Interview : Shreya Sharma : This Doctor-Turned-Actress Believes That For An Actor, Learning Never Ends!

Shreya Sharma, who made her Bollywood debut with ‘#Mastii4’, is a qualified dentist who completed her BDS from SGT University in Haryana. Drawn to acting since childhood, she actively pursued theatre, cultural festivals, and professional dance during her college years. After moving to Mumbai two years ago, she trained rigorously through multiple acting workshops to refine her craft. Before Mastii 4, she worked on a film featuring Nithya Menen, Vivek Oberoi, and Ashish Vidyarthi, slated for release next year. Shreya also appeared in ‘Jatadhara’, performing the popular dance number “Pallo Latke.” Shreya Sharma interacted with out Sr Editor Keerti Kadam. Excerpts…..

Tell us something about your background and your initial days.

Sir, it has been two years since I came to Mumbai. I am a dentist. I completed my BDS from SGT University, one of the best dental colleges in Haryana. I always wanted to be an actress since childhood, but after 12th standard you really don’t know what you want to do in life. You are just 17 or 18, and my entire family comes from a medical background. My mother is a biochemistry teacher and she taught in the same school I studied in. Naturally, at that age you feel scared thoughts like “If you go to Bombay, where will you stay?” came to mind.

Even if my parents had supported me then, I don’t think I had the maturity to know where to go or whom to approach. So I finished my five-year dental degree, and it’s been two years since I moved here. I’ve learnt a lot. I was the president of my university, I attended all the cultural festivals at AIIMS and IIT, I did theatre, I danced, and learnt professional dancing. Now I’m doing several acting workshops. Back then, you don’t know much, but now that I’m here, I feel extremely well-prepared. Every day I try to give my 100% to whatever opportunity I get whether it’s working on my craft or my appearance, because we are in a visual medium. I just try to give my best.

You said you came prepared. So what was your first thought when you were offered an adult comedy? Did you feel you should debut with such a film? Did you discuss it with your family or decide it yourself?

No sir, of course when a girl is new, there are many preconceived notions about what one should or shouldn’t do. But you also see the bigger picture—a girl who knows no one in the industry getting an opportunity to work in a franchise that stars Riteish Deshmukh, Vivek Oberoi, Aftab, Nargis ma’am, Arshad sir….actors I’ve always admired. So yes, you know what you are stepping into, but at the end of the day, if you watch the first Masti, it’s a fun film with a lot of emotions too. The song “Dil De Diya Hai, Jaan Tujhe Denge” is iconic. The franchise is much more than just adult comedy.

Mastii 4 also has that element, but I never felt hesitant. As an actor, coming on such a big screen itself is a huge opportunity. So I never had any negativity or inhibitions while performing or while saying yes.

How did Mastii 4 reach you and how did you get the role?

Sir, I did a film that will release next year, directed by a National Award-winning filmmaker with Nithya Menen, Vivek Oberoi sir and Ashish Vidyarthi sir. Through that film, I got to know Milap Zaveri sir and our producers. I requested them to let me audition.

The character was Aanchal, and Milap sir felt that I could portray her because I’m a bit bubbly like her. She’s sassy, possessive, constantly checking, like in the film she keeps saying, “Oh my God, send the live location.” It was a fun role.

I gave one audition, followed by a look test, and then a proper acting audition with a full scene. I want to share something, some people messaged me saying, “We are four girls, but it never felt like it’s your debut.” Even though our parts weren’t huge, working alongside senior actors and hearing this kind of appreciation means a lot.

What were the reactions from your family and close friends?

Honestly, sir, my parents were very supportive. My mom came for the premiere and enjoyed it thoroughly. She was laughing throughout. My father couldn’t attend the premiere because he had patients, he’s a doctor. When he went to watch it later in the theatre, there’s a scene where I’m wearing a bridal lehenga, and he actually started crying. I told him, “Dad, I haven’t even gotten married yet, relax!”

They know what I’m doing and are proud. I have also done a murder mystery, and I want you to come for the premiere when it releases. I want people to judge my performance. I want to be an all-rounder.

I also did “Pallo Latke,” an item song in Jatadhara, which stars Sonakshi Sinha ji and Sudheer Babu. I don’t want to limit myself. As an artist, whatever I do, I want my directors and producers to feel, “She is the best choice.”

This seems to be a lucky month for you—Jatadhara and Mastii 4 have both released.

Yes! Jatadhara released on 7th November and Mastii 4 on the 21st. I still can’t believe it. It’s just been two years in Mumbai. God has been very kind. Sometimes I feel imposter syndrome—“Do I even deserve this?” But now it pushes me to work harder, so when something bigger comes my way, I am fully prepared, fully ready, and people feel I truly deserve it.

