by ASJAD NAZIR
A PROLIFIC career has seen talented Indian actress Shivani Gosain star in a string of successful drama serials. The hardworking small screen star is currently playing a challenging role in smash hit TV serial Naagin 5 and showing off her versatility once again.
Eastern Eye caught up with Shivani to talk about acting, working during Covid-19 and future hopes.
What first connected you to acting?
It was just meant to be. I was in school and someone came to me to participate in some health-related show for exercises and yoga as I was into sports. After that, one thing led to another. I did T-Series music albums and then became an actor accidentally.
Which of your roles is closest to your heart?
I have a couple of favourites like Pammi Kohli of Kasam Tere Pyaar Ki and Sunanda from Saraswatichandra, but I am still waiting for that special one.
Who has been the most memorable person you have worked with?
Not one, but so many. I can write a mini-book on the memorable people I have worked with. Every show and each set gifted me with strong bonds and special friendships. They all are close to my heart and have a special place in my life.
What is it like being an actor during the time of Covid-19?
I feel like a warrior shooting in this pandemic time. While shooting, it’s not possible to do a lot of things, which I was strictly following before shoot. But I am taking extra care of my health, immunity and hygiene.
What is the plan going ahead?
I want to do a good web series now and explore more as an artist. Television has limitations and can bind you to a typical image, and because of that I feel work satisfaction is missing. So, I want to experience various new characters.
What would be your dream role?
I want to play a strong cop. Since childhood, I dreamt of becoming an IPS officer like Kiren Bedi. I want to do rough and tough roles. I got a chance to perform as a policewoman in a couple of episodes, but I am hungry for more action.
What do you enjoy watching as an audience?
I love watching comedy, romance, emotional and sensible concepts. In lockdown, I was hooked to Netflix series The 100, Money Heist and Sense 8.
If you could master something new what would it be?
I want to master dance. I enjoy dancing, but never learned any particular form. I want to learn guitar also.
What inspires you?
Never giving up, the spirit of my parents and the challenges of daily life.
Why do you love being an actor?
It gives me the opportunity to live so many lives by performing different characters. It gives me my identity and an opportunity to meet so many people from different places, cultures and classes. It enables me to learn and understand life, as well as people better.
Instagram: @shivanigosain
Kajol and Twinkle Khanna respond to backlash
Kajol and Twinkle Khanna address chat show backlash in new Prime Video episode
Highlights:
The backlash around Kajol and Twinkle Khanna's show Two Much did not suddenly appear one morning. You could feel it brewing from the first few episodes through tiny comments here and there turning into bigger conversations online. The marriage bit especially set things off; one short clip, and the whole thing snowballed. In the new bonus episode, shot after filming ended, the two finally spoke about the moment after weeks of noise.
Why the Kajol Twinkle Khanna backlash picked up so fast
The show ran on loose talk, quick lines, and a lot of teasing. It worked early on. Then came the episode with Vicky Kaushal and Kriti Sanon, where Kajol said marriages should have an expiry date and maybe even a renewal.
From there, it only grew. Another episode with Janhvi Kapoor and Karan Johar brought the debate on infidelity back into circulation. Kajol, Twinkle, and Karan said physical cheating was not a deal breaker for them. Janhvi pushed back and viewers argued for days. The backlash stuck, partly because clips were lifted out of context and partly because celebrity comments carry weight, even when framed as jokes.
How Kajol and Twinkle explained themselves
In the bonus episode, Kajol did not pretend everything was normal. She opened the segment with a half-laugh and said, “Now it’s time for our next segment, which has gotten us into a lot of trouble.” It sounded like a joke, but it was not entirely one. There was a slight crack of irritation or maybe tiredness underneath.
Twinkle followed with a straight note; they should have had a disclaimer from episode one. “Nothing we say in this segment should be taken seriously,” she said. “Please do not follow any of our advice.”
Both insisted the tone was always meant to be playful. Not expert talk. Not life lessons. Just two women poking fun at how people think about marriage, relationships, and the messy bits in between.
- YouTube youtu.be
What this means for the show now
Prime Video dropped the bonus episode with Jemimah Rodrigues and Shafali Verma in a way that almost felt strategic, like a small reset button to cool the temperature without actually issuing a statement or apology.
And honestly, the guest list this season was stacked in a very “this should be safe” way: Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Karan Johar, Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sonakshi Sinha, Janhvi Kapoor. Big names, familiar energy. Nobody expected the backlash to come from them. It came from the little throwaway lines Kajol and Twinkle said around them.
What is next for Kajol and Twinkle?
No word yet on season two. Both seemed unfazed in the episode, almost amused by how far the clips travelled. They did not promise changes either. Just a note that their humour was not meant to be instruction.
Kajol ended the segment with a small smile. Twinkle nodded along. And that is where it sat. Two women, a chat show, and a storm they did not expect but chose to address head-on before signing off.