‘I have the capability and age to play more than just a mother on screen’
As an artiste, Shubhaavi Choksey is content with the kind of TV shows she has been a part of including Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (KSBKBT), Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki and Bade Acche Lagte Hain. However, she rues being stereotyped into playing the roles of mother on screen, which, she feels, restricted her growth.
“I now want to do roles that are more interesting, challenging and preferably my age,” says the actr, adding, “I’ve luckily done shows that gave me a lot of exposure and I’ve always gone with the flow. Not thinking much about what character I’m portraying, my focus was how it has been conceived. But now, I want to go against that flow. Getting out of my comfort zone isn’t going to be easy, but hopefully it won’t be difficult either.” After KSBKBT took a leap, the 38-year-old played the mother of an actor five years elder to her, and even in her last show, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, she played Parth Samthaan’s onscreen mother. While Choksey admits that playing a mother on screen has given her “a lot of name, fame and monetary stability” and she is filled with gratitude for that, but she is quick to add she now wants to venture out into roles where her “full potential” as an actor is tapped.
“How many times do I keep playing such roles?” she asks. ”I believe I have the capability and age to play more than just a mother onscreen. So, I’m ready to wait as long as it takes to find a suitable project for myself.” she states.
After Bade Acche Lagte Hain, Choksey took a break for six years to raise her son, and many feel that it somehow went against her career. But, the actor refuses to buy this point of view.
“Do male actors also get typecast when they make a comeback after six years? No, right? There have been actors who’ve played onscreen fathers and grandfathers, but are still playing mainstream heroes! Then, why do only women get categorised in certain roles? I just need that one project that will completely change the way people perceive me,” she concludes.