Pointing out filmmakers' bias towards television artistes, Sanjeeda Sheikh says the advent of web shows has changed the game
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; November 5, 2019)

After reigning on television for more than a decade and doing blink-and-miss roles in films, Sanjeeda Sheikh is enjoying digital entertainment. After Vikram Bhatt's Gehraiyaan, Sheikh has a Netflix original film in her kitty. In a chat with mid-day, the actor talks about playing a mother on-screen and the prejudice against television actors and more.

Edited excerpts from the interview.

Tell us about your Netflix original film.
Netflix is making a film on female infanticide titled Kaali Khuhi [The Black Well]. I am playing mother to an eight-year-old, which is something I have never done in my career. The film is being directed by Terrie Samundra and stars Satyadeep Misra. After working for more than a decade in television, I had been waiting for an opportunity like this.

Haven't you played a mother on television earlier?
In Ishq Ka Rang Safed, I essayed the role of a mother to a five-year-old for a short while. Initially, I used to be skeptical when people offered me the role of a parent in films. I was not as mature as an actor to take it up. At the start of my career, I was scared of being typecast. Things have changed now; I am more confident and know that I can pull off any role offered to me.

Has the influx of OTT platforms given television actors a new outlet?
I am glad that newer platforms are giving actors the opportunity to do something creatively satisfying, and are taking even television actors seriously. It only takes one filmmaker or production house to make that change. An actor should be cast if they can do justice to the role. There has been a positive change.

Do you think the lines have blurred between TV and film actors, as a result?
There was a phase when television actors were not considered seriously for movies, but things are changing. Earlier, I remember going for film auditions and clearing each round. But at the last minute, they [the makers] would drop me, saying, 'Nahin, yeh roz TV par dikhti hai'. This happened several times. When the Netflix film came my way, I was not keen on going for the audition fearing the same, but I am glad I decided otherwise.

Did the bias affect you?
Luckily, I never sat at home without work. I was always doing something or the other. Even if that wasn't the case, it wouldn't have affected me. I am a content person. Having said this, I strive to up my game and perform better. Considering I have been in the industry for so long and done almost everything, the desire to experiment with different content was always on my mind.

Her debut outing in the language winning acclaim, Sanjeeda Sheikh on filming in the North state
Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; August 1, 2018)

After missing from the limelight over the past few years, Sanjeeda Sheikh has grabbed headlines for two recent ventures. Her Friday release, the Punjabi film Ashke garnering applause, Sheikh was also seen putting her dancing skills on display for Remo D'Souza's Nawabzaade.

Talking about pairing up with Amrinder Gill for her Punjabi film debut, she says, "Being paired opposite a superstar like him is a big thing for me. And so was working with Remo [in Mummy Kasam]. Both the projects came my way without much planning. The Punjabi film was finalised within three days. As for Remo's song, he merely called me up and made me listen to the number. I didn't know then that I would be part of it. It was like a dream. I am appreciating the positive reviews coming my way."

Having taken her first steps into a new industry, Sheikh says she is keen to turn her focus towards Punjabi films. However, her TV commitments will not take a backseat, she promises. "Television made me who I am. If something good comes my way, I will do it. I want to be choosy, because one has to invest a lot of time in TV shows. I also want to do more Punjabi films as I feel the response to Ashke has been great. My experience of shooting in Punjab has been wonderful too."

Even as the world is eager to jump onto the digital bandwagon, which carries the promise for better content, Sheikh says TV still enjoys a generous audience. "The digital platform has its own viewership, but we have a lot of people who still watch saas-bahu shows. That is not going to change. I felt, people wouldn't be enticed by the web, but I was wrong. I too don't watch TV anymore, and only watch digital shows."