Interview
Shirin Sewani: A daily dose of relatable humour !
Shirin Sewani was born in 1993 in Delhi, India. She is an Actress, an Influencer, and a Youtuber. She did her schooling and graduation from Delhi itself. After completing her graduation she went to Mumbai to upskill her acting. Shirin started her career as a model and an actress in 2013. She got her first break in the famous television show ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, where Shirin played the role of Jasmeet. Being a part of many other daily soap shows such as ‘Nagin’ and ‘Kavach’ she won many hearts. Shirin evolved through characters in significant movies like ‘Khandani Shafakhana’ and ‘Mannat’ also she bagged the chance to work on a short film named ‘Rabiya’.
The Paradox team came up with an interesting interview with her where she shared her overall experience of being a part of the Indian Entertainment Industry. Let’s have a look at what Shirin has to say.
Was being an actress your childhood dream?
Shirin: Yes, I started acting when I was in 5th standard. So, I observed an inclination towards acting since my schooling days and even in college. I got admission to Kirori Mal College through the ECA quota in acting. I was passionate about acting since childhood and that’s why kept acting in theatres in Delhi. Being a single child I was always skeptical of changing the city and I wasn’t aware of the Entertainment Industry. One random day, I decided to visit Mumbai and have a look at the scenario there.
I went to Mumbai just for 2 months with the mindset of just taking a glimpse of Bollywood. But I believe I was lucky enough that during those two months I got my first break and from then it kept going further. I never planned to visit Mumbai and take up acting as a full-fledged career. I guess the universe planned this for me, and it has been great.
How did you get your first break?
Shirin Sewani: I was in Mumbai, giving auditions every day. I used to motivate myself by saying, ‘Why are you here? You left your parents, your house, your friends… just for the purpose to be successful in acting’. But the atmosphere was completely different here. Till yesterday I was at my home, in my comfort zone, getting up with coffee and getting pampered, and today, I’m here alone, struggling for my future, facing rejections and whatnot. I also felt demotivated a lot.
One day I got a call from one team asking me to visit their office. I went there with the thought that they have just called to meet, no need to get happy, nothing much would happen. But when I reached there, they were ready with the contract offering me to play the role of Jasmeet for ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’, and this is how I got my first break. I was very excited about this role.
How was your experience with ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’? Do you use watch yourself on the television?
Shirin Sewani: Yes, I used to watch the show, when it was a regular broadcast on TV. It’s very humanistic to do it, as it’s your debut, you are on the big screen for the first time and you are part of such a big show. All these factors were the reason for being excited. I was excited as well as my family and friends were equally excited about the show. I kept on checking on myself by watching the show, whether I was good at acting, how was the overall performance, did I paid justice to the character I was playing, where I was not that good, areas where I can improve myself, were the emotions correct.
So, I always watch my shows and every time I go through a particular scene then I think that I would have done better here. And I like doing this activity as it makes me more prepared for my next role. The learning never stops. No one is perfect and that is the reason why you need to keep on learning and improve yourself.
Out of all the characters you have played, which one is your favorite?
Shirin Sewani: I never compare the characters, every character is different from one another. Every character has its own story, own script, and own journey and I think that is the beauty of being an actor. Jasmeet will always be a special character for me as it was the first character I played. Also, Jasmeet was a character who became very popular and a favorite amongst all the mothers. I think that being a Delhi girl helped me to add a bit of Punjabi flavor to the character of Jasmeet. These factors make Jasmeet a very special character for me. If we talk about my personal opinion then I played the character of ‘Rapchik’ in the series called ‘Only For Singles’ which was released on MX Player.
This was a character that is very close to my heart as I was able to relate to it up to a great extent. The nature, the vibe, and the inner core of the character were quite relatable to me. I was very happy playing this role as I was able to act in something different from the roles I used to play in the previous shows. I enjoyed a lot playing that character.
Are you a travelholic as your character ‘EVA’ from the show ‘Backpackers’?
Shirin Sewani: Yes, I am a travelholic. I love to travel and explore new places. I haven’t traveled much yet because I was pretty occupied with my work. But I will travel as I get time. I am the kind of person who is always up for the plans of trips and travels. Eva was a character that had a sense of commitment and had no plans of settling down, but I guess I am a bit different from her at that point as I decided of settling down much earlier.
How will you differentiate the experience of working in serials from the experience of working in movies?
