Exclusive: Shivani Sonar on playing the titular role in Sindhutai Mazi Mai: I chose to tone down skin colour, sport no makeup look for the role

Marathi actress Shivani Sonar rose to fame with Raja Ranichi G. Jodi TV show. The actress made her comeback with the ongoing show Sindhutai Mazi Mai, where she got the opportunity to play the titular role, and she is on cloud nine. In an exclusive chat with ETimes TV, Shivani revealed that she had been desperately searching for the challenging role for the past few months and considered herself lucky to get one. Shivani also revealed what preparations and hard work she is doing to portray Sindhutai's character on screen.
- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar

Talking about getting the role of Sindhutai, Shivani said, "I was getting similar offers after my show ended, Raja Ranichi G Jodi. My character Sanju was widely popular, and I wanted to do something new. I wanted to do challenging roles, and fortunate for me, I got the offer for Sindhutai's role."

Shivani considers the opportunity as a responsibility, and she says that she is nervous to play such an iconic personality on television. She said, "Sindhutai's struggle was real. She had a real personality and inspired many. She lived for the betterment of others, and it is my responsibility to handle her character with courage. It is a courageous decision for me."

Shivani further revealed that she toned down her makeup and preferred a no-makeup look to play Sindhutai. She said, "I decided to tone down my makeup and go for a little bit of wheatishness because Sindhutai was wheatish. I have also decided to not apply lipstick and go for a no-makeup look on TV for the role. I know this is a courageous decision as an actress, but this is nothing in front of Sindhutai's sacrifices and contributions."

Shivani later added that Sindhutai's role requires control of emotions and expressions. She said, "Sindhutai was such a controlled woman, and she was the one who was very strong and balanced. I have to take care of my expressions and my entire aura while performing Sindhutai. There should not be any reflection of Shivani, and I am sure my hard work and efforts will impress everyone."

Shivani also added that she is happy that nobody trolled her after the first promo and accepted her in the role of Sindhutai. She said, "People did not troll me after the promo. When the first promo came out, everyone was so happy and congratulated me. I am glad they accepted me as Sindhutai because acceptance is the key thing we need from the audience."
- Interview by Vaishnavi Gavankar