I got typecast, says Shifaali Shah

Mother, wife, homemaker, actor. Shifaali Shah loves all her roles. TOI catches her in an anxious yet excited mood.
When your hubby is a producer, is it more of an obligation to cast his wife?
Absolutely not. Every director has a vision about an actor and I’d never want to push anyone for casting me in a role. More than anything else, it is important for the film to work for us.Getting or not getting a part wouldn’t make a dent in our lives but our production not doing well would make a huge difference. After all, it’s our future.
So, is it a boon or a bane to have a producer for a husband?
Vipul is the most non-interfering producer I’ve known. And this isn’t just his wife speaking. Ask around and anyone from an Akshay to a Katrina will vouch for the same. He is a great guy to work with. One who makes it a point to genuinely care about each member of the unit, from his cast to even the spot boy. When I am on the sets, I am not just an actor, I am also the host. So, it is my responsibility to put everyone at ease. A little compromise on my front wouldn’t matter much to me.
If it can be called so, you can easily be termed as the thinking man’s actor...
I take that as a huge compliment. It means giving credibility to someone, recognizing the fact that there is a heart, soul and emotions behind that face. For men, it is more about the physical appearance but when it comes to women, it’s more about intelligence and emotion. Calling me a thinking man’s actor would combine both these facets. I’m not denying that looks aren’t important for the fairer sex. But it’s also more about what lies beyond that face.
Okay, so let’s face it, does this industry allow you to be different? Or do you have to be typecast to be able to do what you wish to?
I got typecast and, hence, could not do what I would have wished for. It seems like the industry forgot to demarcate between the real person and the roles that I essayed. I was doing older
characters and people forgot that there’s another side to me, that I can be both glamorous and funny. The industry is quick to put you into a prototype. I guess, it’s easier for directors and producers to break this mould than an actor.
You are an actor of repute, yet the roles seem to be evading you. Also, in an earlier interview you’ve mentioned, if people have the ‘guts to cast me’...
I meet a lot of directors some of who, I respect and hold in high regard. They keep reiterating that I am a fine actor. But when it comes to casting me in their projects, they give me a miss. The problem is when you essay a character to the extent of it bordering on reality, they start believing that maybe, she IS the character. My point is, give the actor the credibility for having done a job well. How many directors have the guts to go ahead and take the plunge? Barnali (Ray Shukla) was the first one to show some guts here.
You’ve also mentioned that directors and producers don’t know where to place you. Does your talent go against you?
I don’t think my talent goes against me. It’s because of a couple of decisions I’ve taken as an actor that people seem to have formed an opinion about me. It’s about the choices I’ve made in case of certain projects.
Talking of projects, “Kucch Luv Jaisaa” encompasses a lot of firsts for you in terms of your glam avatar, playing the protagonist and, of course, promotion...
This film is like my debut. I’m nervous, anxious, tense and excited at the same time. I’m incredibly proud of this project. As far as promotions are concerned, I now have a newfound respect for all those actors who, so meticulously, look into their appearance. I absolutely hate dressing up. I am cool in a pair of shots and a shirt. The pertinent question seems to be what am I going to wear. It’s near traumatic. In fact, I was telling Vipul the other day, that I must not have worried so much about my wedding trousseau.
Remember that these actors also have to keep in mind that they don’t repeat their wardrobe.
Trust me, I once came across one of these P3 socialites, who told me that she maintained a dairy about what she wore when. I almost fell off the chair.
But you are looking ravishing in this no-flab, to-die-for look. What has been your kids’ reaction?
My sons have seen me in shorts and dresses. In any case, they feel that their mother is the most beautiful woman in the world. Thank god for kids! There are times when I might be waiting for Vipul’s reaction to a look and from somewhere in the room I hear this teeny weeny voice assuring me that I am looking the best.
You already created a buzz when you spent a day with an undertrial criminal to prepare for your role in your recent outing. To what extent would you go to get into the skin of the character?
I’d do anything to get into the skin of a character. I’m an instinctive and impulsive actor. But I also bank on my interpretation of a character. I don’t necessarily reproduce. The only reason why I went to jail was because I wanted to break the comfort zone that I’m shrouded in. After all, I live a secure and protected life. No one intimidates me.
In this film, a bored housewife decides to spend a day with a stranger. In reality, do you think all wives need a break from their hubbies?
Every wife needs a break from the mundane routine. No, saying wife would be incorrect. Let’s say, every woman needs a break from the mundane existence. I’m a homemaker, a wife and a mother. It’s not that we don’t love what we are doing. I love taking care of my house, kids and husband. I love multi-tasking. One has to realize that women are capable of doing so much more. It’s when someone curbs us that we want to break free. But that doesn’t mean indulging in an extra marital. It’s just that our identity should not be limited to relationships.
Talking of relationships, which is the one thing you love and hate about Vipul?
You can call this to be a boon or a bane but Vipul is the most rock solid and rock steady person I’ve known. Put him any situation and his response will be, ‘Manage ho jayega’. He can think through any situation. Vipul is an incredibly intelligent man. But sometimes, it can be a bane. Suppose you ask him ‘Vipul, have I put on weight?’ To this, he will first ask, ‘What did the measuring tape say? What reading did the scale show?’, when all you are looking for is a simple, ‘Baby, you look absolutely fine.’ I’ve probably given you a lousy example but fact is, he always thinks with logic.
Finally, what’s the best compliment that has come from your husband?
He is a thinking man. But in an interview, he said, ‘Shefaali can manage anything and everything. I might be travelling. I might forget to call her. I might be immersed in work. But I know I can count on her to keep things going. I know she’ll do it.’ Vipul isn’t one to give bang on answers and he won’t say it to me directly. But the very fact that he acknowledges my efforts, is what pleasantly surprised me.