Starting her journey as a program presenter, Shaashvi seamlessly transitioned into acting, capturing hearts with her debut in “Ellam Mela Irukuruvan Paathuppan” in Kollywood.
In this exclusive feature, Shaashvi shares about her career, exploring the challenges she conquered and her trajectory from Sri Lanka to the Tamil film industry. Unveiling her positive and resilient spirit, she shares insights into her upcoming projects, including the eagerly anticipated “Project No 15,” a horror story.
Can you share the challenges you faced when transitioning from Sri Lanka to the Tamil movie industry in India?
Getting into the media world was a smooth journey for me in Sri Lanka. During my school days, I actively participated in debates with various channels, paving the way for numerous opportunities in the media without much effort. One notable instance was a debate competition on Shakthi TV where I clinched the best debate award, opening doors for me to host shows on different channels effortlessly.
Transitioning from Sri Lanka to the Tamil film industry posed some challenges. While working in channels, I initially had opportunities to act in movies. My Sri Lankan film, ‘Ini Avan,’ garnered recognition with 7 international film festival wins, providing me with various opportunities. However, breaking into the Tamil industry was more challenging. Despite the setbacks, ‘Ini Avan’ earned me credits and eventually led to an invitation for ‘Ponniyin Selvan,’ a telefilm. Unfortunately, the project was halted shortly after I arrived in India, bringing disappointment and struggle. Upon returning to Sri Lanka, I faced replacements in the show I was hosting. Despite these hurdles, my entry into the industry through the stopped television project led to numerous referrals and eventually landed me a role in ‘Ellam Mela Irukuruvan Paathuppan,’ marking my entry into the Tamil film industry. However, despite my experience in Sri Lankan films, entering Kollywood brought new challenges, including height-related rejections during auditions, as I stand at 5’2”. These were some of the struggles I encountered on my journey.
Tell us about your experience in the web movie?
Teja, a casting director, forwarded my profile to the ‘Web’ team, leading to a fantastic opportunity. The character in the film was a perfect fit for me—it felt like playing an extension of myself. I didn’t need to put much effort into shaping the character, as it naturally aligned with my personality. The role portrayed a fun and jolly character, allowing me to showcase my skills and talent seamlessly.
Among the projects you’ve worked on, which one holds a special place in your heart, and why?
I portrayed the character of Revathi in a Sri Lankan telefilm, Thaara. She is an 18-year-old mother with a 2-year-old baby. I invested a significant amount of effort in shaping this character, and I was honoured with the Raigam Teles Best Teledrama Actress Award for my performance. The role of Revathi in Tara remains my favourite.
In the movies I’ve been a part of, my favorite character is Divya. Her life journey, struggles, and the reasons behind her murder are intricately woven into the script. The entire narrative revolves around the character of Divya. Both Thaara and Divya hold a special place in my heart as my favourite characters.
Could you give us a glimpse of your upcoming projects and the roles you’ll be playing?
I am currently working on a film titled “Project No 15,” where I play the key role of Bharathi. I am captivated by the script, as it unfolds a horror story rooted in the realm of bionics.
Are there any specific genres or characters you haven’t explored yet but are eager to in future projects?
I am drawn to challenging roles, and glamour is not a priority for me. Even if it’s a villainous role, I’m very happy to take it on, as long as the character has depth, and I can justify it with a meaningful impact. I seek roles that leave a lasting impression, and even if my screen time is just 10 minutes, I want it to have a significant impact. The character of Divya in my recent projects embodies this philosophy. I admire characters like Aiswarya Rajesh in ‘Kakka Muttai ‘ and aspire to play roles with the depth and impact seen in performances by Aiswarya Rajesh, Parvathy Menon, Kangana, and Radhika Apte.
In your journey, what kind of challenges did you encounter, and how did you overcome them? Can you share a challenging or memorable moment from your acting career that has significantly impacted you as an artist?
I’ve encountered numerous challenges due to my height. While it’s commonly believed that talent is the sole requirement for acting, I’ve faced many rejections primarily because of my height. Although the situation has improved, I’ve been striving in the Tamil cinema industry for five years, and approximately ninety percent of the rejections can be attributed to my height. I believe that once I establish myself in the industry, height won’t be a hindrance, but that will take time.
How have you evolved as an actor since your debut, and what have you learned along the way?
Having worked in two different film industries from two countries, I’ve observed significant differences in their shoot cultures. The Sri Lankan cinema industry operates with limited facilities, requiring us to give our best within those constraints. This experience taught me how to excel with limited resources. Upon entering Kollywood, where resources are more abundant, things became somewhat easier. The Sri Lankan film industry may be small, but Kollywood is highly competitive. I’ve learned the importance of thorough audition preparation, and putting in a lot of effort to create a positive impression. In my earlier days in the Sri Lankan film industry, I didn’t fully prepare for auditions.
Are there any self-care routines or practices that you find helpful in managing stress?
Maintaining a self-care routine is crucial, benefiting not only my professional life but also enhancing my well-being. In my childhood, I was a chubby girl, and while it wasn’t a significant concern in Sri Lanka, the screen tended to notice everything. The criteria for rejection often outweigh the qualities for selection. To address this, I have implemented skincare, weight loss, and yoga routines to ensure that I am camera-ready. These practices make me disciplined and contribute to living a healthy lifestyle.
Is there a motto or philosophy that you live by, which has guided you in your acting career?
I’m a very positive person. Regardless of what happens, I always view things in a positive light, believing that everything occurs for a reason. I don’t take life too seriously; I move on with things easily. I strongly believe in karma, trusting that if you do good, good things will come your way.
#Rapid Fire
- Sri Lanka or India?
Sri Lanka - Dream Director You Want to Work With?
Vetrimaaran - A Sri Lankan Movie that everyone should watch?
Ini Avan - Biggest Fear You’ve Overcome?
Staying alone - Upcoming Project You’re Most Excited About?
Yaar Alaipadu - Best Advice You’ve Received in Your Acting Career?
Try to do something which you are very good at, so I tried dance-related roles. - Favourite Travel Destination and Why?
Canada because my close friends are there. - One Thing You Wish People Knew About Your Profession?
I can dance really well, and I haven’t been able to showcase that in films until now. - Veg or Non-Veg?
Pure non-veg