Reem Shaikh needs no introduction. She is one of the most sought-after actresses on Indian television, who has been entertaining the audience for over a decade now.
Known for such successful shows as Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, Chakravartin Ashoka Samrat, Tujhse Hai Raabta, Gul Makai, and Fanaa: Ishq Mein Marjawan, the actress can currently be seen in Colors’ latest offering Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal.
Speaking to Eastern Eye, Shaikh said that she agreed to become a part of Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal because it is a finite show, unlike some shows that keep going on for years and years.
“One of the main reasons that I signed the show immediately after wrapping up my last show was that Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal is finite,” she said. “When you do a finite show, you have a lot of certainty regarding many things.”
She added, “The first and foremost thing is that you are confident about the fact that your story is not going to be stretched, and because of that, you are aware of the fact that you need not compromise on the quality because the story is finalised right from the start.”
The actress believes that finite shows give an actor the opportunity to strike a balance between personal and professional life. “After you complete a show, you do have a lot more opportunities in your hands. Because this show is three days a week, I can balance it out and have personal time as well. "That's a plus point,” she said.
The supernatural thriller show also stars Karan Kundrra and Gashmeer Mahajan in lead roles. Ever since beginning her acting career, Shaikh has mostly worked with stars senior to her age.
When asked about the same, she said, “I honestly do not understand this. When this thing is so normal in Bollywood—Shah Rukh Khan working with Alia Bhatt is so normal—then how different is it for television? That’s how cinema has been for years, and it will be for the coming years as well. If it is so normal in Bollywood, then why does my working with senior actors seem abnormal to everyone else? I just don’t get it.”
When asked about how she prepared for her character on the show, the actress said, “The only special preparation done from my side was that I did not watch The Vampire Diaries." That was my special preparation because this show is not a copy of Vampire Diaries.”
Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal airs Monday–Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Colors TV.
Opened up about facing online trolling over her appearance.
Addressed bizarre “buffalo-plasty” claims made by online “experts”.
Stressed the importance of transparency as a “cautionary tale” for young fans.
You could tell she meant it. Sat across from Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, Janhvi Kapoor wasn’t just repeating polished PR lines. She was thinking on her feet, talking fast about the weirdest rumour she’d seen lately. “Some self-proclaimed doctors were like, ‘Let’s do a review of everything this person has done to their face’,” she recalled on Two Much With Kajol & Twinkle. “And they had my picture come up. They said things like some ‘buffalo plasty’ or something. I don’t even know what that is.”
Janhvi Kapoor reflects on late mother Sridevi’s guidance on cosmetic choices Getty Images
How did Sridevi guide Janhvi’s choices?
In an industry obsessed with image, Kapoor says her approach to any cosmetic procedures was measured and anything but reckless. She credits her late mother, the legendary Sridevi, with providing a crucial moral compass. “I think I have been very intelligent, conservative and proper about what I have done,” she stated. “Of course, I had the guidance of my mum.”
It’s a rare admission in a business where such topics are often met with flat denials. For Kapoor, it’s about context. Her mother’s guidance was less about endorsement and more about instilling a sense of caution and self-worth, a voice in her ear warning against doing anything for the wrong reasons.
Janhvi Kapoor speaks on plastic surgery admits Sridevi’s guidance shaped her choicesGetty Images
Why is Janhvi Kapoor being an ‘open book’ now?
The actress positioned her honesty as a necessary counter to the toxic culture online. She’s worried about the impact on young, impressionable fans who see edited photos and speculative videos every day. “I don’t want to perpetuate the idea of perfection among young girls,” she explained. “I’m a big believer of ‘you do you’. Do whatever makes you happy.”
It’s hard not to see her point.
But that freedom, she argues, must be rid of judgement. Her decision to talk openly acts as a “cautionary tale.” The core of her message is starkly practical. “If a young girl sees a video like this and decides ‘mujhe bhi ye buffalo-plasty karna hai’ and something goes wrong, that would be the worst thing ever,” she said.
Kapoor dismissed the trolls with a blunt answer: “The value I bring is beyond just how I look,” she said. Then came the mic drop moment. “And I look banging.” You could almost hear the collective nod from hosts Kajol and Twinkle. It was a declaration of self-possession. The work, the talent, the person, it all exists separately from the online noise. Her final piece of advice was simpler: “Live and let live.” The episode is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
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