As a young girl, Shivaleeka Oberoi often heard stories about her late grandfather, Mahavir Oberoi who was a producer in the 1960s. She never met him, as he passed away before she was even born, but the beautiful girl who found herself in the spotlight with her debut film Yeh Saali Aashiqui, believes the passion for films travelled in her bloodline. “I always knew that ‘films’ were my happy place! If I was not an actor, I would still be working on films. It’s that happy high on a film set that keeps me up and about. I looked nothing like an actress, but I remember, I used to act in front of my relatives and friends for fun. But deep down, I guess before I knew, my heart knew that it skipped a beat when it came to acting,” says the newcomer who started her journey with an acting course and auditioning for roles.
Shivaleeka finds herself in the spotlight once again, with her second film Khuda Hafiz which recently released on Disney+ Hotstar. “I have so much gratitude for the universe. When I see both my films, to me it is like my dreams playing on screen,” she says with a smile. Excerpts from a conversation:
Shivaleeka, Are you happy with the kind of response Khuda Haafiz has received?
This is my second film. The expectation was to have a grand theatre release but the warmth and reception Khud a Haafiz has gotten on OTT is overwhelming. There is a blessing in disguise in everything that happens. Khuda Haafiz coming on OTT too is a blessing! This has made sure that the film reaches anyone and everyone. The response from the fraternity and the audiences are amazing. I’m quite overwhelmed by all the love that has come my way after the release of the film.
Did you identify with your character Nargis?
Nargis is a character I relate to very well but she is also quite different. She is a very simple girl-next-door who has never stepped out of Lucknow. For me, who has travelled the entire world and is so bubbly, I had to completely tone myself down.
Shivaleeka, Did your experience as an assistant director help you when you were in front of the camera?
Working as an AD for Housefull 3 had given me enough experience of being in front of the camera, so after I was done with it, I took time to groom myself and started giving auditions. I did a few advertisements here, in the south and also did a few south films. All this helped me brush up my skills better.
Shivaleeka, Tell us about your first break as an actor with Yeh Saali Aashiqui. How did that happen?
I gave about 100 auditions before getting my debut film. For this role, I gave about three auditions and seven look tests. The character was nowhere close to what I am in real life, so I had to completely change to get into the character. I didn’t look at it as a negative or positive character. I took it as an opportunity to showcase my versatility as an actor and after the release, the critics appreciated that I chose such a difficult character to debut with.
Shivaleeka, With Khuda Haafiz, you were paired with Vidyut Jamwal, an actor who is senior to you in terms of experience. How was it working with him?
Vidyut is so chivalrous, such a gentleman that it’s very easy to be comfortable with him! We instantly connected when we met the first time. He is really humble, down to earth, straight forward and very helpful as a co-actor. In a way, his entire journey has been a difficult one, which I could easily relate to.
Going forward, what is the kind of work you want to do in the film industry? Are you open to other platforms or would you rather focus on films at the moment?
I would like to focus on films at the moment. I think the times that we are in right now have opened so many avenues for us actors. There is great content being made and I want to be a part of this revolution. I would love to do a biopic! It’s a dream on my bucket list as an actor. Also, something like Aladin! An international project where I can represent our industry and country proudly.
Any co-star or filmmaker on your wishlist?
There are such amazing actors out there I don’t know where to start this list from and where to end – Akshay Kumar Sir, Varun Dhawan, Vicky Kaushal, Ayushman Khurrana, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, Rajkummar Rao to name a few. About a dream list of filmmakers, I think I am blessed to be working in an era where we have veteran directors giving their finest as well as the new-age directors who are taking the films to a next level altogether. From Shoojit Sircar sir to Imtiaz Ali sir, Raj Kumar Hirani sir, Vikramaditya Motwane to Ayan Mukherji. I just want to work with everyone.
There is an insider versus outsider debate raging in Bollywood at present. What are your views on it?
Be it an insider or outsider, everyone should get equal opportunities to showcase their talent. If you are talented, and if you believe in yourself, you will reach the right places. Destiny and hard work together play a very important role. Also, many of our actors who are outsiders have made it big all on their own. It does take time, but it all depends on your hard work. It is difficult at the beginning to even get your debut film, but hard work does pay off.
An actor whose career choices are an inspiration for you?
I have been following everyone’s work and everyone has done something that I wish I would do one day. But to name someone who inspires me, it is the amazing Priyanka Chopra. She’s had a journey that inspires as well as makes every Indian proud. She’s shown versatility in every role that she picked. Barfi, Mary Kom, Bajirao Mastani, Fashion… the list is endless! She’s had a humble beginning and she’s done some phenomenal work here and internationally. She’s grown from strength to strength. I want to carve out my career path in a similar way… where I do roles that connect with people so well that they feel you are one of them! I admire Priyanka’s choices. I’m a fan.
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