Showing posts with label Sheeba Chaddha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sheeba Chaddha. Show all posts
Despite good intentions, visuals can end up sexualised even if that wasn't the intent on paper-Rasika Dugal
8:30 AM
Actors from web series share experiences, apprehensions amidst entertainment’s changing narrative
THE ECONOMIC TIMES (June 16, 2025)
In a panel discussion titled 'Women in OTT: Changing the Script' at The Economic Times Women's Forum 2025, acclaimed actors Rasika Dugal, Tillotama Shome, Riddhi Dogra, Sheeba Chaddha, and Anjali Anand came together to share personal journeys, career pivots, and how the streaming revolution transformed the narrative arc for women in Indian entertainment.
Rasika Dugal, widely recognized for her role as Beena Tripathi in the critically acclaimed web series Mirzapur, opened the conversation with a candid take on the early promise of streaming platforms.
"When OTT first exploded, everyone was suddenly saying 'female-centric story, female-led character'. It was exciting, but I was skeptical. Would it be real change or just another form of tokenism-women doing the same things men do?"
Dugal added that scripts are now beginning to explore femininity more meaningfully. "We don't always succeed because our ingrained references often objectify women. Despite good intentions, visuals can end up sexualised even if that wasn't the intent on paper. We're all working to unlearn and undo that baggage," she said.
Veteran performer Sheeba Chaddha, who has transitioned fluidly between theatre, film, and streaming, spoke of clarity rather than challenge. "I've always approached them (theatre and film) as completely separate mediums and we engage with them differently," she noted.
Tillotama Shome reflected on her shift from theatre to film and OTT, emphasizing the emotional safety the camera offered. "The camera was like an unobtrusive, gentle friend," she said.
"The concept of multiple takes wasn't about repetition-it was about trying something new. It suited someone like me who doesn't enjoy the adrenaline rush of a live performance." She also spoke about the impact of her role in Qissa, where she played a woman raised as a man by her father. The part, she said, reshaped her understanding of gender and identity.
Riddhi Dogra, who played a woman grappling with same-sex desire in The Married Woman, admitted to initial hesitation. "It was a subject that needed absolute non-judgement and great sensitivity," she said. "But when I met the director and writer, I understood the care they were bringing to the story."
She said that a script supervisor-herself in a same-sex relationship-was brought in to guide the process. "I think that is what has sort of resonated with the audience, whoever has appreciated that show, is that they see that care, they see that sensitivity but not overly doing it. We kept it as normal as possible," she added.
For Anjali Anand, Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani marked a turning point. "I came from television-did it for three years after my first web show, back in 2016-17, when the web shows weren't really considered cool. Television throws every imaginable situation at you-especially if you're the protagonist in a daily show," she said.
"When Rocky Aur Rani came along, it felt like the right opportunity to finally show what I was capable of. I had been preparing for it, and I chose to take it on."
Reflecting on her role as Beena Tripathi in Mirzapur, Dugal said the role became a form of exploration-something she hadn't had the courage to pursue or allowed herself to experience in real life.
"I feel I had an upbringing that was as free from gender bias as possible within a patriarchal society. I also went to a college with a strong feminist ideology," she added.
Speaking about changing perceptions of indie cinema, Shome observed that independent films are experiencing a resurgence. "It feels funny-like coming full circle. When I started out with independent cinema, it was looked down upon, and considered neither mainstream nor commercially viable. So it's really nice to now be in an environment where people understand the commercial viability of an independent project. And by 'independent,' I mean having the creative freedom to do what you want."
I am fortunate that people can imagine me in diametrically opposite roles-Sheeba Chaddha
8:32 AM
Relishing playing diverse characters at this stage, Sheeba on essaying a no-nonsense boss in The Trial
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; July 18, 2023)
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.”
After being screened at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, Akshay Oberoi’s Bad Egg to stream on festival’s website
8:49 AM
Hiren Kotwani (MID-DAY; August 11, 2022)
The pandemic continues to inspire filmmakers to tell different stories set against such unprecedented circumstances. Director Mehak Jamal, who has previously co-written Love Hostel, is set to showcase one such narrative with Bad Egg at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). After the screening at the festival on August 13, the 28-minute short, starring Akshay Oberoi, Zoya Hussain, Jim Sarbh, Sheeba Chaddha and Shruti Sridharan, will stream on the official website till August-end only in Australia.
Excited about the screening, Oberoi says, “Mehak is a talent to watch out for, who deserves all the glory and success. The film will be a great beginning to bigger and better things for her. It’s all credit to Mehak that our short has been selected for a screening at the IFFM.”