Shirin: This is the most common question I had come across, as I have worked in T.V, movies, and web series. And I have always said that it doesn’t matter. Being an actor I haven’t ever thought that I will act in the movies and serials differently. I read the script, try to understand the character, and see what the director is looking for in the character. It is about how you want the story to be narrated and how you want the character to be portrayed.
For example,
there will be no difference in the character of Jasmeet. She is a Punjabi girl who is a little crazy and weird, a little loud and she will be the same even if she was in the movie rather than in the serial. This is because the character and the director wanted it to be like that. Only the platform will be different, you are working for a T.V show where you need to work for 12 hours and perform on the spot, but I think this makes you more skilled. And to provide the audience with quality roles is the job of the actor, even under high-pressure situations.
What was your parent’s reaction when you decided to give your passion for acting a shot and visit Mumbai for 2 months?
Shirin Sewani: I have heard many people complaining that their parents are not supportive of them. But in my case, it was different. They were supportive more than I expected. In every possible way, they showed their support and told me that I can do whatever I want to. They had a good amount of trust in me and they believed that I know what I was doing.
The second thing is that they never put pressure on me for that, they were like, ‘if you want to go then give it a try, give your 100%. If you succeed then it’s best, but even if you don’t then no problem and at least you won’t have any regret.’ I would advise all the parents to let their kids try, even if they fall. If something is meant to happen then it will happen no matter how much you try to avoid it. Let them live on their own. Just give your 100% and don’t worry about the results.
Whom would you consider as your favorite co-actor?
Shirin Sewani: I would say, Aman Sharma, because he was my first co-actor. He was more experienced than me. I was very scared during the initial days because it was a new city, with new faces and it was a completely new industry for me. He helped me a lot during that time. We used to rehearse acting and dancing together. I remember we used to have dance practice for the show at 12, but we used to be there by 10 and rehearse. We used to convince our choreographers to teach us by the time everyone arrives and get ready. We were always ready for the practice and sometimes we even shout at each other when we make mistakes. But we did all these because we wanted to do our best and shine in the performance.
Any incident/memory from your previous projects which you will never forget?
Shirin Sewani: There is always some sort of memory from each project we do. You create a memory with every show you do, every project you do. I remember when I was performing for ‘Only For Singles’, there was a scene in which the character wanted to wrap up things and get back home, and was very tense. I got so indulged and drawn towards the scene that even after the cut I was crying and then the crew came for help and tried to collect myself.
And I think this is the beauty of acting that you try to relate with the character and the scene from your real-life incidents and experiences. There are tons of memories while shooting for ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ as well. I remember we were in Lucknow shooting for the show and my parents visited me there, spending quality time with my family after the shoot is also a memory. So these are all the memories and there are a lot more as well.
Who has been your inspiration, as you said you dreamt of being an actor since your childhood?
Shirin Sewani: To be honest, many people have been inspiring me. It started when I used to mimic my teachers in school when I was in 3rd or 4th standard. I use to mimic the people who inspired me. But if I have to take names from the industry then it would be Abhishek Banerjee. I have seen him since my college days, he struggled a lot. He gave many years to casting and did amazing films as a casting director. Then he did films like ‘Stree’. He was my senior in college and now watching him in such great projects inspires me.
If you wouldn’t have picked acting as your career then what other profession you would have chosen?
Shirin: I graduated with B.Ed. So the plan was of being a teacher if I won’t have been an actress. I completed my B. Ed, while I was doing ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’. I had 2 options, I would have been a chef instead as well. I love cooking and enjoy it like nothing else. If I get the chance then I would have done something in this field as well. I love hosting people as well whether it be for a party or an event. So if I wasn’t an actress then I would have many options to look up for.
How do you manage your personal and professional life? And what do you do in your, ‘Me Time?
Shirin Sewani: First of all it is all about learning to manage the time between both of them. I have never given anyone a chance to complain that you don’t give us enough time. Everything asks for efforts to make them sufficient. I always prioritize both things equally. It shouldn’t happen that you get into work so much that you fail to enjoy the time with your family and friends. You should work, of course, I also love to work but I manage to give time to my family as well. So, this balance is very necessary.
And, answer to the question that what I do in my free time is in my hobbies. I do cooking and try to make more delicious dishes. I love doing it and enjoy it in my free time. I also try to work out during that time as well. Also, I always do something related to my profession. I chill out with my friends, go to their place, and have fun. I choose what I want to do and then enjoy it accordingly.
You recently got married, so how did you meet your life partner? And how did you decide to get married to each other?
