Actress Shrenu Parikh, who was last seen in tv show Ek Bhram… Sarvagun Sampanna, is making her comeback after a long break with the upcoming show Ghar Ek Mandir– Kripa Agrasen Maharaja Ki. In an interview with BT, Shrenu talked about her debut on the OTT platform, her upcoming project, her take on marriage and more.
Talking about doing a TV show almost after two years, Shrenu says, “After going through so much amid the pandemic, it is a great feeling to be doing a TV show again. I said yes to the show because it has a different concept and I felt that it will be a great comeback project for me. It has been a long break from doing TV shows and so, I feel really excited. It’s a socio-drama and my character (Genda) believes in the principles of Maharaja Agrasen, a compassionate king who was really helpful towards the business community.” She adds, “We have been shooting in Jaipur amid a strict bio-bubble and while the shooting experience is completely different now, I am happy to be back to the grind. Shooting with Akshay Mhatre (her co-star) has been a good experience. He is a really sweet guy and all my co-stars in the show are really chilled out. Now, while shooting for projects, one is living with co-stars in the same premises and it really helps in bonding better.”
Shrenu further talked about the hardships of the pandemic, she says, “Unlike corporates, where employees have the option of working from home, we have to shoot to bring out new episodes. It has been a very difficult phase because locations got changed and teams had to shift base completely, everyone had to stay away from their families for long periods and there were other issues too. But as they say, the show must go on and in spite of facing so many hurdles, we have somehow sailed through so far. After recovering from COVID-19, I have started valuing my life and work a lot more. I will be forever indebted to the TV industry for whatever I have achieved so far.” Is there any genre on her wish-list for future projects? Shrenu says, “I have never done an out-and-out comedy and horror thrillers. So, I would love to explore these. I would also love to do a dark project. Also, I am open to doing reality shows.”
Talking about her wish to do more Gujarati projects, the actress adds, “It has been a conscious decision and I would love to do more OTT projects.” Shrenu, who made her debut in Gujarati films with Lamboo Rastoo in 2018, says that she would love to do more Gujarati films. She shares, “If I get a good project, I would love to take it up. In fact, I have been getting offers but now that I will be busy with a TV show, my choices would be limited.”
Shrenu who is proud of being a short and curvy girl, further talks about body positivity and shares, “I have been speaking about it because if you are good at your job, other things don’t really matter. I had put on weight because I was on medication and complete rest. Nothing is more important than staying healthy. I have always been proud about being a short and curvy girl. I took my own sweet time to get back in shape and I feel that’s perfectly fine. Our industry, as well as the audiences, have been very kind towards me and I feel grateful for that.”
When asked about she has coped with the pandemic so far, the actress says, “During the first wave, many people got used to staying at home and also found out ways to enjoy themselves. However, the second wave was really devastating and the kind of mayhem it caused was really disturbing. Things like shortage of oxygen beds and losing loved ones made us feel completely helpless. I just pray to God that there is no third wave.”
When asked about her marriage plans, Shrenu shares, “Like any other girl, I would love to settle down one day. However, such decisions should never be taken in haste and there is absolutely no marriage pressure on me from my parents or my immediate family. They have always been extremely supportive about my career. When the time is right, it will happen.” Asked about the qualities that she expects in her life partner, Shrenu adds, “He should be well-read, educated, ambitious and family-oriented like me. Also, he should be respectful towards everyone.”