We sit for a talk with the extraordinary Sheena Chohan, best known for her lead role in the internationally acclaimed film, ‘Ant Story’. The only Indian actor to have received the Human Rights Hero Award at the UN, Sheena gracefully manages to master her versatile roles and responsibilities. In this interview with Dyuti Chetta, she dives into the beginning of her career, her future plans, the causes she supports, and much more.
Sheena first went on stage when she was just 2 years old for a theatrical play, marking the beginning of a truly remarkable career. She shared that the early experience was transformative. “It sparked a lifelong passion for creating characters and storytelling. I feel I was born to act and deep down I always wanted to pursue this medium of expression and art since I was 2. Acting allows me to explore different facets of humanity, and each role is a new adventure. This drive to bring stories to life and connect with audiences is what inspires me every day.”
Sheena’s career has included a myriad of roles – a true testament to her flexibility and talent as an actress, as she has done each role justice. When asked about the most memorable moments or roles in her career , Sheena shared, “Playing a symbol of Shakti in ‘Amar Prem’ and a daring cop in a South film are roles that stand out. However My favourite is of Avali in my upcoming film Sant Tukaram . Each character I portray allows me to delve into different worlds and narratives. These experiences have enriched my versatility as an actress and left a lasting impact on me.” As exceptional as Sheena is at acting, she too faced quite a few challenges, each of which eventually contributed to her development personally and professionally. “The journey has had its share of challenges, from breaking into new industries to embodying complex characters. Each challenge has made me more resilient and honed my craft. Overcoming these obstacles has deepened my understanding of the art and strengthened my dedication. It has taught me to embrace every role with openness and authenticity.”
Sheena’s knack for portraying characters so excellently can partly be traced to her careful preparation process. She approaches each role as a blank page, eager to be molded by her directors. “This openness allows me to fully immerse myself in the character. I delve deep into research, understanding the character’s background, motivations, and nuances. Collaborating closely with my directors and co-actors ensures a genuine and impactful portrayal.” A career in the entertainment industry is many people’s dream, but the reality is a little less rosy. Sheena talks of the difficulty of balancing her personal life with the demands of a career in the entertainment industry, emphasizing on the need for dedication and a strong support system. She focuses on staying grounded and connected to her roots, which aids her in navigating the industry’s pressures. Additionally, prioritizing time with friends and family helps her to stay centered and rejuvenated, allowing her to be her best.
Sheena unveils the actors and directors who have influenced her the most sharing, “Being encouraged by legends like Shekhar Kapur, starring opposite Mammooty, working with Madhuri Dixit, and Kajol and most recently Subodh Bhave has profoundly influenced my approach to acting. Their dedication, passion, and versatility inspire me to push my boundaries.” She shows gratitude for their guidance which has enriched her craft and motivated her to continuously evolve as an actress.
Sheena’s dedication and passion for her job ensures a bright future for her, full of many interesting projects. She shares her excitement for her upcoming films, ‘Sant Tukaram’ and ‘Nomad’. “Both projects offer unique and compelling stories with fantastic scripts. Working with talented directors and crews on these films is a privilege, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience these narratives.” Sheena’s success is an inspiration to aspiring actors dreaming of the glamour of the entertainment industry. Sheena provides some pearls of wisdom for them, unveiling, “Stay passionate and committed to your craft. Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, and never shy away from challenges. Be a blank page for your directors, ready to be shaped and molded. Persistence and authenticity are key to making a mark in this industry.”
Sheena’s philanthropic efforts and dedication to human rights are at the core of her personality, and are avid for all to see. She holds many causes close to her heart, as they are a part of her commitment to making a positive impact. “I support and work with spreading Human Rights education and women’s empowerment initiatives because they have the power to create lasting change. Empowering women and providing educational opportunities can transform lives and communities. These causes are close to my heart and reflect my commitment to making a positive impact.”
Lastly, Sheena touches upon the activities or hobbies she enjoys doing in her free time. “I love reading, traveling, self-enhancement and spending quality time with family and friends. These activities help me recharge and find new inspirations.” These activities provide a balance and perspective that enrich her personal and professional life, ensuring that she shines like the star that she is.
Sheena’s incredible screen presence, raw talent, and sheer dedication to her craft ensures that audiences can never get enough of her performance. Her upcoming projects are another added achievement in a career already full of remarkable roles.
By – Dyuti Chetta
