that the next year is as exciting as this one. 

Feature images: shefalishahofficial/ Instagram
photographer for the images: @frontrowgypsy (Ridhika Mehra)

Square image: shefalishahofficial/ Instagram
photographer: @frontrowgypsy (Ridhika Mehra)