Shefali gets theatrical

National Award winning actress Shefali Shah, who performed in the theatrical play Bas Itna Sa Khwab in Dubai over the weekend, speaks to City Times about her love for theatre and how her acting moved Amitabh Bachchan to tears

What made you decide on Bas Itna Sa Khwab for your comeback to theatre?

Bas Itna Sa Khwabis adapted from the original Marathi play Dhyanimani. The moment we came across the script, I knew that this was it. To play Shalini was one of the most challenging tasks of my career and I believe there could not have been a better character and play to mark my comeback to theatre.

Were you nervous getting back to theatre?

I continue to be very anxious before every performance. I always get the jitters about three hours before the show and am always a bundle of nerves before a performance.

What’s the best compliment you have received so far for your role in the play?

The best compliment has been Amitabh Bachchan’s response after seeing the second performance of the play. The moment my name was called for the curtain call, Amitji stood up to give me a standing ovation. I could see that he was visibly moved by the performance. His words about me and the play posted on his blog the next day were just so beautiful. He went on to praise my performance and recommended this play as a must watch to all he met. He’s an icon of our times and there is perhaps very little that is better than to be showered by such compliments from him.

What is more difficult - performing on stage or in films?

Theatre without a doubt! There are no re-takes, no second chances, no scope for dubbing or the luxury of close-ups. It requires one to constantly think and improvise. For me as an actor, it is challenging as I have to ensure that I project my voice without losing the emotions and my expressions have to be conveyed equally well to the person sitting in the front row and the last row.

Will we get to see more of you on the big screen any time soon?

I have just wrapped up work on my film Kuch Love Jaisa which is also produced by Vipul Shah. Rahul Bose is my co-star in this project.

• City Times