She started her career with one of the biggest shows on television and since then, played prominent parts in several other big shows on the small screen. Now, Shirin Sewani has stepped into the digital space with her show ‘Only For Singles’. A film debut is also round the corner with ‘Khandaani Shafakhana’ releasing next month. In this interview, she talks about working in the digital and film space, her journey so far and more.
You are from Delhi. So, one assumes you might have to go through the kind of difficulties your character goes through in the show.
Yes, I had my share of difficulties when I shifted to Mumbai. When I came, I was staying with my friends from the college I was studying in. I was the only child, so I was quite pampered. When I came here, people told me strange things like this corner of the fridge is yours and that corner is mine. Back in Delhi, when I was living with my parents, I would get everything I wanted. I did not even know how much a kilo of vegetable or tube of toothpaste cost. The flat in Mumbai was probably as big as the hall we had back in Delhi. There was a ot of intrusion by the members. They would often ask me who was visiting me and why I was coming so late from work. These are the problems most young people face when they come to Mumbai and are struggling to make a mark in their respective professions.
What is that one thing, you think, can help them deal with these kinds of situations?
The best trick is to get your parents for some time when you move to this city. The residents mostly create a ruckus in society meetings and accuse you of indulging in baseless things if you are young, single person. It is important to keep yourself busy with work as there would be problems no matter what you do. But, work will help you divert your attention from those things.
People are also discriminated upon because of their religion, profession and a lot of other things. Does the show talk about these things as well?
Yes, the show explores your emotions with your friends, parents, neighbours and landlords. We have talked about various issues but in a light-hearted manner. If you are in a bad mood, this is a show that will help you get back in a good mood.
You started with a big TV show like ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ and have done several shows after that. ‘Only For Singles’ is your first web show. How was the experience of working in the digital space?
Every medium has specific requirements. TV shows are made keeping the mass audience in mind whereas the content made in the digital space is targeted at the urban audience. The digital medium gives you a lot of scope to experiment and try something new. I have a crazy look in the show. This is my favourite project out of all the projects I have done so far. I got a lot of time to work on my character, something which happens very rarely.
You are making your debut with ‘Khandaani Shafakhana’.
Yes, I am very excited about the film. Sonakshi (Sinha), Varun (Sharma) and I are playing siblings in the film. I thought it would be a little difficult to strike an equation with them as they have done so many films earlier and I was a newcomer as far as films are concerned. But, they made me feel extremely comfortable and were very friendly. Everybody was working with a goal to make a good film.
What are you doing next?
My show ‘Kavach’ is on air right now. There are a few more projects in the pipeline which I will announce soon.
