Shivaani Rai
I aspire to explore every possibility, embracing complete dedication and madness in my quest to undergo transformation and achieve excellence as an actor.
Shivaanii Rai, an actress working in main stream Bollywood. Started career from Hyderabad theatre.
Theatre group sutradhar, she has done various plays, such as Natsamrat, postmortem, ji jaisi aapki marzi. Bitter chocolate. Midsummer night etc.
First bollywood break in Fryday in cameo, opposite Govinda. Short film with Naseeruddin shah. Lead in Verses of war opposite vivek oberoi.
Had a great opportunity working with Chitranjan giri in his film which he has written and directed by harsh Chauhan. Called KARMANYA
Still continuing theatre in Delhi.
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What inspired your interest in pursuing acting?
Through what might be considered divine intervention, my journey into acting began unexpectedly. I had never envisioned myself becoming an actor, nor did I have much interest in television until recently. Waking up at 3 am one morning, I found myself pondering my path. Through the guidance of a benevolent source, I received the clarity I sought. This led me to move to Mumbai, where, through a stroke of luck, I found opportunities to work in the industry. It all began with a series of blessings that I am deeply grateful for.
What is the importance of struggle period in your career. How do you accept day to day challenges in the creative field of acting?
Each of us faces a unique set of challenges in life, and for me, the essence of struggle has been pivotal. Nothing has come easily to me since childhood, instilling in me a deep-rooted sense of patience. Unlike a mere motivational concept, patience has been ingrained in my very being. Before entering this industry, I understood that patience would be crucial amidst the complexities of maturity. Early on, I encountered setbacks-wrong projects, misjudged casting decisions-but I persevered with unwavering hope. I never chased fleeting fame or quick riches; instead, I focused on doing meaningful work, knowing that success would naturally follow. 
How crucial is having a strong support system for women to pursue their dreams? Who have been your pillars of support? And who has been your greatest inspiration as a creative individual?
Even in the ancient era of the Mahabharata, the dilemmas and difficulties faced by Draupadi underscored the necessity of a robust support system within the society itself. It was not easy then, as it is not easy now. Draupadi’s courage to challenge the system and raise poignant questions remains exemplary for women today. I regret not having read the Mahabharata earlier in my life, as its lessons are still relevant. In times of crisis, Draupadi questioned, “Whom did you lose first, yourself or me?” -a query that left the assembly silent. What followed became history, but it was her bravery that stood out.
Indeed, nothing is impossible; challenges are meant to strengthen us. My courage has allowed me to pursue my dreams despite facing numerous obstacles, fostering an ability to think beyond oneself. Yudhishthira’s life choices offer a profound lesson in dealing with life’s inherent vulnerabilities.
Could you recount memorable moments from your tenure at the “Sutradhar” theatre group and describe your experience working with Vinay Verma?
My stint with the Sutradhar theatre group was brief, and initially, I didn’t intend to learn any techniques. Mistakenly thinking it was a casting company, I discovered it was a theatre group upon arrival. Surprisingly, I became involved and stayed on, finding myself drawn to observing Vinay Verma, my mentor, who embodies a wealth of knowledge. Simply watching him proved invaluable; his presence became an educational experience in itself. Day by day, minute by minute, I absorbed lessons organically, treating it like a real-life training ground where I honed my actions and speech. It shifted my focus from reacting impulsively to responding thoughtfully, transforming how I approached challenges.
Do you follow a specific acting technique or methodology when preparing for a role?
I don’t adhere to any particular acting technique because I haven’t had practical training in them. While I have theoretical knowledge of some techniques, I can’t claim to have experienced them in front of the camera yet. Frankly, I feel uncertain about my acting abilities and take this seriously. Instead, I immerse myself in each character, striving to truly live their persona rather than just act. I consider myself a director’s actor, approaching characters from various perspectives, drawing upon my personal experiences of handling diverse situations and individuals. This adaptability stems from understanding others’ perspectives, which influences how I interpret roles. When directed, I delve into my memories to recall relevant experiences, aiming to authentically portray the character as envisioned by the director.
In the field of Cinema one has to face criticism also,what is your experience.How do you deal with it?
Up to now, I haven’t encountered much criticism. One piece of advice I have received is to carefully consider projects before committing, as I have noticed discrepancies between how a character is initially portrayed and how it unfolds in reality. I approach criticism with a positive mindset by default. As both a person and an actor, honesty is paramount to me; I often identify areas of improvement in my work before external critiques surface. I am aware that some criticisms are aimed at undermining morale rather than offering constructive feedback, and this awareness helps me distinguish between constructive and detrimental criticism.
You have worked with various brands How do you choose which brands to associate with, and what do you look for in brand partnerships?
I have been approached for additional advertisements, and I carefully evaluate the role they offer and how participating in them could impact my career. Ultimately, I prioritize aligning with reputable products over other considerations.
Can you share some memorable moments from your career so far, both on-screen and off-screen?
Each time I engage in a project, both on and off camera, numerous events unfold. I am naturally a keen observer, and this industry demands a diverse skill set—from character preparation to technicalities. The collaborative effort of everyone involved, whether in front of the camera or behind it, offers invaluable learning experiences. I derive great pleasure from observing this process, as I deeply appreciate the journey leading up to the final delivery.
Are there any particular directors or actors you dream of collaborating with in the future? What kind of roles are you eager to explore?
I always wanted to work with Maniratnam sir. I Would love to work with Anurag Kashyap, pan Nalin, Shoojit sirkar, vishal Bharaddwaz, Anurag Basu are all my favourites. They have given wonderful films that would we cherished forever by the Indian.
How do you unwind from the demands of your career? Any hobbies or interests that you enjoy outside of acting?
‘In fact, I find it necessary to stay prepared for opportunities in this field well in advance of receiving any projects. Otherwise, I tend to take things easy in life. Despite having minimal demands, I find that each passing year sees my desires decreasing, allowing me to keep my mind unburdened and focused on my current priorities—primarily my work. When not engaged in work, I enjoy traveling and exploring new interests such as spirituality, astrology, palmistry, and reading related literature.
What are your aspirations for the future? Any upcoming projects or goals you would like to share?
I aspire to explore every possibility, embracing complete dedication and madness in my quest to undergo transformation and achieve excellence as an actor. Currently, I am appearing in “Karmanya,” directed by Harsh Chauhan. Stay tuned for more updates, as there are exciting projects on the horizon that I look forward to sharing by the end of this year.
