In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, Shriya Pilgaonkar opens up about stepping into the layered world of Chhal Kapat – The Deception, her lifelong love for murder mysteries, and what made playing Inspector Devika such a transformative experience. From childhood nostalgia for Agatha Christie novels to exploring complex emotional terrains on screen, she reflects on how this whodunnit is more than just a suspenseful thriller—it’s a deep dive into friendship, trauma and the grey areas of human behaviour.
Tejal Sinha
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A joyous destination wedding turns into a chilling nightmare in Chhal Kapat-The Deception, a gripping new series that unravels secrets, betrayals and buried trauma beneath its festive surface. Set in a secluded village near Burhanpur, the story begins with a reunion of childhood friends—only for one of them to be found dead, sending shockwaves through the celebration. What follows is a tense, emotionally layered whodunnit that blends psychological drama with a tightly woven mystery. At the heart of it all is Inspector Devika, played with quiet intensity by Shriya Pilgaonkar, whose own past gives her a piercing insight into the truth. Directed by Ajay Bhuyan and produced by Juggernaut Production, the series has already struck a chord for its fresh take on the genre, offering more than just suspense—it’s a deep dive into fractured friendships, hidden scars and the cost of deception.
In this conversation with The Pioneer, the Guilty Minds star shares what drew her to the role, how the series sets itself apart from other murder mysteries and the thrill of finally stepping into a genre she has loved since childhood.
“The interesting and entertaining part about Chhal Kapat-The Deception is that it’s seven episodes of just 20 to 25 minutes each,” she says, highlighting the show’s binge-worthy format. “It’s the perfect binge-watch, and something you can enjoy with your family in one sitting.”
But what truly sets the series apart, she believes, is its emotional core. “Murder mysteries are always a fulfilling watch. But this is not just about the investigation unfolding. It’s a lot about relationships and friendships and unresolved trauma. There’s this emotional undertone in the series which people will connect to in their own lives as well.”
Indeed, the story begins with joy and nostalgia as bride-to-be Alisha Dixit reunites with her childhood best friends Mehak, Ira and Shalu at her ancestral haveli. But when Shalu, now a rising social media influencer, is found dead, the celebration quickly descends into a spiral of suspicion, secrets, and heartbreak.
For the Dry Day actress, stepping into the shoes of Devika was more than just another role—it was a long-held dream. “Growing up, I was always drawn to mysteries—I devoured Agatha Christie novels, followed Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, read every Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton book I could find,” she recalls fondly.
“It’s a genre I’ve genuinely loved for as long as I can remember. Naturally, I’ve always wanted to be part of a story like that, because so many of my favourite shows and films are murder mysteries and whodunnits.” Playing Inspector Devika gave her the chance to be part of the world she’s always admired, and it also marked her first time playing a cop. But Devika isn’t a typical investigator. She carries emotional baggage and a personal history of domestic abuse—elements that inform her unique intuition and ability to see through deception.
“Devika herself isn’t exactly who she appears to be—she carries her own secrets, her own deceptive energy. I’m drawn to characters like that, ones who operate in the grey areas and reveal different sides as the story progresses. It was definitely a learning experience, but also a lot of fun stepping into the shoes of someone so complex and unpredictable.” Having consistently portrayed strong, layered characters across film and web, she reflects on her journey with gratitude. “I’m actually really grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to portray strong and vulnerable women who are nuanced and layered on screen,” she says. “I think as an actor, the way I want to be memorable is through these parts that people really connect to.”
While she’s enjoyed a wide range of dramatic and thriller roles, the Taaza Khabar actress is now setting her sights on cinema, aiming to explore new genres and reinvent herself. “There are so many different genres I want to explore,” she reveals. “Although I’ve done more dramas and thrillers, I’m now moving in a direction to make choices where I will be reimagined—and seen in a different look, in a different vibe. That’s what makes acting really exciting.”
Over the past decade, Shriya Pilgaonkar has established herself as a performer who brings depth and authenticity to every role. With Chhal Kapat-The Deception, she steps confidently into darker, more ambiguous territory—and promises to leave audiences questioning everything they think they know.
