Nine years later, how do you think Masaan would have been received if it released today?
Every story has its own time and Masaan was destined to release at that time. It was my first film and it has been a tree that has yielded many fruits for me. I got to audition for Mirzapur, Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein and many more because of Masaan. Stories are meant to be told, not held back. It has been a milestone for me and I am indebted to this journey of nine years since the film released.
,OTT It has not only made the content more accessible globally, but has also provided opportunities to many actors, storytellers and technicians” – Shweta Tripathi Sharma
‘Whenever I am in Kolkata, I try to enjoy the local flavour of the city’
Recalling her earliest memories of the city, Shweta remembers the time when her father was posted in the Andamans and had to frequently travel through Kolkata. “I was fascinated by it even then. The air here is different, the way people talk is different, how much they care about what is being taught to the coming generations.” Her husband Chaitanya Sharma, who was in the city a few years ago to shoot for Maidaan, when he played the role of football legend PK Banerjee, has brought back even more memories of the city. “The last time I was here was to shoot for HaraamkhorAnd I bought this beautiful white sari with a fish border. These are the things I always look for, the local flavours.”
Shweta says, ‘Masaan’ is the reason I discovered the magic of poetry
Anindya Saha
On his love for poetry…
Shweta has always loved poetry, but until she started writing and performing poems, she didn’t realise how much the audience would connect with them. “I discovered the magic of poetry because of Masaan. Poetry became a part of my life because of Shalu, because I think I was like Deepak (Vicky Kaushal’s character in the film) before the film was made,” she says. Recalling the time when a lawyer in Delhi came up to her and told her how much she could connect with his poetry, she adds, “If my words, my voice can heal someone, or spark a conversation, awaken something in someone, then that is the best reward for me as an artist.”
You are known for unconventional roles, what factors do you usually consider while choosing a role?
There is so much more to explore beyond black, white and grey. There are so many colours to explore and I want my characters to be colourful. When choosing a role, I look at my emotional response to it because I want to enjoy it, feel included in it. I am grateful to my audience because they have showered me with so much love. I don’t fit into the stereotypical ‘heroine’ but my audience never makes me feel that way. I am very comfortable with who I am and credit goes to them. Personally, I like characters who know how to deal with difficult situations. I love it when they want to do something. These women may not be superheroes but they have the courage to find their own way.
“A director once told me that my voice reveals my age. But, I love my voice. I believe this is one of the main reasons why people love my poetry”- Shweta Tripathi Sharma
If you had to describe your sense of style in three words, how would you do it?
It should have comfort, personality and individuality. Comfort is the most important thing for me, because I don’t understand the need to be uncomfortable to make a statement. The point is to have fun. Secondly, individuality because, I think how you dress is an extension of your personality. When attending an event, I try to wear something that is close to my personality. Lastly, I choose the word individuality because I think it is important to explore and experiment, but at the same time stay true to who you are. The idea is to try different things, and not be afraid to make mistakes.
“Earlier people thought you were either a doctor, an engineer or a failure. I am glad people are exploring a lot more now. I love Cheeta’s (Chaitanya Sharma) music, the way he writes. It’s all about being able to connect with music at the end of the day”- Shweta Tripathi Sharma
How important is it to form a committee like Justice Hema Committee in other parts of the country as well?
I think this is not just about the film industry, it is important in all industries. I have a friend who is judged because she dresses well. There should be places and people where one can feel safe. The movement that is shaping up is a result of the efforts of many people.
to know the opinion of fans
We are always behind the camera. Our interactions are usually limited to the cast and our co-actors. We actors, the more popular we get, we are confined in a bubble. But, at events like this, like Table for Everyone by Black and White Ginger Ale, it is an opportunity to interact with people and know what they think.
