Shooting during a pandemic is a tough job: Shiwani Chakraborty

Shiwani Chakraborty is winning the audiences heart as Rekha Thakur in India's First Rural Entertainment Channel, Azaad's new show, Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar. She plays the role of the elder daughter-in-law of the Thakur family.  She is very simple and a positive character hailing from poor family and married into the Thakur family where she could not give dowry. Hence, she has no voice in the household and has to always keep her mouth shut and listen to unnecessary things as well. Despite being a mother, she cannot give love to her son or claim her rights and does not get that respect and love that is due to an elder daughter-in-law. Shiwani is born and brought up in Khandwa in Madhya Pradesh. She has won Miss Nashik in 2005, is two times finalist in Boogie Woogie and some of her best work includes Nimki Mukhiya, Nimki Vidhayak, Shakti, Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein , Jugni Chali Jalandhar, Aise Karo na Vida, Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chashma, Ajab Gajab Ghar Jamai and Shakti. Here, Shiwani talks about her new show and more.
 What made you accept Azaad’s new show Pavitraa?
I accepted Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar because I really liked the concept of the show because it was a very progressive and good topic about women empowerment.  Being a woman, I consider it a very good topic in today's times. To convey this message to audiences, Pavitra is shown as a very strong character and my character in Pavitra is also a very strong and positive one.  It will be nice if our show and our characters can inspire people.  Even today, in many homes girls are not treated well and it's important for society at large to change their mindset and empower women to be educated, financially independent and able to look after themselves and their families.
 Tell us about your role in the show?
Rekha Thakur is the elder daughter-in-law of the Thakur family.  She is very simple and a positive character hailing from poor family and married into the Thakur family where she could not give dowry. Hence, she has no voice in the household and has to always keep her mouth shut and is always at the receiving end. Despite being a mother, she cannot love her son or claim her rights and does not get that respect and love that is due to an elder daughter-in-law.
 Azaad is for the rural audiences? What is in the story that makes you see the difference between regular shows and this?
The special thing about this show and Azaad is that it will connect with audiences with a rural mindset. This show reflects the reality happening in our society and informs us what is not right and how we can be more progressive. Azaad stands for Indian values and traditions and showcases stories that inspire and educate us even while keeping us rooted. Their shows are especially made for rural audiences and that's they are different from other channels who just show stories from an urban point of view.
How did you prepare for the show?
Preparing for a show is very important for every actor as soon as I got to know about my role, I was excited and start to work on myself because this is the first time that I play such a calm and composed character.  I always try to follow my director’s instructions and since I’m sharing the screen with such an amazing actor like Neelu Vaghelaji that she even helps me out to do a better job.
How is it shooting in the middle of the on-going pandemic?
Shooting and going out of home to work in the middle of this pandemic is a very tough job. Though I am fully vaccinated, there is still a slight fear in my mind that we are going out and exposing ourselves to an unknown virus that has taken so many lives. But the best part is that we follow all Covid protocols including proper sanitization, keep our masks on and observe every precaution to stay safe. What keeps us working is that we bring entertainment to the people and knowing that we are doing some good work, keeps us motivated and our fears at bay.
Tell us about your early years and how you became an actor?
Everyone has a journey and a backstory. I have it too and my journey has been quite a twist and turn because I wanted to be choreographer. And then, I had done modeling and won Miss Nashik 2005 because I lived in Nashik to learn fashion designing. I love to dance and I wanted to do something in dance.  After coming to Mumbai, i assisted choreographers too, but destiny had other plans for me and I become an actor. I started giving auditions and grabbed some good shows and today, it has led to a wonderful opportunity on Azaad with Pavitraa Bharose Ka Safar. 
Tell us about your work done so far?
I won Miss Nashik in 2005, was twice a finalist in Boogie Woogie & some of my best work includes Nimki Mukhiya, Nimki Vidhayak, Shakti, Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, Jugni Chali Jalandhar, Aise Karo Na Vida, Taarak Mehta Ka Oolta Chasma, Ajab Gajab Ghar Jamai and Shakti.
Why is working on TV appealing to you?
Who will not love to work in television as it is allows you the opportunity to reach every house in India?  It gives a message through entertainment.  We play so many characters and get to do a variety of roles. Television makes one famous as a household name and that's everyone wants it. To stay in the limelight, get fame and to make your family feel proud, acting on TV gives me all of that and more. It is a very creatively satisfying journey so far.
What’s your favorite hobby?
Dance is my hobby and passion
Which is the place you would like to holiday in?
Well, the bucket list is long.  If I want to go for vacation holidays in India, I want to  go to Rishikesh as it is very appealing and seems very peaceful. Abroad, then its Paris, Greece, Maldives for sure.
What is important to you?
Positive approach towards everything in life and keep going through challenges is important for me and a smile on my face is a must.
 Watch Pavitra Bharose Ka Safar at 9:30 PM, every Monday to Saturday, on Azaad. The channel is available on Tata Sky 183, DD FreeDish Channel no 36 and free on MX Player.