Interestingly, Bad Egg was the first film Oberoi shot for when filming resumed post the lockdowns. “I think it was gutsy to make this film [at such a time]. Short films don’t have big budgets, so we all had to be responsible as a team and work in tandem,” adds the actor.
Without divulging much about the film, Oberoi promises the story is “full of mystery and unpleasant surprises”. “I’m looking forward to the audience response at the IFFM 2022.”
Bad Egg is about a how a daughter unfolds the mystery behind the kidnapping of her sister.
It feels great when I get so much love from people, but I have never won a single award-Sheeba Chaddha
7:23 PM
Sheeba, nominated in Best Supporting Actor category at Hitlist OTT Awards, on how she had to dig deep to play grieving mother in Pagglait
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; March 4, 2022)
Sheeba Chaddha describes herself as a “switch-on-switch-off” actor, embracing the character as soon as the camera rolls and seamlessly shaking it off after the day’s shoot. But when Pagglait (2021) came her way, she knew she would require more than an artiste’s instinct to play the part of the grieving mother who has lost her young son. “I am an actor who doesn’t prep. I don’t take my characters home. But with this one, I felt it wouldn’t be okay to not stay with the character. It’s almost as if I wanted to stay with this woman and her grief, outside of action and cut,” she recounts.
When watching the Sanya Malhotra-starrer, your heart goes out to Astik’s mother — essayed by Chaddha — who has to take care of the extended family coming for the last rites, take stock of daily meals and attend to everyone’s needs, even as she struggles to come to terms with her loss. Her heartbreaking portrayal has fetched her a Best Supporting Actor (Female): Film nomination at the upcoming mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards. “I kept it as real as I could, because what could be worse for a mother [than losing her child]? That loss is unfathomable. As an actor, it’s nearly impossible to access these areas. That grief is bottomless. You can’t perform grief on screen.”
From Talaash (2012) to Gully Boy (2019) to the recent Badhaai Do, the actor has been dependable as ever, shining in her supporting parts. While praise has often come her way, she laughs that award functions don’t seem to take notice of her. “I have been around for so many years. It feels great when I get so much love from people, but I have never won a single award. I would love to get one. It brings you more choices, and helps you choose better.”
Cast your vote for the Hitlist OTT Awards
Sheeba Chaddha has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor (Female): Film category for Pagglait.
The other nominees are:
- Aditi Rao Hydari (Sardar Ka Grandson)
- Chitrangda Singh (Bob Biswas)
- Ileana D’Cruz (The Big Bull)
- Priyanka Chopra (The White Tiger)
- Ratna Pathak Shah (Hum Do Hamare Do)
Log on to www.radiocity.in/hitlistawards to cast your vote.
You can also vote via SMS. Send HITLIST <space> category name <space> your choice (a/b/c as on the website) to 57575.
Voting lines close on March 18.
Kalki Koechlin to have conversations with Death in her debut directorial play The Living Room
7:44 AM
Roshmila Bhattacharya (MUMBAI MIRROR; July 3, 2015)
Kalki Koechlin is in the middle of a hundred things, from composing music and checking out costumes to supervising sets and directing actors. The Living Room, her directorial debut on stage, opens in Bangalore in two weeks and the actress has dived into the deep end with her usual zest.
Around two years ago, she penned a three-four page conversation between Death and an old woman who is in a strange surreal space, about to die but unwilling to exit the world. "Last year, when I was unemployed for six months, I started fleshing out the story. It turned into a comedy on life and death," she says.
Kalki admits that she has always been intrigued by questions about life, death and afterlife. "It's ironic that we give so much importance to everything when this journey is so transient," the actress philosophises.
It's a serious subject treated in a light-hearted manner and Kalki's enjoying every moment away from the spotlight. Prod her on why she's not acting in the play and she reasons, "There's no role for me. I can't play an old woman, can I? So I just went to my ideal cast and fortunately for me, Neil Bhoopalam (he plays Death), Sheeba Chaddha (she's Mrs Anna Nil, the old woman), Jim Sarbh (Nil's grandson Born) and Tariq Vasudeva (a doctor) gave me the nod after a reading."
Has her ex-husband, Anurag Kashyap, helped her with directorial tips? "I won't answer that, I'm tired of questions on Anurag," she grouses, but eventually admits that Anurag isn't a part of this play.
So, is it going to be a film next? "I'm not technically educated in filmmaking so unless I assist someone first, I am not capable of making a film. But I have studied theatre."
The play travels to Delhi next and Mumbai in November.
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