Shefali Shah has garnered immense acclaim for her exceptional performances over the years. With a career spanning across film, television and now the OTT, she has effortlessly brought numerous memorable characters to life, reinventing herself and capturing our imagination time and time again.
Arguably one of the country’s greatest performers of all time, we take a look at a few of her most standout roles, where she not only won critical acclaim but also captured the hearts of audiences the nation over:
Pyari Mhatre (‘Satya’)
In the gritty crime drama ‘Satya’, Shah portrayed the role of Pyari Mhatre, a fierce and resilient woman trapped in a world of violence and corruption. Her flawless portrayal of Pyari, a wife caught between loyalty and survival, earned her widespread acclaim including a Critics Award.
Rukhsana Mohammad (‘Jalsa’)
Shefali Shah’s performance as a woman living on the wrong side of the financial and social divide brought ‘Jalsa’ a spellbinding presence. Whether she’s searching for answers or brimming with anger, Shah's nuanced performance brought the character's internal struggles and angst to life, making her an instant favourite among critics and viewers alike.
Manju Singh (‘Juice’)
In the thought-provoking short film ‘Juice’, Shah took on the role of Manju Singh, a strong-willed woman who stands up against an oppressive patriarchal system. Shah's powerful and convincing performance in ‘Juice’ earned her widespread acclaim and several awards, including the Best Actress in a Short Film.
Vartika Chaturvedi (‘Delhi Crime 1 & 2’)
One of Shah's most celebrated roles came in the gripping web series ‘Delhi Crime’, where she played the role of Vartika Chaturvedi, a fearless police officer leading the investigation of a heinous crime. Shah's portrayal of Vartika was a masterclass in acting, showcasing her ability to embody strength, vulnerability, and determination. Her stellar performance in ‘Delhi Crime’ received universal praise, earning her critical acclaim, prestigious awards, and the hearts of millions of viewers.
Kasturba Gandhi (‘Gandhi My Father’)
In the poignant film ‘Gandhi My Father’, Shah portrayed Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi. Her portrayal of the resilient and steadfast Kasturba showcased her versatility as an actor. Shah skilfully depicted the emotional journey of a woman torn between her personal desires and her commitment to a larger cause. Her heartfelt performance in ‘Gandhi My Father’ earned her critical acclaim and accolades, including Best Actress at the Tokyo Film Festival.
In recent times, the heavyweight also won applause for several projects including ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’, ‘Human’, ‘Darlings’, ‘Doctor G’ and ‘Ajeeb Daastaans’, quality unconventional roles that marked her re-entry into mainstream cinema. While Shefali Shah has had a spectacular 2022, all eyes are now on her highly-anticipated third season of ‘Delhi Crime’ amongst other interesting projects.
