Mirzapur actress Shweta Tripathi Sharma, known for her powerful renditions in Masaan, Kaalkoot and Escaype Live, is now aware of the reason why her career choices have been unidirectional. In an exclusive conversation with us in Chandigarh, Shweta credits her upbringing for the choices she makes as an artiste and how those have also spilled over into her personal space. Excerpts.
On her visit to Chandigarh
I’m here for an event. One of the perks of my profession is getting to travel. From Chandigarh, I’ll be heading to Kolkata for another event. I love traveling, especially when it involves culture. My upbringing has always had a strong connection to culture, owing to my parents—my father is an IAS officer, my mother a teacher and sister a headmistress.
On choosing projects: Intent and purpose
When people talk about being in the “race” to succeed, I think we’ve created these races to keep ourselves busy. I’m an actor because I love acting. Telling stories and bringing characters to life brings me joy. I don’t do things just because someone else thinks I should. It's important to understand your purpose and intention. For me, acting isn’t about money or fame; it’s about doing what brings me happiness and connecting with people through meaningful stories.
On money and artistic freedom
I come from a working-class family, and I’m fortunate that I don’t have financial pressure dictating my choices. Mark Ruffalo once said that as an artist, you shouldn't be in debt because if you do then you are compelled to make choices based on money. I want to pick projects for their heart and soul, not for financial gain.
On striking a balance between commerce & compelling content
OTT was very good when it began. Shows like Sacred Games and Mirzapur, raised the bar in content quality. But now, everyone is viewing it as an opportunity to rake in money, and quality has suffered. I believe in taking the time to create something meaningful, not rushing for the sake of fast consumption. I don’t like fast food and neither do I believe in content churned out at a speed just to meet a commercial target. Stories like Kaalkoot, where I played an acid attack victim, need time, only then can turn out beautiful. It’s not just a story; it’s a commentary on societal judgment. As artistes we are all heart, but showbiz is about business, which I understand but I am also trying to find a balance. But producers too need to see our perspective. As creators we are finding ways to create stories that people understand.
But I also feel audience holds the power. If we continue giving views and tickets to star-driven films, producers will follow that path. If we want to see more authentic actors and content, we need to support it. Audiences must take ownership for what they choose to watch.
Collaborating with her rapper husband Chaitanya Sharma
We’ve been discussing collaborations, especially because then we don’t have to rely on anyone else to create something. With social media and modern technology, we can shoot within ourselves. He’s my favourite human being, so working together would be amazing.
On her visit to Chandigarh
I’m here for an event. One of the perks of my profession is getting to travel. From Chandigarh, I’ll be heading to Kolkata for another event. I love traveling, especially when it involves culture. My upbringing has always had a strong connection to culture, owing to my parents—my father is an IAS officer, my mother a teacher and sister a headmistress.
On choosing projects: Intent and purpose
When people talk about being in the “race” to succeed, I think we’ve created these races to keep ourselves busy. I’m an actor because I love acting. Telling stories and bringing characters to life brings me joy. I don’t do things just because someone else thinks I should. It's important to understand your purpose and intention. For me, acting isn’t about money or fame; it’s about doing what brings me happiness and connecting with people through meaningful stories.
On money and artistic freedom
I come from a working-class family, and I’m fortunate that I don’t have financial pressure dictating my choices. Mark Ruffalo once said that as an artist, you shouldn't be in debt because if you do then you are compelled to make choices based on money. I want to pick projects for their heart and soul, not for financial gain.
On striking a balance between commerce & compelling content
OTT was very good when it began. Shows like Sacred Games and Mirzapur, raised the bar in content quality. But now, everyone is viewing it as an opportunity to rake in money, and quality has suffered. I believe in taking the time to create something meaningful, not rushing for the sake of fast consumption. I don’t like fast food and neither do I believe in content churned out at a speed just to meet a commercial target. Stories like Kaalkoot, where I played an acid attack victim, need time, only then can turn out beautiful. It’s not just a story; it’s a commentary on societal judgment. As artistes we are all heart, but showbiz is about business, which I understand but I am also trying to find a balance. But producers too need to see our perspective. As creators we are finding ways to create stories that people understand.
But I also feel audience holds the power. If we continue giving views and tickets to star-driven films, producers will follow that path. If we want to see more authentic actors and content, we need to support it. Audiences must take ownership for what they choose to watch.
Collaborating with her rapper husband Chaitanya Sharma
We’ve been discussing collaborations, especially because then we don’t have to rely on anyone else to create something. With social media and modern technology, we can shoot within ourselves. He’s my favourite human being, so working together would be amazing.
