Sheeba Chaddha notes that she has been playing a mother on screen since she was 26, the remark telling of the industry’s tendency to typecast actors. But over the past few years, a wide range of characters has been coming her way—from an antagonist in Khuda Haafiz Chapter 2 - Agni Pariksha (2022) to a ghost in Phone Bhoot (2022). 

“In the last few years, I have played diverse characters. I am fortunate that people can imagine me in diametrically opposite roles. Some filmmakers have cast me in authoritative characters too, like the one in The Trial,” says the actor.

The Trial, created and directed by Suparn S Varma, ticked a lot of boxes for Chaddha. “I had never done a courtroom drama before. Kajol was a big reason for me to say yes. I had loved Suparn’s The Family Man 2. He is a director I hadn’t worked with before. So, it was a win-win in all [aspects].”

The experience of shooting with Kajol surpassed the expectations of Chaddha, who plays her boss in the Disney+ Hotstar drama. The actor is impressed by Kajol’s generosity and appreciative demeanour. 

“Kajol is chilled out. She comes with an aura, and rightfully so—she is a remarkable performer. She is a team player, who is appreciative of everyone. She would compliment me about my look and my performance every time we had a scene together.”