Movies on medical conditions create an awareness in society, says Shweta

After impressing audiences worldwide with her acting chops and innocent charm in films such as Masaan (2015) and Haraamkhor (2015), Shweta Tripathi is all set to play a 15year-old aspiring dancer in her next movie, Gone Kesh. The movie is touted to be India’s first-ever film based on alopecia, a disorder wherein the immune system attacks the hair follicles resulting in hair loss from the scalp.

“This is an extremely special film to me. I had given my consent after reading just the synopsis as it intrigued me. I choose films when they strike a chord with me, and this one did and how,” says Shweta.

She further adds, “Usually, you play a character of a certain age in a film. However, I will be portraying a character’s growth from age 15 to 24. As an actor, to get the chance to play a part and pan out the journey of the character is thrilling.”

After being diagnosed with alopecia, Shweta’s character battles with emotions and deals with pain and ignorance in a lighthearted manner. She is excited that a condition such as alopecia will garner limelight through this film and more people will learn about it. “I feel movies made on social issues and not so well-known medical conditions always create an awareness in society. I know now what people with alopecia go through as some of them told me their stories,” says the Trishna (2011) actor.

Usually, you play a character of a certain age in a film. However, I will be portraying a character’s growth from age 15 to 24. As an actor, to get the chance to play a part and pan out the character’s journey is thrilling.

SHWETA TRIPATHI, ACTOR