Not easy to play a goddess on screen: Shrenu Parikh

Shrenu Parikh, who is back on television after almost two years with Gatha Shiv Parivaar Ki—Ganesh Kartikey, in which she plays Goddess Parvati, says doing her “first mythological show has been challenging but enjoyable.” The actress, who was last seen in the show Maitree (2023), says, “When I auditioned for the role, I felt I had done a good job. While I never thought I would play Goddess Parvati on screen, I think it was Maa’s wish. I read a lot of stories about her before we started shooting. We shot for five months before the show went on air, and it has been a great learning process. When I went off social media for a brief while to prepare for my current role, people were concerned and many called up to ask if I was alright. Some even asked whether I was expecting (laughs)! I have worked hard for this role, and it feels wonderful to receive good feedback from the audience.”

She adds, “I have realised that it is not easy to play gods and goddesses on screen. I have always done social dramas before this and playing a goddess comes with great responsibility. I went off social media for a bit and also focused on learning shuddh Hindi for the role.”




‘I needed a break after working non-stop for 13 years’

Talking about taking a two-year break after her marriage to actor Akshay Mhatre, Shrenu shares, “I was shooting for Maitree till two months before my wedding, and I felt I needed a break after working non-stop for 13 years. I was exhausted and I wanted to enjoy my marital life, and I really enjoyed this break. Little things like taking care of home, cooking, packing tiffin for Akshay and celebrating festivals with the family gave me so much joy!”

She adds, “This break has also made me realise that in the last 13 years, while chasing my dreams, I have been guilty of not balancing my personal and professional life well enough. So, I will ensure that from now on, I strike that balance and spend more time with my loved ones.”

‘Would love to do another Gujarati film’

Shrenu, who made her D-Town debut with Lamboo Rastoo in 2018, hasn’t done a Gujarati film after that. She says, “I keep a track of Gujarati films. Akshay and I watch Gujarati films regularly because he is a big fan of regional cinema. I feel proud that films like Vash have become a talking point nationally. It’s a great phase for Gujarati cinema and I would love to do another Gujarati film if I am offered a good script.”

‘Grateful to have completed 15 years in showbiz’

Shrenu, whose journey in the TV industry started with Gulaal in 2010, shares, “I have completed 15 years in showbiz and when I look back, I feel grateful to my family for supporting me even though nobody had a clue about what I was getting into. I also want to thank my audience; they have always been there for me and also helped with constructive criticism. The Shrenu who stepped into the industry at 21 was a naive actress. I have grown a lot as an actress and learnt a lot along the way. Akshay and I discuss our workdays daily and we watch episodes of our shows together. We share feedback and that helps us improve as actors.”

‘The post-COVID phase has been challenging for the TV industry’

Talking about the challenges faced by the TV industry now, Shrenu says, “I feel that after COVID, things have been challenging for the TV industry. The audience’s choices have undergone a drastic change, and several shows have gone off air in a matter of a few months. Given the short attention span today and people’s love for reels and vertical series, it is not easy to hold the audience’s attention. However, I don’t want to blame the audience. Content has always been the real hero and if you make good shows, people watch them even now.”