I’m glad I took up the challenge of playing Angoori — Shilpa Shinde

 

 

The bubbly actress Shilpa Shinde, who plays the diligent homemaker Angoori on &TV ‘Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai?’ is quite similar to her onscreen self. In a candid conversation, Shilpa shares about her role and show.

 

Audience is appreciating your performance. What do you have to say about it?

I am honestly at a loss of words the way audience is supporting and loving the show and especially my character. You know, initially I was skeptical that I would be able to pull off Angoori’s accent convincingly so I turned the role down. But the makers convinced me otherwise so I decided to give it a shot and haven’t looked back since. I never imagined that I’d get such an amazing response to my character. I have done a lot of shows on television, but Bhabhiji has been the most satisfying experience by far and it has brought me fame like no other show.

 

Do you have a Takia Kalam in real life too?

Sahi Pakade Hain! Well, this has become the show’s name. I actually wanted Angoori to have a catchphrase or takia kalam in the show, so I specially told Shashank Bali (director of the show) that I needed a line that would become popular with the audiences. So they suggested this line. At first I was not happy with it, but when I said it on screen for the first time… it sounded amazing even to me. Now ‘Sahi Pakade Hain’ has become the trademark of the show. I’m quite tempted to make it my real life catchphrase too!

 

Your show is an adult comedy. Do you think that has a restricted your audience base?

We brought the show on the 10.30 PM slot so that people could come home and watch it. It was a new channel and we were experiencing a new thing. But we were amazed to know that more than the adult populace it’s the kids who watch our show. We aren’t showing any adult content on the show. In any case I don’t think it would really harm the young minds because it’s quite a clean show in spite of its premise. It’s a cute comedy and we do not portray any vulgarity or offensive language. We haven’t received any negative feedback so I guess our audience is not limited.

 

Do you follow the writer’s diktat or add in your own spin too?

Quite honestly there is not a lot of input needed from my side because my character is very well thought of and created and so strong that I just have to go and enact it without putting in any extra effort for it. Also, I am a director’s artiste for sure. I usually go with their vision but if there is something that seems absolutely out of place to me I make sure to make my view known. That’s what creativity is all about.

 

Now that your character is more famous, do you think Saumya Tandon would become insecure about it?

Saumya is a very sweet girl. She has already proved herself and that she is worth a lot as an actress. She has already made her strong place in the industry with all the various shows and movies that she’s done. I am a straight-talking and blunt person and I always appreciate her acting skills. Saumya and I never feel competitive about each other’s work. In fact, all four of us just enjoy our work.

 

Any one fun onset memory you would like to share?

Aashif Sheikh is the prankster on our set, but once we decided to pull a fast one on him. Our production people told Aashif ji that he had to remove his shirt and show his body for a scene. He also had to smoke for a shot. Aashif ji panicked and refused to do it and told the production people to call Shashankji. His terrified reaction was just priceless. It was great fun turning the tables and pulling his leg instead. For once, he was at the receiving end and we had a good laugh about it.

 

Don’t forget to tune into Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hai! From Monday to Friday at 10:30pm only on &TV