The three male leads are stalwarts in comedy. How was your experience working with them? Any pranks on set?

The biggest prankster is Vivek Oberoi ji. He says something to one person, then tells the opposite to another, and everyone gets confused! Working with him is great fun. Riteish sir is always politically correct. Aftab sir, with his adorable expressions, is very sweet. Their families were on set because it was June and the kids were on summer vacation. We all had a great time, eating together, celebrating birthdays.

The first day was overwhelming—“Oh my God, I’m working with Vivek sir!” But all three of them made sure I never felt like a newcomer, even though I was the only debutant in the entire film. They guided me whenever required, how to say a line, how to deliver something. They were wonderful.

Among the three actors, if you get a chance, whose comedy film would you want to do next?

This is a tough question! But I’ll answer smartly. I’ve already worked with Vivek ji, so next I’d love to work with Aftab sir or Riteish ji.

Who do you think has the best comic timing among them?

I like all three a lot. Aftab sir is known for comedy and he’s very good. Riteish sir also has excellent comic timing. I want to watch his upcoming film Shivaji. Even in Housefull, he was brilliant. Given a choice, I’d love to do a rom-com with Riteish sir. His chemistry with Genelia is loved across the country.

You’re well-educated and have chosen this profession. What kind of studying do you do now? Do you watch world cinema?

I read a lot. And I’ve never told this publicly, but I’m going through the IMDb Top 100 films—The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, and many more. I make notes. I study performances like Daniel Day-Lewis as Lincoln, Ben Kingsley as Gandhi. In fields like MBBS, MTech, PhD, your studies end. But as an actor, you’re a student for life, your learning never ends. In my current workshop, they say an actor must be a “shopaholic”—not for clothes, but for experiences.

If I had continued as a dentist, I’d just be in someone’s mouth 24/7! That’s not life for me. I want to travel like we shot in the UK learn, explore. I love reading books, and I want to keep learning every day.

You wanted to be an actor since childhood. Now you finally are one.

Yes! As a child, I’d stand in front of the bathroom mirror with a hairbrush and give Oscar or Filmfare acceptance speeches—“I’d like to thank my mom and dad…” I hope one day I actually get an award.

How much are you enjoying your life now?

I’m enjoying everything, except the photoshoots sometimes. The only thing I can’t enjoy is golgappa and pizza which make you gain weight.Otherwise I’m loving everything, except dieting.

Like you said, actors have to focus on fitness—physical as well as mental. Your thoughts?

Sir, if I start talking about mental fitness, I won’t stop, my father is a clinical psychologist with a PhD, so I’ve read psychology since childhood.

Mental fitness is extremely important, especially for someone like me who has moved away from family and entered an unpredictable industry. There’s no fixed 9-to-5 job. As an actor, you are basically a freelancer.

Keeping your mind, body, and work ethic strong in a city as expensive as Mumbai is crucial. There are daily auditions, rejections, and strange feedback, “We need a known face”, “We need a complete newcomer”, “We like you but…” So many permutations and combinations.

If you are strong from within, you can face all of this. As a debutant, people judge, box office numbers, hit or flop, these terms are new to me. But I’m learning at every step so that when a big opportunity comes, I’m completely prepared.

As an outsider, you must have heard many things about the industry. Now that you’re part of it, what do you feel?

I feel I’m very lucky. I got work quickly, and in today’s world, getting any work, small role, big role, one day, hundred days, is a huge thing. I’m grateful. Yes, I had heard many things about the industry, but my experience has been different.

Whether you’re a girl or boy, you must be smart. If someone messages you, check their IMDb, look at their Instagram, do proper background research. It’s on us how we conduct ourselves.

I’ve felt safe and comfortable in both my films. For Jatadhara, producer Prerna ma’am was always present on set. For Mastii 4, Shikha ma’am was there. I felt very protected.

Producers and directors sometimes demand things, like bikinis or kissing scenes. How comfortable are you with such requirements? Any inhibitions?

I have shot in a bikini in Mastii 4, and not even once did they make me uncomfortable. Our costume designer asked me multiple times if I was comfortable, and I said yes.

You have every right to say what you’re comfortable or uncomfortable doing. Every character has a certain look, and today, thankfully, conversations are open. I am represented by Zee Studios as a talent, so the agency also communicates directly.

No one forces you today. As an artist, you should be open,if the character requires a saree, you wear one; if it needs a suit, you wear a suit; if it needs a bikini and you’re comfortable, you do it.

Otherwise, you can always say no, and no one will push after that.

And intimate scenes…kissing, etc.?

Only if the character genuinely demands it. That’s the only condition.

By Keerti Kadam