What Shefali Shah told the budding filmmakers of Chandigarh…

DCP Vartika Chaturvedi of Delhi Crime or Dr Gauri Nath of Human, actor Shefali Shah has become synonymous with power-packed performances that leave a lasting impact.

With a career spanning two decades and a repertoire that reflects both depth and versatility, Shefali has carved a unique space for herself in Indian cinema and OTT platforms alike. Whether she’s portraying a no-nonsense police officer or a morally complex doctor, her characters resonate deeply with audiences — not just for their realism, but for the raw emotion and nuance she brings to every role.

At the CineMaestro — Shaping Future Filmmakers: Film Festival and Awards at Chitkara International School in Chandigarh on Monday, she talked about her journey during a freewheeling conversation….

The power of instinct

Instinct. It’s pure instinct. And I’m not dramatising it. I am not saying this for the heck of it because it sounds great. It is absolute instinct. I don’t remember doing anything for money. I won’t do anything that I don’t love.

OTT’s global reach

OTT has increased our reach across the globe, our shows now open to over 190 countries. As a student of cinema, I am very excited because I can watch anything from anywhere. And I can learn. And as an actor, I’m very excited because people across the globe will watch my work. India wasn’t a contender for the Emmys till late, but Delhi Crime changed that. It became the first Indian series to receive the award for Best Drama Series. But that is no threat to films. Cinema is a tradition in our country, which is going to stay!

Women-led stories

I have to give credit where it is due. Many women-led films are being made by men. And I think it’s their voice and their understanding that they want to tell a woman’s story and put it out there. I’m often asked the question — Do you feel the difference between a female director and a male director? I don’t. I feel it depends from person to person. Most of my shows, which are in favour of women, are made by men, be it Jalsa or Delhi Crime or Human. Together we make the change happen.

Turning a director

Oh, I want to. I would love to, but I’m scared. It’s a very big responsibility. Somebody’s hard-earned money on the line. One thing I learnt when I made two short films and from Vipul (husband Vipul Amrutlal Shah) is that as a director you can go to the moon to shoot or do it in Switzerland. But one of the biggest responsibilities of the director is to do it within the budget.

Upcoming projects

There is Delhi Crime 3 that you will see before the end of this year. There is this film Hisaab, directed by Vipul in which I have amazing co-stars — Jaideep Ahlawat and Abhishek Banerjee. I shot for another film by a first-time director. It’s a really bizarre film and I loved the character I played.

Working equation of the Shahs

I think he doesn’t pay me enough. He’s chilled out. Not just with me, but with everyone. But when you share this kind of intimacy as husband and wife, sometimes I would take a liberty which I wouldn’t do with someone else. It’s not all honky dory but it’s great because we only work together when we both are in sync with a project. I’ve never asked him to make anything for me, and he’s never asked me to work for him regardless of whether I want it or not.

Words for aspiring actors

First, Success is not a parameter to judge your capability. Films can work or not work. But that’s not a reflection on you. Second, you should understand that filmmaking is a combined, cumulative group effort. It is not just one person. No place for ego here, because the project is bigger than any of us. Third, there no good or bad film. Art is subjective, so go for honest performance!

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