Shilpa Shinde has turn queen Meerawati for web series Paurashpur. The actress, who is known for her acting skill and comic timing, will be seen in a bold avatar. We had an exclusive conversation with her about the series, co-stars, looks and her comeback. Here's what all she revealed to us:
What made you say yes to Paurashpur?
There was a casting guy who is not on the project now but he had called me for this and said we are making such a show and I replied him saying 'to mujhe kyu call kar rahe ho'. But as we say na somethings are meant to happen. I don't know why but after hanging up with him, I kind of got a very positive vibe from within. For the longest time, any subject which was offered to me was not giving me a kick. But this one did. Although I wasn't very comfortable hearing the narrative, yet I kept feeling that there will be changes to the show and it will turn out to be the best and it happened. Believing my instincts, I said yes for the show but I also asked them about who all are a part of the show, as the team matters to me. So, I asked them who is the director? and which actors would be there. So they said no one has been casted and you are the first one to be cast for this show. And I feel they have done everything best.
Your look in the show is extremely royal at the same time extremely bold...
A lot of experiment was done before we finalised this look. At one point, I started feeling, 'yaar mujhpar kuch suit nahi kar raha kya jo itni mehnat ho rahi hai.' So, they told me that Ekta Kapoor wants it in a certain way as it's Meerawati- the queen of Paurashpur. So, a lot of effort went in to design this look.
After wearing the attire and jewellery, did you get the feeling of a Queen?
Agar main jwellery aur royal kapde na bhi pehnu tab bhi mujhe lagta hai main queen hoon (laughs). People have made me feel like one. But honestly, I haven't done much in the show. The whole set up and the way it was shot it used to automatically give you that feeling of being a royal.
Other than you, many experienced and popular actors are part of this series. With whom were you most excited to work with?
When I got to know Milind Soman ji is a part of the series, maine kaha bas kaafi hai, kuch nahi chahiya aur.
Milind Soman's playing a transgender in the show...
It's a big challenge. And he is potraying the character amazingly. I myself was amazed to know that he has accepted this character. He has always been known as best model or fittest person but never as a best actor. But I believe after this series, he will fall in that category as well, though he doesn't need that tag, as he has proved himself in every way. Unka is role ko play karne ka decision lena hi apne aap mein bhaut badi baat hai. The look he has been given and the way he is presenting it is fabulous. I myself also think sometime who would have thought about it and made him agree to pick up this character.
You are working with Ekta Kapoor for the first time. You had any interaction with her regarding this series or character with her?
Earlier, I had been approached for 2-3 shows of her production house before but I didn't take that up. I really respect Ekta for what she has achieved. And knowing my temprament and hearing about her, I always used to be afraid that my relation with her doesn't get spoilt due to work. Being in the same industry, we have never met each other. But I have faith in her and I am sure if she has offered me this, then definitely she must be aware about me as an artist.
We see you in a complete bold avatar in the series. Will this help Shilpa Shinde to change her image?
I have always done bold scenes before but not many people are aware about it. But that has to be according to the subject, not the unnecessary ones. I have that boldness already and if you have that, then it comes out automatically. The scenes which I have done in the series, I will give that credit to the director. The way he has shot those sequences is commendable. When I did comedy, after doing so much of work in TV, people started calling me a versatile actor. However, what I am doing in this show is something I have done before but not in this attire or feel. The kind of revealing clothes I am donning in this show are as per their subject, for the first time audience would see me like this.
Is Shilpa Shinde comfortable doing bold scenes?
I have done bold scenes but I have my limitation. I am not saying bad or good but I am a little orthodox. Main khud apne aapko waisa dekhna pasand nahi karungi. But being an actor, main zaroor sochungi asia karna chahiye. Like in this series also, the ones who have done these close, intimate or bold scenes, hats off to those girls. Its a big thing to do. And as artist one should not feel any shame in doing such scenes. Ek artist agar besharam ho, tabhi vo apna best de sakta hai. In that way, in my performance, the extent I can go, I have gone but if somebody asks me to go topless, then I can't do that. But the one's who have done that, I really appreciate them too.
Image source: Instagram/shilpa_shinde_official