Everyone thought it was impulsive when the little school girl who completed all of her homework just to watch “Kal ho na ho”decided to be an actor. But she’ll well be the Racho who fought it through or the Rani who built her individuality from scraps rather than giving up.
Shivani has a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from the National University of Singapore and film acting training from London’s famed MetFilm School. She is one of those whose life was changed by the pandemic when she discovered self-taping. She is her own manager and stylist, and the freedom she gains from this adds to her strong personality. Shivani has appeared in numerous short films, music videos, and other projects.
In her interview with Storiyaan, Shivani talks more about how the confinement of her room failed to shut her down but instead gave her creative wings. Read on to know more.
Shivani Desai : Fame, Spotlight and More
Interview
Questions and answers
When was the first time you got inclined towards Bollywood?
My parents often tell me about how I used to come home from school and finish all of my homework just so that I could watch “Kal ho na ho” every day. Not only that, but I recall feeling nostalgic while watching “Om Shanti om” with my family at the cinema, and I recall being fascinated by that glamorous world. Though I didn’t understand then that was when I decided to pursue a career as an actor.
When did you realize this line of work to be your forte, to take it up professionally, and what was the reaction of your family?
At the age of 16, I decided to pursue a career as an actress. Growing up as a student was a challenge for me because being artistic is often overlooked in this aggressive educational system, but I remember how at ease I felt in my drama club. When I told my parents that I wanted to pursue acting as a career, they were hesitant to support me at first because they had experienced the difficulties of life as immigrants and didn’t want me to have to go through it. However, after considering my academic achievements, they finally agreed. And now it’s been three years since I graduated, and I’m elated.
Faced with the unforeseen circumstances of a worldwide pandemic, what were the difficulties that came up in your journey and how did you manage to overcome them?
The entertainment industry was hit hard by the pandemic, many were losing jobs, and theaters were shut down. The problem I faced was the little I knew about the industry had become obsolete because the industry was changing because of the pandemic. Earlier people used to go to the studios to give auditions but after the pandemic, they have to self-tape themselves and send. After self-taping for over a year for auditions, I think I appreciate where I am now. I really love the freedom one gets; you get to make your own interpretation of the script and you don’t feel the pressure of giving it in one take, you can do it as many times you want.
How was your experience working as a teacher and how did you embrace this sudden shift in your career?
I would say it was bitter-sweet. I used to work as a part-time teacher since I was 17 but started full-time in 2020. This career shift was mainly because of the economic crisis after the pandemic. The art and entertainment industry was unstable and I just couldn’t afford to remain unemployed any longer. So instead of pursuing only my passion, I decided to take the practical route of teaching and I already had skill and experience in it.
You have attended workshops in acting from various institutions and studios across the world. Share with one of such memorable workshops which has left a deep impact on your professional life.
A Mumbai-based organization introduced me to self-taping, which has become a new means of auditioning, and I’m glad I had spent my savings on it. The prospect of auditioning became less intimidating as I learned to self-tape. A recent workshop with casting director Seth Caskey was another occasion. His session was on industry insider information and script analysis, but I adored it because Seth knew how to ease an actor’s nerves. He values your efforts and makes you feel sufficient.
Having to work from the confinement of 4 walls of the bedroom must be tough for an artist as it kills creativity. What are your ways of tackling them to avoid the creative block?
It’s tough, but I don’t believe it limits creativity. It’s all about perspective since some individuals will allow physical constraints to be translated into emotional and creative constraints, while some use your other resources more smartly and artistically. So I believe that being confined within four walls encourages me to develop my imagination more.
What do you think are the qualities one needs the most to be a successful actor?
Patience as at the end of the day we are humans, and we all have low points. At those times, we have to be patient and believe that things will work out. the ability to detach from work because actors can be incredibly driven and ambitious. It’s important to give ourselves rest days to rejuvenate so that we can grow as people – which in turn, helps us be better actors as well.
Can you share with us your one such amazing experience working on a short film?
I once worked on a short film that began filming at 6pm and was slated to wrap up by 11pm.Near 10.45 pm I checked my phone and realized a lot of work was remaining and finally wrap up at 3 am. Although I was hungry and exhausted, my heart was full and I was happy.
As you said, film and theatre signify the desire to affect change, a means to live truthfully, and an unwavering commitment to the process. Why do you think so and what are things you have learned in this journey?
Art has always helped cause change in society. Even today when we go through hardships, we write stories about them, and if we are hurt we pick up paintbrushes to depict it. I firmly believed that creativity stems from our innate idealistic nature, which believes that things can be improved if we just try hard enough.
What message would you like to leave for our readers?
Do what you love and don’t waste your precious time on a job that makes you feel nothing.
Quick 5
1. Your favorite film – Kal ho naa ho
2. The mantra you follow in life – You will be ok, everything will be ok.
3. A past-time activity you would highly recommend – Cooking
4. Your biggest motivation – My biggest motivation is myself.
5. One change you would want to bring into your life – I would like to travel more frequently.
To get in touch with Shivani or know more about her life in the spotlight, you can reach out to her through her Instagram linked below