After a successful outing, Maharaj, last year, actor Shalini Pandey’s latest release, Dabba Cartel, also earned her rave reviews. However, her entry into the industry wasn’t smooth, as her debut film, Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022), didn’t do well at the box office: “When you do a film like that, with such a strong character to play, it’s amazing. But my heart broke when it didn’t work. When everything looks great and you feel like people will love you, but it does not play out that way, you feel shattered.”

Then, her Maharaj co-stars Junaid Khan and Sharvari were spoken about more than her after the project’s success. Did that impact her? “It’s not in my hand. I do not remember how I felt, because I move on quickly. I am someone who gets done with my work, takes the love or the feedback and just move on,” she answers.

Shalini adds, “Earlier, I wasn’t kind to myself. When Jayeshbhai Jordaar didn’t work, I became harsh on myself. But it taught me why it’s important to take pride in one’s journey.”