Shreya Chaudhry: For me, the script is king – Excl

Shreya Chaudhry is all set to captivate audiences once again with her performances. From her portrayal of the spirited Tamanna in Bandish Bandits to her impactful roles in films like

Mehta Boys

, Shreya has quickly become a face to watch out for.
In an exclusive conversation with

ETimes

, Shreya reflected on her journey, her experience working with industry stalwarts like Boman Irani, the evolution of her character Tamanna in Bandish Bandits Season 2, her excitement for the prestigious IFFI stage and more.
What can fans expect from Season 2 of Bandish Bandits?
It’s been incredibly exciting to see an artist evolve like Tamanna. There’s a lot more maturity in her character and more singing involved for her this season. Personally, I took keyboard and singing classes to prepare. The cast has also expanded with some amazing new members. I had a beautiful interaction with Divya Dutta, who plays my mentor and German teacher in Season 2. I’m genuinely thrilled for audiences to watch Season 2 and Tamanna’s journey unfold.

How would you describe your journey in the industry so far?
My journey has been very interesting and rewarding. I pinch myself every day, amazed that I am an actress and people get to see my work. For me, that’s the biggest achievement. I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredible people in the industry. Starting my career with stalwarts like Boman Irani and Anand Tiwari, both of whom come from a theatre background, has been a blessing. They are always willing to share knowledge, and their feedback has been invaluable.

Looking back, I’m proud of the unique characters I’ve portrayed. Each project I’ve been part of holds a special place in my heart.
Do you think 2024 has been a landmark year for women in cinema?
Absolutely! It’s been an incredible year for women in cinema, and I’m proud to have been part of characters like Tamanna and Zara. Both embody a beautiful balance of empowerment and empathy. They showcase how one can be both empathetic and empowered. That feminine energy is truly inspiring. These solid, multifaceted characters are what I aspire to portray.
What kind of roles do you dream of playing in the future?
I’m still a few projects old, and there’s so much more I want to explore as an actor. Being a huge cinephile, I watch everything – from commercial blockbusters to art films. For me, the script is king.
Even if it’s a smaller role, as long as it’s impactful and meaningful, I’m all in. I want to play characters that aren’t there just for the sake of it but add depth and dimension to the story.

What was your experience like at IFFI this year?
Being part of IFFI, Asia’s largest film festival, was surreal. As a former media student, I always dreamed of attending IFFI. To be there with a film I starred in was a huge milestone for me.
Working with Boman Sir was a transformative experience. He’s not just an extraordinary actor but also an exceptional director. He conducted rigorous workshops to prepare us, balancing his dual role as an actor and director seamlessly. This film was a passion project for him, and once I came on board, it became a passion project for me as well.
How did you land the role in Mehta Boys?
I feel like I manifested this opportunity. I once mentioned to a friend how much I admired Boman Sir and wished to work with him. Within two months, I got a call for an audition through Casting Bay.
Boman Sir personally auditioned me. He spent an entire afternoon with me, holding the camera himself, giving me cues, and recording everything. At the end of it, he said, ‘I don’t know if you’ll work out, but to me, you are Zara.’ That moment meant everything to me.

How was your experience working with Avinash Tiwary?
I play Avinash’s girlfriend in the film, and it was fascinating to see how Boman Sir portrayed their relationship. Zara is the wind beneath his wings, his biggest supporter, and their dynamic is full of playful banter. The workshops with Avinash were incredibly fun and helped us build a strong equation on-screen.
What makes Bandish Bandits 2 special for you?
I’m thrilled to take Bandish Bandits Season 2 to IFFI. The show is a love letter to our audience, who gave us so much love for Season 1. Season 2 is our way of giving back. My character has a beautiful arc this season, and I’m excited for the audience to experience this journey with us.