Actress Kirti Kulhari will next headline the upcoming series Shekhar Home, alongside Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Sheroy. Soon to be seen in a new and challenging avatar, she speaks to The Pioneer about her character, the challenges posed by the character and working alongside the stellar cast
Aarti Sreenath
Kirti Kulhari’s journey in the film industry has been marked by her fearless approach to selecting roles and her ability to bring depth to her characters. Her portrayal of strong, independent women has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Known for her diverse performances and bold character portrayals, Kirti has captivated audiences with roles ranging from Anjana in Four More Shots Please!, Parminder in Khichdi: The Movie, Tanya Sharma in Shaitaan, Falak Ali in Pink, Flight Lieutenant Seerat Kaur in Uri: The Surgical Strike, to Dr. Saira Sabharwal in Human.
The skilled actress will be taking up a new challenge by starring in the highly anticipated series Shekhar Home, which is currently generating quite a buzz. In the show, she will play the role of Mumtaz, a character that is both intricate and engaging. Reflecting on this new role over a quick chat with The Pioneer, Kirti shared, “Playing Mumtaz was a unique experience. The character has its own set of challenges. However, it was quite fun to explore this new dimension. It’s different from anything I’ve done before.”
With Shekhar Home, she is all set to add another memorable character to her repertoire. As fans eagerly await the release, Kirti’s portrayal of Mumtaz is expected to be a highlight, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different genres and roles.
Kulhari describes Mumtaz as a character enveloped in layers of mystery and depth. “Mumtaz is a figure of profound complexity,” she explains. “The more I explore her, the more elusive and intricate she becomes. What you initially see is only the surface; there’s a rich, multifaceted personality beneath that gradually reveals itself.”
When discussing Mumtaz’s character, one of the biggest challenges she faced was the demanding physical nature of the role. “The action sequences required precise choreography and a convincing portrayal of intense moments. Handling weapons and performing stunts on set posed their own risks. It was crucial for me to make sure these elements felt authentic and integrated seamlessly into my performance.” It was through Sameer Nair that she’d gotten on board for the project, a long-time collaborator that dates back to Criminal Justice. “When he approached me with Shekhar Home, featuring a stellar cast like Kay Kay Menon, Ranvir Shorey and Rasika Dugal, I was immediately intrigued. The project’s potential and the opportunity to work with such a distinguished ensemble were incredibly appealing.”
Despite the demands, the Pink actress approached the role with a sense of ease and spontaneity. For this role, she now draws much of the reference from real-life experiences or specific inspirations. Rather, “I focused on being present and fully immersing myself in the character. I wanted to enjoy the process and let the script guide me. This project allowed me to embrace a more relaxed approach, which was refreshing.”
On set, the actress found joy in the little things, particularly in her physical transformation for the role. Through her character, she believes that it has added a layer of mystery. “It was both enjoyable and challenging to embody this trait. Additionally, my short hair, which is my own, received a lot of positive feedback. It was gratifying to see how these elements contributed to the character’s look and feel.” Working alongside esteemed actors like Kay Kay Menon and Ranvir Shorey also left a significant impression on the Four More Shots Please! actor. “Kay Kay’s effortless performance and his dedication to his craft were truly inspiring. Meanwhile, Ranvir’s ability to improvise and bring intelligence to his role was impressive. I learned a great deal from both of them and thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic and collaborative environment on set.”
When choosing projects, Kulhari emphasises the importance of fresh and challenging roles. “I’m always on the lookout for characters that offer something new and different,” she explains. “Whether it’s a small or large role, the script and the opportunity for creative exploration are key factors for me. Working with a strong director and a talented team is crucial. While financial considerations are important, they’re secondary to the creative satisfaction of the role.”
In the future, she is enthusiastic about her upcoming projects, including Hisaab Baraabar, where she will star alongside Madhavan. As this chat comes to a close, she happily logs off, expressing her excitement: “I’m looking forward to exploring new roles and continuing to challenge myself as an actor. The future holds a lot of promise and I’m eager to see where these new opportunities will lead.”
