I am told, because of my eyes, I’d do well in a Bengali film: Shweta Tripathi Sharma

Be it the soft-spoken Shalu from Masaan, or the feisty Golu from Mirzapur, Shweta Tripathi Sharma is someone who can bring out shades of human emotions effortlessly on the screen. To her, there’s a lot to explore beyond just the black, white and grey and that’s exactly what drives her in real life as well. In town for a Table For Everyone by Black & White Ginger Ale, Shweta talks to CT about being comfortable in one’s own skin, why every story has its time and place and more.
Nine years in, how do you think Masaan would have been received if it released today?
Every story has its time and Masaan was destined to release back then.It was my debut film and it’s been the tree that has borne many fruits for me. I got to audition for Mirzapur, Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein and so much more only because of Masaan. Stories are meant to be told, not held back. It has been a milestone for me and I am indebted to this journey of nine years since the film released.
"OTT has not just made content more accessible globally, but has also given opportunities to many actors, storytellers and technicians"- Shweta Tripathi Sharma
‘Whenever in Kolkata, I try to soak in the local flavour of the city’
Recalling her earliest memories of the city, Shweta remembers the time her father was posted in the Andamans, and they had to often travel via Kolkata. “I was enamoured even then. The air is different here, the way people talk, how much they care about what is being carried on to the future generations.” Her husband, Chaitanya Sharma, who was also in the city to shoot for Maidaan a few years back, as he stepped into the role of football legend PK Banerjee, has added to her core memories of the city. “Last time I was here, was for the shoot of Haraamkhor, and I bought this beautiful white sari with a fish border. These are the things I am always seeking, the local flavour.”
I discovered the magic of poetry because of Masaan, says Shweta

On her love for poetry…
Shweta has always loved poetry, but it wasn’t until she started writing and performing poetry, that she realises audiences would get to connect with her so much. “The magic of poetry is something I discovered because of Masaan. Poetry became a part of my life because of Shalu, as I think before the film happened, I was more like Deepak (Vicky Kaushal’s character in the film),” she says. Remembering the time a lawyer came up to her in Delhi, and told her how much she can relate to her poetry, she adds, “If my words, my voice can offer a balm, or spark a conversation, ignite something in someone, that is the best reward I can get as an artiste.”
You are known for unconventional roles, what factors do you usually consider while choosing a role?
There’s so much to explore beyond just the black, white, and grey. There are so many colours waiting to be explored, and I want my characters to be colourful. While choosing a role, I adhere to my emotional response to it, because I need to have fun, have to feel invested in it. I owe this to my audience because they have showered me with a lot of love. I don’t fit into the stereotypical conventions of a ‘heroine’, but my audience never makes me feel that way. I feel very comfortable being who I am, and credit goes to them as well, for this. Personally, I like characters who know how to navigate difficult situations. I like when they want to do something. These women might not be superheroes, but they have courage within them to find their way.
"A director once told me that my voice gives away my age. But, I love my voice. It is, I believe, is one of the main reasons why people love my poetry"- Shweta Tripathi Sharma
If you had to describe your sense of style in three words, how would you do it?
It has to be comfort, personality and individuality. Comfort is k­­­­­ey to me, as I don’t understand the need to be uncomfortable in order to make a statement. The point is to be, to enjoy. Second, personality because, I think how you dress up is an extension of your personality. When attending an event, I try to wear something that’s close to who I am. Lastly, I choose the word individuality because I think it’s important to explore and experiment, but also be true to who you are at the simultaneously. The idea is to try different things, and not be afraid of making mistakes.
"Previously people used to think you either are a doctor, an engineer or a failure. I am glad people are exploring so much more now. I love Cheeta’s (Chaitanya Sharma) music, how he writes. It’s all about being able to connect to music at the end of the day"- Shweta Tripathi Sharma
How important is it to form something like the Justice Hema Committee in other parts of the country?
I think it’s not just about the film industry, it is necessary in all industries. I have a friend who is judged because she dresses up well. There need to places and people where one can feel safe. The movement that is shaping us is because of the efforts of a lot of people.
On getting to know what fans think
We are always behind the camera. Our interaction is usually limited with the cast and our co-actors. We actors, the more popular we get, we tend to get confined in a bubble. But, in an event like this, like Table for Everyone by Black and White Ginger Ale, it is like an opportunity to interact with people and getting to know what they think.