Tete A Tete Shefali Chhayya

-Written by Satya Wanvari, Contributing Editor

"It is very important for me to be loved"

Do you work on your performance?
When the script is given to me, I go through it and mentally plan the basic traits of the character- her attitude, her voice quality. But I don't do any homework as such. I am spontaneous on the sets and believe in adding movements and not just mouthing dialogues sitting in one place. I prefer a direct take to a rehearsal. The beauty of working in a serial is that the whole team works together and the directors are open to suggestions.

Which medium do you like the most- stage, TV or films?
I love acting. Period. Be it any medium. On stage I am full of nervous energy.

Which role was the turning point in your career?
Saavi in Hasratien. Ajay Sinha, the director was not too sure of me as he thought I was too young for the character. I asked to be auditioned. I felt that it was not the look which mattered but the attitude. I could convincingly play the role by portraying the attitude of a forty year old. Hasratien was the turning point as it put me in the central character slot. Till then I had been somebody's friend or a sister in the other serials.

Which role do you rate as your best performance?
Bhiku Mhatre's wife in 'Satya'.

Were you interested in films?
Every actor wants to do films. It was a faraway dream for me as I never went out of my way to get roles in films. It is difficult for me to ask for work.

"Television is full of compromise on good work"

How did you get the role in Satya?
I had done a role in Ramgopal's 'Rangeela' thinking that it was a good role. But I realized otherwise after the first day's shoot. I called them and told them I want to opt out. Any way Mr. Ramgopal offered me a role again in Satya which I certainly don't regret doing.

Did the Filmfare award get you film offers?
Unfortunately no. I chilled madly after the award.

Where do you see yourself three years from now?
I only want to do films. I am not quitting television totally but I am being extremely choosy now. I have only Antakshari and Raahien on air. I want to do good work in Hindi films. Television is full of compromise on good work. You get into a rut as you only think in terms of packaging an episode after episode.

I believe in keeping an art alive by giving it my one hundred percent. In a film every shot is measured to the maximum and that is what is fulfilling. I want to do a role that excites me enough. I want to do small budget films like Hyderabad Blues.

You have done a Gujarati film recently.
Yes, but I refuse the typical films. I don't mind working with a good director. This film was directed by Vipul Shah and I have no regrets doing this film.

Any other plans?
I may take up direction in future but right now I am concentrating on acting. I am doing a role in Adi Chopra's 'Mohabbatien' and one more small budget film is on the anvil.

What is the greatest challenge to an actor?
Being able to say no to a role. I don't believe in being on air all the time whether the role is good or bad. I don't think in terms of shooting thirty days a month. I am here because I love acting. Everything else will follow.