Stepping into the world of production wasn’t as glamorous as it may seem for Ishika Shahi. Though she had the chance to observe and understand the industry since childhood, courtesy her father, ace producer Rajan Shahi, mother Pearl Grey, who has produced and written shows like Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya and Doli Armanon Ki, along with conceptualising Ishika’s web show Jabb Zodiacs Met, and grandmother Deepa Shahi, the producer of superhit show Anupamaa, she understood the challenges that came with her work.
Recalling that moment, she says, “I remember being extremely overwhelmed on my first day because I had never been on a set for such long hours before. The schedule was around twelve hours, and by the end of it, I was involved in everything.”
“The next day turned out much better, but that first day really tested me. Looking back, I feel it helped me grow and understand the reality of the work.”
Growing up around the industry, Ishika has always witnessed dedication firsthand, especially from her father, Rajan Shahi. “I have always seen my dad work extremely hard. What makes me most proud is the passion he has for his work. The amount of time and effort he puts in, and the fact that his phone is always on—no matter what time it is, if there is a work call, he will answer. That is something I truly admire,” she says.
Beyond work, Ishika finds grounding in her family. She shares a particularly close bond with her grandmother. “My grandmother is like a friend to me. When you talk to her, it never feels like you are speaking to someone older. It feels easy and natural,” she says warmly.