Shirin Sewani: I met him at my friend’s party. It was a very casual meeting, there was no drama or love at first sight sort of things. My friend introduced us and then we became friends. Then our parents met and got things ahead. I believe that he was someone who was supposed to come into my life. This is because all these things were so unplanned and came all of a sudden. And the journey has been great since then.
What are the advice and suggestions that you would give to the people who are entering the industry?
Shirin Sewani: I would say that be well prepared and then come into the industry. If you think that you can do it, there is nothing much, it would be easy, then it’s not correct. It is not that easy. Trust me the process is really difficult, the struggle is real, and you need to be sustainable. Give your 100% and remember that our industry works on luck as well, be prepared for that. Learn to face rejections, you will be giving many auditions and facing the rejections as well.
Be prepared for that. Be patient, it is not an easy industry to get in. you need to be patient and wait until the opportunity comes to you, you won’t get work from the first day itself. Don’t give up easily, be patient, and stay consistent. Work up on your skills. Acting is not all about looks, you need enough skills to give justice to the character. So, work on improving your skills.
What kind of roles do you want to play? Like the role which you want to play once in your career?
Shirin Sewani: Honestly speaking, I am happy with the kind of roles that came my way. All the roles which I have played are different from each other. But if you ask me what kind of roles I would like to play then my answer would be roles that are a little raw and not afraid of anyone. The role of Kangana in the movie ‘Tanu Weds Manu’, was very impressive. I like this kind of role which is a little more realistic. I am not very choosy about the roles, whichever you will give to me I will accept it and try to give my best for that character.
What are your future projects?
Shirin Sewani: There are a few projects which I will be announcing soon. And there are a few web series coming as well. But all things took a back seat due to the pandemic. I hope that all these problems get solved soon so that we can start shooting again. Hopefully, everything goes well and I will be back on the screen as soon as possible.
Did you ever plan how your wedding would be? Any childhood dreams for your wedding?
Shirin Sewani: I wanted to keep my wedding very simple. I wanted to keep my wedding private and keep it between our families only. It was a mutual decision by both of us that we want to keep it simple and enjoy our moment rather than be with the crowd and the guests. I think the decision came out to be perfect, we enjoyed the whole ceremony and it was very beautiful.
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Shirin Sewani Instagram is all things fun laugh and relatable!
This was the interview with Shirin Sewani. She talked about her struggles, her journey, her most memorable moments, and much more.
The inspiring journey and the humble nature of the actress will leave a mark, on your heart. All the best to Shirin for all her future projects.
If you watch reels all day we are sure you have once in your scrolling journey came across Rajesh Yadav and if you binge-watch OTT content every day and Campus Diaries is your favourite show then you must be friendly with Sandy! Paradox gets candid and stocks up the inspo from none other than Rajesh Yadav!
1) When did you begin creating material professionally? Was there ever a spontaneous notion or incident that altered your perception of content creation as a profession?
Rajesh Yadav: In December 2015 I started making content, and by God’s grace, my first video drew a big audience. My second video later went viral, making the characters well-known. As my first video went viral, I was motivated to work even harder on my content creation and no longer had to worry about making this my career.
2) Were there any other role models you admired before beginning your journey?
Who motivated you to keep going?
Rajesh Yadav: I liked watching TVF and AIB’s funny and caustic videos before I started working in this field. After seeing their work, I became a fan and started making videos.
3) When did your life change for the better?
Rajesh Yadav: Creating my first video marked a turning moment in my life because I had never before considered a career in the arts or as a content developer. Although I didn’t have much experience in this sector while I was in college. I joined a theatre organization because I had some free time, and I worked there on the weekends.
4) How did you find acting as Sandy in the Campus diaries?
Rajesh Yadav: Sandy from Campus Diaries was my first role in a web series. Due to his many varied characteristics, including the fact that he begins as a friend and ends up as a villain, Sandy is an extremely distinctive character. I had never portrayed a somewhat pessimistic role before. For the first time, I had the opportunity to participate in something brand-new; perhaps the second season will have even more surprises.
5) Whoever would you like to work with if you had the chance to work with any artist in the world, and why?
Rajesh Yadav: Shahrukh Khan is the person I would choose to collaborate with if given the chance. Shahrukh Khan is someone we have all admired and been inspired by since we were young kids, no matter where he is today. I’ve wanted to meet Shahrukh Khan since I was a young child, and if I ever had the chance to work with anyone I wish, Shahrukh Khan would be my first choice.
6) What difficulties did you face at the beginning of your journey?
