The TOIFA 2016 nominations list is out and Shefali Shah is happy to find her name in the Best Supporting Actor - Female category for the film Dil Dhadakne Do. She is pitted against Priyanka Chopra and Tanvi Azmi, both for Bajirao Mastani and Tabu for Drishyam. Her role of Neelam Mehra (wife of Anil Kapoor) was a far cry from her real-life persona. Neelam Mehra was a rather insecure, slightly bitchy and helpless woman. “I am completely different from her. I am a transparent person,“ says Shefali.

The actress says she is humbled and overwhelmed with the compliments she has received till date for her role. Commenting on the nomination, she says, “I am very excited to be nominated at the Times of India Film Awards and with such great talent. I am keeping my fingers crossed.“

Dil Dhadakne Do is a special film for the mother of two as it gave her a chance to pursue the dual passions of her life - travelling and acting. To spend five weeks on a cruise liner with 25 cast and 200 crew members was a task and an experience to cherish.

Reminiscing about the film shoot, she says, “Director Zoya Akhtar brought out the dynamics of every character's emotions beautifully.“ She adds on a lighter note, “In fact, I was also keen to play the pivotal role of the dog - Pluto Mehra - which Zoya refused, obviously!“