'I am very possessive about the character'

Atleast once in the lifetime, every actor wishes to play a character that would bring out the best in him/her and change the audiences' perception. In case of Shefali Shah, something like this happened when she signed the character of 'Vartika Chaturvedi' for Netflix web show 'Delhi crime'.

In a dialogue with Millennium Post, the actor shares her experience of working in the show, her character and how web shows are ruling the entertainment space. Read on...

Is the show inspired from a real incident. If yes, to what extent has it been fictionalised?

This show is the fictitious version of the 2012 incident (Nirbhaya rape case). The show revolves around the investigation which followed, so there was no fiction in the story. But on the creative end of the writer and director, they must have explored certain creative liberties.

Who do you think would have been the ideal fit for the role other than you?

Honestly...I cannot imagine anyone playing 'Vartika Chaturvedi', I don't even want to. This has happened for the first time in my career that I am so possessive for my character.

How did you come across this project, what made you say yes to the role?

Well, I never go and ask for work. Even for this role, Richie approached me and shared his interest to direct a show on the 2012 incident. He said that he wanted me to play Vartika. At that time I was not sure, so I just asked for the script and told him that I will read it and let him know. But the last thing I remember is that I read the whole script in one hour and called him to inform that I am on board.

As it is a real character and a real story, what all preparations were needed. Was it totally the director who helped you get under the skin of it, or was it you who made it happen?

The primary source of preparation was obviously Richie. He gave me all the research about the character. I even met the officer. But I believe when you are playing a real character – it is majorly the observation and your instinct towards their personality. From action to cut, I used to forget who I was and just be Vartika Chaturvedi for that time. It is not a one time process, it is ongoing. You keep improvising it while working on the show, in different scenes.

With the emergence of OTT platforms and so many web shows being made, do you believe the opportunities for an actor have increased?

Definitely. I guess with the emergence of OTT platforms, there are so many stories and a plethora of characters to play. Also, I feel that web shows and their success is beyond the box office spectrum.

How have things changed for the audience?

I think people today are inclined towards something that is well made. And particularly talking about the web, I think it has so much to offer and comparatively a larger reach than films – you can watch anything and everything being made across the world sitting at home.