Sheen Dass is a versatile actor known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, showcasing her talent in both light-hearted romantic dramas and intense, complex performances. Her recent role in the JioHotstar series Sangamarmar, produced by Jio Studios and Rajshri Productions, has garnered significant acclaim. She has been praised for her portrayal, which is a compelling blend of emotional vulnerability and evolving strength.
In an exclusive conversation with IWMBuzz.com, Sheen Dass talks about the most challenging part of playing Amrita, her on-screen dynamic with Sourabh Raaj Jain, working with Rajshri Productions and more.
Read on.
What was the most challenging part of portraying Amrita’s ‘quiet strength’ and the long-term emotional toll of her sacrifice?
The most challenging part of Amrita was that she had to gulp down her sorrow and grief, and not show to the world that she was feeling defeated. Amrita compromised on her dreams and love, but still functioned with a determination that she would make it one day.
I remember the moment when Sooraj Sir’s father, Rajkumar Sir, told me that the most powerful moment is when you don’t drop those tears from your eyes.
How did you approach playing the same character across a 25-year gap?
I started looking around at my 40-plus years friends and family members, studied their body language and pace. I had to lower Amrita’s pace and show a more observant and composed reaction. I was earlier worried about portraying the 20-year-old and 40-plus-year-old characters. That was when our Director Vikram Ghai Sir told me that it is not just about ageing. He told me that Amrita had learnt to survive and had seen so much. So it is more about the emotional layering. This tip stayed with me when I played Amrita post the leap.
How did you prepare to convey deep emotions without relying on heavy melodrama?
Our show’s USP is honesty. The emotions of every character came about very naturally, and the actors played it with utmost honesty. Every character, whether it be Khalid Sir, Smita Ma’am, Sourabh and others, played it like that. We had to remove theatricality and drama.
I remember the moment when Sooraj Sir’s father, Rajkumar Sir, told me that the most powerful moment is when you don’t drop those tears from your eyes. This stayed with me, and I tried my best not to cry and hold on to that emotion.
How did the classic Rajshri Productions signature storytelling style influence your performance?
Rajshri Productions is known for celebrating family, emotions, and bonds. They lean more towards sincerity than sensationalising anything. All of it reflects in the performances, not only mine, but of everyone.
How would you describe your on-screen dynamic with Sourabh Raaj Jain in this emotional love saga?
Sourabh played Aditya with so much honesty. For Amrita and Aditya, it was not love at first sight. It was built on emotional history. They grew up together. Their love was not loud; it was not out there. Their love did not see the conventional marriage as expected. Aditya is such a partner who has been there with Amrita without any condition, like her anchor. So their love was more emotional than on the romantic lines; their love was that deep.
In what ways do you think modern audiences will connect with a character rooted in traditional values?
The age-old view that a daughter can never be a problem solver prevails even now. This unsaid rule persists, and our modern audience will be able to relate to it. Many girls are their family’s emotional and financial pillar, but they often get to hear that they are not the boys in the family. Amrita questions this norm and feels that it is wrong.
If you could give Amrita one piece of advice, what would it be?
Responsibility is noble, but your happiness matters too. You have given 25 years to your family, and now allow happiness into your life. Don’t live with guilt, and go ahead and live your life with your dreams and love. This would be my advice to Amrita (smiles).
What lies ahead for you after Sangamarmar?
After Sangamarmar, there are a few projects that are in the pipeline. I will talk about it at the right time. Sankalp, my immediate next with Nana Patekarji, will be aired on Amazon MX Player.
