Shriya Pilgonkar, the talented daughter of renowned Marathi and Hindi actors Sachin and Supriya Pilgonkar, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her remarkable performances. Her journey began at the age of eight when she played the role of Bittu, a boy, in the Hindi serial “Tu Tu Main Main,” which was directed by her father. This early exposure to acting paved the way for her to shine on stage, as she later showcased her skills in the ten-minute stageplay “Freedom of Love” directed by Karan Shetty in 1996.
Since then, Shriya has ventured into the world of films. She made her Hindi film debut alongside the legendary Shah Rukh Khan in the movie “Fan.” Additionally, she has also worked in a trilingual movie titled “Kaadan.” However, it is her collaboration with the burgeoning OTT platforms that has truly propelled her career to new heights.
In a recent interview, Shriya shared her insights into her journey and future aspirations. She expressed her excitement about her latest series, “Crackdown,” where she gets to explore the thrilling world of action. Highlighting the importance of presenting herself differently as an actor, Shriya emphasized the need to avoid being typecast in the industry. She also revealed her desire to strike a balance between working on series and films, as it allows her to showcase her versatility.
When asked about her upcoming theatrical releases, Shriya acknowledged that the timing depends on market conditions and the producer’s decision. However, she did disclose that she has two films in the pipeline. One of them, titled “Ishq E Nadaan,” features an impressive ensemble cast including Neena Gupta, Kawaljeet, and Lara Dutta. The film comprises three distinct stories and falls under the genre of urban romantic drama. Shriya remains eager to explore commercial genres and continue building on her versatility as an actor.
While discussing her aspirations for commercial films, Shriya revealed her longing to take on an out-and-out dance film, an opportunity that has eluded her thus far. However, she stressed the importance of good storytelling and expressed her desire to participate in period dramas. Her vision for her acting career encompasses a wide range of cinematic experiences.
Addressing her inclination towards regional films, especially Tamil and Telugu cinema, Shriya mentioned her previous collaboration with actor Rana Daggubati in the film “Haathi Mere Saathi.” Shot in multiple languages, including Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi, the film provided her with a beautiful experience. She expressed admiration for the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries, acknowledging the impressive global reach of films like “RRR.” Shriya affirmed her willingness to explore more opportunities in Tamil and Telugu cinema.
In response to a question about her proficiency in regional languages during film shoots, Shriya admitted that while she did speak the languages, her dialogue delivery was dubbed by someone else to ensure the right accent. However, she expressed a strong desire to dub her own dialogues, recognizing the significant role of voice in an actor’s performance.
In the unpredictable entertainment industry, newcomers often face challenges that can be emotionally overwhelming. When asked about her advice for aspiring actors, Shriya emphasized the importance of building internal strength and maintaining a strong support system of friends and family. She acknowledged the combination of talent, luck, and opportunity that plays a crucial role in an actor’s journey. Shriya also highlighted the need to accept the uncertainty that comes with the profession and advised newcomers to constantly reinvent themselves and stay open to opportunities.