The changed Shama Sikander, who believes in taking a risk to live her dreams and spread awareness around…
You have seen a lot in a decade, how is Shama as a person now?
Yes, I have indeed. Shama is a completely different person compared to what she was 10 years ago. I’m more open, more understanding, more accepting, more grateful and more compassionate than I ever was. I also have changed a lot in terms of how I treat people because of all these things, they change you towards yourself and towards the people. So I’m completely different now.
Being a powerful actress, what’s your take on Indian cinema as of now?
I think Indian cinema is growing bigger and better each day. We are focusing more on scripts now than ever before. We are also moving towards more realistic cinema. If it’s a proper blockbuster, the directors and the producers are focusing more on great content than anything else. And that is very much needed. So as an actor, it’s a great thing for me. It just opens up more opportunities for good actors and I’m looking forward to those great opportunities myself.
Content is the key. What’s your take on digital and web content?
Content is indeed the key. I think the content on digital and web is brilliant these days. It has opened so many opportunities. It’s given so much to creative people. They can now express themselves clearly and better than ever before, without any hesitation. There are so many subjects they can explore which are otherwise difficult to be released in theatres or TV due to censor boards or other constraints. So web has opened up a great avenue for a lot of makers who want to explore different aspects of life and content.
How’s life different behind the camera?
It all depends, actually. If you’re living in lies, then life is exactly like it seems on camera. But if you live your life with truth, then it is completely different. On camera, you’re perpetually trying to live a lie with so much conviction. I see that in real life as well. People don’t understand who they are and they go on to live a lie forever, which is very unfortunate. I feel blessed to see my life as it is and be able to live as truly and honestly as possible.
Is Indian audience ready for strong or experimental series?
Certainly yes! I think people are craving for it. If the makers are not ready or if they have a lack of confidence in their product or if they don’t push it well, then there is never a ‘ready’ time. If you’re confident and wish to push your project to people, you can.
‘Ab Dil Ki Sun’ talks about depression. How do you plan to spread awareness about it?
Ab Dil Ki Sun is a series of seven short films which are all based on humanitarian issues that we’re facing today because of which were falling into depression. The main reason for our depression is not looking within. We’re always looking out, blaming other people and never questioning our beliefs. So, if your beliefs haven’t changed, you must question them. You must ask questions and you’re not supposed to be right all the time. The whole idea is to go to people, show them these movies and change their perspective.
A message for all your fans.
I just want to tell my fans that this is one life you’ve got, live it to the fullest. Don’t go worrying about who says what. No one’s going to come to you when you’re sad or depressed. No one can help you except yourself. So be confident and live your dreams.
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