Interview: Sheena Chohan : A True Pan-Indian Talent Making Her Hindi Film Debut!

Sheena Chohan is a talented Indian actress known for her work across multiple regional and international film industries. A trained theatre artist, she began her career in Kolkata and has acted in Malayalam, Bengali, Telugu, and Hollywood films. Fluent in six languages, Sheena brings depth, diversity, and authenticity to every character she portrays. She made her Hindi film debut with a powerful, culturally rooted role in ‘#SantTukaram’.

Q: Can you tell us about your background — where you grew up, your education, and your journey?

Sheena Chohan: I am a proud Punjaban and a Jaat Sardarni from Bhatinda, but my upbringing took place in Kolkata. Everything I absorbed artistically, be it dance, theatre, or culture, came from Bengal. I trained in theatre in Kolkata for five years, which laid the foundation for my artistic journey. After that, I transitioned into films, starting with Malayalam cinema. I’ve worked in the South, which reflects the diversity of my experience. Though I’ve done around 8 to 9 films so far, this is my debut in Hindi cinema, which makes it extremely special for me.

My very first film was with Jayaraj, a seven-time National Award-winning director, opposite Mammootty. Then came Ant Story with an international director. My journey has taken me through Malayalam and Telugu films and even a Hollywood project—but this is the first time I’ve stepped into Bollywood. This role reminded me so much of my theatre days, where deep character work was the norm. And to top it all, I play a character rooted in Indian culture—someone we read about in history books. That makes this debut all the more meaningful.

Q: You’re truly an Indian artist who has journeyed across the East, West, North, and South. How many languages do you know?

Sheena Chohan: Yes, I’ve lived a truly pan-Indian life, born in Bathinda, raised in Kolkata, worked in the South, and now based in Mumbai. I speak Punjabi, Bengali, English, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi.

Q: How did you land this role, and what was your approach to it?

Sheena Chohan: This role is very close to my heart. The character I play is a fighter, a woman who stands up for love, dignity, and emotional fulfillment in a patriarchal world. She goes through emotional starvation, struggle, and even torture. Portraying her wasn’t easy.

To prepare, I visited a village to understand how Marathi women live, work, and speak. I immersed myself in their daily life to bring authenticity to the role. I followed the script, but also worked hard to add those little nuances that come from lived experiences.

Q: You didn’t have a Bollywood background — how did this role reach you?

Sheena Chohan: Though I didn’t have a Bollywood film to my name until now, I’ve already worked in 9–10 South Indian films and 3–4 Bengali films, many with National Award-winning directors. These projects gave me a strong foundation. Director Aditya Om heard about my body of work and reached out to me. After narrating the script, he said, “I want you to play this role.” I felt a strong connection to the story and agreed.

Q: The character of Avali has a Maharashtrian background. How did you research and prepare for such a culturally specific role?

Sheena Chohan: My preparation began with history books. I studied everything I could find on Avali. But beyond books, I wanted to truly feel her world. I traveled to Bhor in Kolhapur, where we were shooting, and spent time with the local women, sharing meals, observing their gestures, understanding their struggles. As someone with a theatre background, I know that embodying a character means knowing their soul. These women, though humble, are strong and full of silent resilience. I observed how they moved, spoke, laughed, and fought for survival. I created an emotional backstory. Avali wanted love, for herself and her family, but when she realized that her husband, Sant Tukaram, was fighting for a greater cause, she didn’t resist. She joined him, supported him, and surrendered to his mission. That transformation makes her a truly incredible character.

Q: Every role leaves something behind for the actor. What did Avali teach you — as an artist and as a person?

Sheena Chohan: Avali taught me strength, not just to fight for myself, but also to uplift others. She showed me that belief, when combined with resilience, makes anything possible. Her journey echoes the powerful message of Sant Tukaram: Never give up.

Q: Since this is your big Hindi debut, are you nervous or excited as the film’s release approaches?

Sheena Chohan: Honestly, I’m not nervous, just hopeful and excited. My focus is on reaching the audience. I want this story to touch hearts across India. This film is a tribute to Indian culture and resilience, and I hope it resonates with people everywhere.

Q: You’ve shared the screen with veteran actor Subodh Bhave. What was your experience like working with him?

Sheena Chohan: Subodh Bhave is a surprise! On-screen, he comes across as intense and serious, but off-screen he’s kind, generous, and incredibly warm. We shared a great camaraderie, you can feel our chemistry in the film. After wrap-up, he would often treat the team to sweets and authentic Kolhapuri food. Those moments made the experience joyful and memorable.

By Keerti Kadam