Glad to see Gujarati films exploring fresh concepts: Helly Shah

Helly Shah, who took “a much-needed break” after Ishq Mein Marjawan 2 (2021), recently made her OTT debut with Gullak 4 The Diya Aur Baati Hum, Laal Ishq and Sufiyana Pyaar Meraactress, who, along with Vatsal Sheth, is all set to make her debut in Gujarati cinema soon, shares, “I couldn’t have asked for a better show to make my OTT debut. I always wanted to do a relatable show that evokes nostalgia, and it was great fun.I am a big fan of dark, gritty shows too, and I hope to do such a show soon. I have always wanted to do a thriller.”
She adds, “In our country, there is an audience for all the platforms. My mom, for instance, loves watching TV shows. However, she has also started exploring OTT content now. So, while the audience’s viewing patterns have changed since the lockdown, every medium has its takers.”

Helly, who started her journey in showbiz as a teenager in 2010, says that “taking a break after Ishq Mein Marjawan 2 was a conscious choice.” She adds, “I had been working non-stop for so many years and needed a breather. Such breaks are always good for an actor because you get to learn new things. I also shot for my upcoming Gujarati film during this phase. Last year, it was fun to celebrate Diwali and Gujarati New Year in Ahmedabad after many years. This time, I am planning to celebrate Rakshabandhan in Ahmedabad.”
She adds, “I am really glad that I took this break because it worked well for me. My approach towards my craft has changed and now, I see myself as a completely different person in terms of how I approach a script. I have a couple of projects in the pipeline but it’s too early to talk about it. At this point, I am not looking at taking up a TV show because it requires long-term commitment, and I have other projects lined up.”

It has been a while since I completed shooting for my Gujarati film and I am eagerly looking forward to its release. It is a fun family entertainer and it’s going to be a laugh riot for the audience. My mom and I plan to watch Jhamkudisoon and I am glad for Manasi (Parekh), as the film has done well. She was my co-star in my first TV show (Zindagi Ka Har Rang…Gulaal). I am glad to see Gujarati films exploring fresh concepts. People are watching Gujarati movies in theatres and some of our films (like Vash) are being remade in Hindi, which is great. These are great times for regional cinema.