Rajesh Yadav: The major obstacle I had to overcome at the beginning of my adventure was learning how to produce original and creative videos for the audience. My goal was to come up with concepts that I might potentially employ in novel ways over the long term rather than to produce something that couldn’t be used in the future. Thankfully, I had only encountered these challenges in my first video.
7) Your thoughts? Is that your greatest success to date?
Rajesh Yadav: Any success I may have feels enormous to me as a regular person who enjoys watching superstars and I always had fantasies about meeting them. Nevertheless, now that I’ve recently collaborated with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, communicating and working with them. It is an accomplishment. After following him in college and attempting to meet him, it’s an enormous accomplishment for me to be able to communicate and work with superstars.
8) What is your greatest professional goal?
Rajesh Yadav: We are all aware that every one of us has different goals. My current objective is to play the main character in a movie or web series so that I may discover my talent and exhibit it to others. This is my current objective, and after I reach it, I’ll think about pursuing some more challenging objectives.
9) How have you found performing and writing for MensXP? It is a truly new platform that requires robust connectivity in order to function.
Rajesh Yadav : Four years of working with MensXP has been a wonderful experience. You can work there with complete creative freedom whether you’re writing or acting. It’s critical that you are given the freedom to complete your task on your schedule without interruption. As a result of the drastically different environment you find yourself in, the genre is quite varied and contains humor.
10) What is the final message you would like to convey to your supporters and well-wishers?
Rajesh Yadav: I can only advise my well-wishers to take care of themselves. In this society when everyone is scrambling for something, we all neglect to take care of our physical and mental health. Sometimes we continue to put our physical health first while ignoring our mental health. I, therefore, urge every one of my well-wishers to take care of both themselves and others around them.
For more such interviews:
Anuj Saini a pre-dominant face of advertising industry is ruling the Indian entertainment industry. Recently he was seen in Gandhi Godse Ek Yudha as character of Naren . He also featured alongside actresses like Jacqueline Fernandez in Mere Angne Mein and Dhvani Bhanushali in Vaaste. he is also seen in many advertisements which includes KFC, Sprite, Nivea, Cadbury,Tata and other known brands.
When did you start your career as an actor?
Anuj Saini: After graduating with a degree in civil engineering, I moved to Mumbai and began my acting career there in 2017.
How has your experience been in the advertising industry? You have been their favourite face for years.
Anuj Saini: Advertising is quite competitive; for a single ad, about 5000 candidates audition, but only one girl and one male are chosen. I’ve spent 6 to 8 hours working on a clothing advertisement set, and I love it. Once we start producing advertising, it’s wonderful, and I get to enjoy creating television commercials.
Just keep trying, improving, and being patient are key characteristics in this field.
What was your first show and how was your first experience working in that show?
Anuj Saini: It was a music video for the song VAASTE that I appeared in. That was my very first acting experience, and it was a great one. The great Rajkumar Santoshi sir’s Gandhi Vs. Godse, my debut movie, will be released in theatres across India next month
As acting is not a cup of tea for everyone! How did you know that you can do it as an actor?
Anuj Saini: It takes months of preparation for a three-hour test (a movie), and acting is a 24-hour career where you have to get better every day with no turning back.
There were so many superstars back in the days so who inspired you the most to become an actor?
Anuj Saini: The actors who most inspired me to pursue acting were Shah Rukh Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, and Sushant Singh Rajput. Due to their consistency in remaining where they are and doing their best up to this point, we are all aware that these people didn’t got support from others in the industry.
Which achievement means a lot to you and is there any other achievement you look forward to achieving?
Anuj Saini: It meant a lot to me when I was chosen for my first feature film, which will be released in January, because I had no familiarity and many talented people chose me for the role. This is a huge accomplishment for me And I have a lot of accomplishments I want to get to.
You have met many different personalities from different fields. Who was most inspiring and why?
Anuj Saini: Anuja Patil, a former player for India, influenced me greatly with her personality . She changed the outlook of way of communicating with others. She is incredibly generous.
What do you want to share that many people don’t know about you?
Anuj Saini: Although I’m a big introvert and am really shy in real life, there is a switch that allows me to be completely different in front of the camera.
What message would you like to give to upcoming actors who follow you?
Anuj Saini: Keep working and hustling. Bombay is a city where one phone call has the power to completely alter your journey, but it will take time for that call to reach you. Until then, stay positive, put in a lot of effort, and don’t give up.
Lastly, what is one message that you want to give to your followers and well-wishers?
Please continue to support me; I’ll do everything in my ability to make you all smile.
AAP HAI TO HUM HAI!!
