Shahana Goswami on being a part of big budget films like Ra.One and Heroine: I was selling myself short (Exclusive)
Shahana Goswami
has also been a part of quintessential Bollywood films like
Ra.One
and
Heroine
. Reflecting on her shift from commercial big-budget films to content-driven movies, she says, 'Each of those projects had a different pull and attraction for me in terms of the journey that I had.
As for the feeling of fulfilment where my craft is concerned, I didn't feel that very much. I felt like I was selling myself short. I realised that the problem at that time, at least with these bigger and more commercial films, was that smaller characters were not always very well-written or well-crafted into the storyline. So, there wasn't much of a graph or much to do. I knew I was capable of so much more.'
'Bollywood is driven by commerce'
Talking further about her career choice, the Rock On actress says, 'Right after those few films, I started doing leads in independent films, which was fulfilling.
I would be happy to be a part of a big commercial project that allows the character to have meat, but that hasn't happened. Bollywood is driven by commerce. So, the good roles will be given to people who bring money to the table through their name and fame. That's the dynamic.
It's almost impossible or unheard that there would be some completely new person picked just for the fact that they are a good actor.'
'I would've loved to play Rani, but that's not a possibility'
So, does the industry's pecking order ever leave her bitter? Shahana says, 'I enjoyed
Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani
. I would've loved to play Rani, but that's not a possibility. So, it doesn't upset me because I do understand that there is a commercial aspect to it. If the same script was being made by somebody else, maybe they would have made a different film. However, I understand that the minute it's a
Karan Johar
film, it needs names that are commercially viable. Maybe they could make a different choice, but I don't think so much about it. It doesn't really bother me. I'm content doing what I am doing and everything else would be a bonus."
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