Sharvari on delivering back-to-back hits with Munjya and Maharaj: “For 3 years I was hoping for a release nothing did, and then 2024 happened’

Actress Sharvari, who has been winning hearts with two back-to-back hits, Munjya and Maharaj, is the next big thing in Bollywood. The actress has recently joined Yash Raj Films’ Spy Verse with the film Alpha, and she has already begun shooting for the movie with Alia Bhatt. With her recent successes and upcoming projects, she's proving her mettle as a versatile actress.2024 has been a remarkable year for Sharvari, filled with surprises and accomplishments. Her film Munjya opened to rave reviews and crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office.

The success of Munjya was followed by the release of Maharaj, another critically acclaimed film, where she was seen opposite Junaid Khant. It also showcased her talent.

In an exclusive conversation with Money Control, Sharvari spoke about her journey and especially getting recognition this year. The actress said she is thankful for all the opportunities that came her way.

“I've had a really grateful year actually because 2024 was actually full of surprises for me. Since the last 3 years, after Bunty Aur Babli, I just kept waiting with my head down, and I worked on projects that I really believed in. And I just continued doing that. I was always hoping for a release, but, unfortunately, it didn't happen in the 3 years. And then 2024 happened, and I think that the timing of things just couldn't have been more perfect. You know? And this is why I say that it was so full of surprise because, the way the year went with all the releases back-to-back and with Munjya starting it off and doing so well at the box office and doing a Rs 100 crore, I think that really was the best start actually to the year. And, honestly, I've actually been waiting to be able to put my work out there and for people to be able to see my work for so many years. So, it's just been such a gratifying year for me,” she told us.

Sharvari played a Maharashtrian in Munjya, which was also based on the folklore from the Konkan region. Sharvari is a Maharashtrian and said she was ecstatic to be a part of the movie that highlighted her region.

“I think what spoke to me mostly about Munjya was just that I really loved the story of both the films, and I really loved my part in it. And that really made me want to be a part of these films, especially with Munjya as well because I'm a Maharashtrian myself. I got a chance to kind of represent my culture in some way. Because growing up, I've always watched Marathi theater. I've watched Marathi films; I still do, actually. So, for me, I have a very special place for Maharashtrian stories because they come from my culture, and I thought that I would get a chance to represent Maharashtrian folklore on such a big scale, which a producer like Dinesh Vijjan was backing. So, I think I came from there, and that was actually where my greed was also to be able to do films that were more clutter-breaking,” she added.

Sharvari said things could have gone either way, but she is thankful that both her movies became box office successes. “So things that were different from what was already happening. I think all of this could have gone either way. I'm just very, very glad that it went the right way for me that both films saw the success.”

She not only delivered a hit with Munjya, but her first solo song, Taras, in the movie won people’s hearts. She was loved for her item number in the horror comedy directed by Aditya Sarpotdar.

When we quizzed her about the song, Sharvari said she was happy that she got a solo song so early in her career and revealed that she shot for the song in straight 18 hours and was bruised during its shoot.

Sharvari revealed that Dinesh Vijjan told her about adding Taras to Munjya'some'15 days before release. I was really, really overwhelmed by the fact that he was actually believing in me in pulling off a solo song because songs hold a really important place in films as well. And I had never been given that opportunity. So, for me, it was really a big deal that a producer like him believed in me and thought that I'd be able to pull off a song, you know, which would help promote our film. And I think that that was a big responsibility. And, so I honestly, at that point, didn't think too much. I decided to just give it my 100% because I've been waiting for this moment for such a long time when I get the chance to do something, when I get the chance to be able to perform, a chance to have a solo song,” she said.

Sharvari

Sharvari was preparing for her role in Alpha at the time and was simultaneously rehearsing for Taras in Munjya.

“I think I just came from that place, and I was sweating at that time for Alpha. I would just take a bunch of gym clothes, and I used to go in the morning and do my action rehearsal. And, like, by evening tonight, I used to just practice for the song of Taras. And we shot straight 18 hours because, like I said, we were 15 days before release. We had only one day to shoot. So, we just shot the whole song in one day. When I was doing it, I never felt like that because, you know, at that point, the energy is so incredible with every technician that is on set and music and background dancers that you don't feel it at all. You feel very happy to just be performing. And then afterwards, after the 18 hours, is when you start seeing the swollen feet and the bruises,” Sharvari told us as she spoke about the kind of hard work she put in for Taras.

Sharvari's journey to becoming an actor has been inspiring. The actress started her journey as an assistant director and always dreamt of stepping into the spotlight. Her dedication and hard work paid off as she successfully transitioned into acting.

Looking back on the nine-year-long journey, Sharvari said: “Actually, both these journeys have been very, very, you know, very gratifying, but the fact is that I always wanted to be an actor. So, I truly am living my dream as an actor. I think as an assistant director, while I give all credit to the fact that I learned everything that I have today when I was an assistant director, and because I got an opportunity, my whole and sole aim and my dream were to be an actor. So, even when I was an assistant director, I was always striving for that one chance as an actor. I was learning on set, but I was just waiting for that opportunity as an actor. I was waiting to be able to give an audition; maybe crack an audition. I think that that stage really was like, you know, when you are in college, so you're still studying, and then you go and you actually apply everything. I think for me, becoming an assistant director was like being a student,” she told Money Control.

Sharvari said she still sees herself as a beginner in the industry and hopes to continue doing good work for the audience and her fans.

“I think I'm just beginning. I think 2024 truly has been a real start, actually, so to speak. While I take all my experience with me ever since 2014, when I started auditioning for the first time, I definitely take my experience with me, and I try to implement that and better myself each day. But if you really, really talk about opportunity, and if you talk about the fact that people getting to know me would definitely just be 2024 for me. And that's really when the journey of an actor starts—when you have work, when you have work, and when people recognize you for that work,” she said.

While Sharvari's recent successes have garnered her immense attention, she remains grounded and focused on her craft. She aspires to explore diverse genres and challenge herself with unconventional roles.

When asked about pressure and expectations, Sharvari said, "I always have a very big expectation of myself...I don't take the pressure of it, but I do feel the responsibility of being better and coming up with better scripts and roles."

Sharvari also shared her desire to explore different genres, including romantic films and period dramas. "I really love romantic films, and I haven't done an out-and-out romantic film... I hope that there is a love story that I'm able to be a part of at some point."

Sharvari is excited about her upcoming projects, including Alpha with Alia Bhatt. The film, part of the prestigious YRF Spy Universe, promises to be an action-packed thriller. Sharvari's rigorous training for the role, including boxing and fitness regimens, demonstrates her commitment to excellence.