Sheena Chohan on working with Mammootty, Madhuri Dixit, receiving mentorship from Sushmita Sen: "They all made me understand the importance of discipline"

Sheena Chohan on working with Mammootty, Madhuri Dixit, receiving mentorship from Sushmita Sen: "They all made me understand the importance of discipline"

Actress and human rights advocate Sheena Chohan opened up in an exclusive chat with Moneycontrol.com about her experiences working with industry legends, navigating the challenges of being an outsider in the film world, and the mentors who shaped her journey. Known for her versatile performances across Hindi, Malayalam, Bengali, and other language films, Sheena offers a masterclass in resilience, dedication, and artistry.

On Working with Mammootty: A Masterclass in Acting

Speaking about her experience working with the legendary Mammootty, Sheena shared:

“I think, you know, working with Mammootty is a learning masterclass by itself. Only because he is very, very down-to-earth. But more importantly, he is a master in his craft, in acting. And you can see that. And he makes the actor very comfortable.

Even today, I don't feel he carries the baggage of a superstar. He is just playing the character. He is there with you as a co-actor. Not as a star. And luckily, I had that comradeship, that teamwork, that sense of collaboration from him.

And I think that's where he is today, you know. You have to, as an actor, be very dedicated to your craft. And after that comes everything else. So, I believe in that kind of philosophy. And I think he follows it also.”

On Chemistry with Subodh Bhave in Sant TukaramDiscussing her collaboration with Marathi cinema icon Subodh Bhave, Sheena reflected:

“Actually, that chemistry… I used to feel that I am working with a true artist, not a star. He has done 90 films. He is the king of biopic. I have done 9 films. And I am kind of just starting off in the whole Hindi cinema with my first debut film.

So, imagine 90 films and 9 films. And I never felt when I was working with him that I am working with somebody who has… You know, he is a master class in acting.

And in every scene, he would sit with me. And when we were creating the scenes, he would really go into the detailing and nuances and help me and support me. And I was very lucky to have a co-actor like him.

Because who does this, right? So, it was… That collaboration, again, very, very true to his craft. A master class in acting. Fully dedicated to his… He would just embody that character.

And I think what working with Subodh did for me… And I can say this… Like I am saying… I feel this so truly that it really brought out my performances to the depth, to the emotion, to the quality. In its highest level that I could… You know, in terms of potential and in terms of collaboration, again, as a craft.

And he was a joy. He was a joy to work with. Yeah, yeah.”

On the Struggles of Being an Outsider in the Industry
Known for her advocacy in human rights, Sheena spoke about navigating the industry without any godfathers:

“Oh, I face challenges every single day. Every single day is a challenge. And every single day is, you know, an opportunity to really stay true to my dream and my goal.

I came into this industry with no backing. I came into this industry with just one belief.

That is, you know, I believe in dedicated… Being dedicated to my craft. Being disciplined in my professionalism. And being very true to my goal of wanting to be a part of stories and character. And films that really communicate, you know… Like, communicate an impact, make an impact in not only society. But also roles that empower women. Or at least communicate something that is not only entertaining. But also something uplifting and inspiring.

So, this was my three main objectives in my industry. And this industry is a challenge. Like, whether it be pushing through the barriers that exist. In terms of, you know, wanting to be a part of larger narratives.

As characters which, you know, empower and uplift and inspire and entertain at the same time. Or being a part of stories that really impact, you know, in a huge way. And now, I think the kind of roles that I'm playing.”
Sheena continued:

“This challenge is finally, I feel, gradually. Gradually turning into… I would say, like, it's turning into the direction of… You know, the direction that I had envisioned for myself.

Like, how I would put it is like this. You know, like from… You know, like for… Let me say it like this.

So, from glamour and style. Which was my first film. My character was in Ann's Story. Where I was, you know, a lot of… She was a superstar. So, there was a lot of glamour and style in that character. And again, he was a legendary director.

My film and my character in Ann's Story. With Mustafa Sarwar Farooqui. Which was… Where I was nominated Best Actress at the International Film Festival. With Keira Knightley and Kate Beckinsale.

To, I think, today. From there to now, Santhukaram. Which is a very plain, rustic character.

And then, next from being very righteous and soft-spoken. Which was The Trial where I played opposite Kajol. To being very loud and dangerous. In my upcoming character. Where I am playing a she-devil.

Which is like a Maleficent character. Like Angelina Jolie. With all the VFX and everything. I just think that. If you look at the range… Even my next South film. Where I am playing a cop. She is a very determined and dedicated… You know, disciplined cop. Fighting for what is right.

To also my comedy-drama. A web-series. Where I played a full-fun, carefree character.

I think the range of characters that I have played. The kind of National Award-winning directors I have worked with. In all different kinds of cinema — be it Malayalam, Telugu, Bengali — the challenge has been worth it.

Is all I can say. And every day. It still is a challenge. And I am very excited to meet the challenges. Because that's what life is about.”

On Mentorship and Influences

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When asked about her most influential collaborators and mentors, Sheena fondly recalled:

“Yes. One person who mentored me when I started my career — and I would definitely mention her — is Sushmita Sen.

Sushmita Sen, when I came into the industry, she knew me from Miss Universe India. And she taught me how to really hold my ground, with dignity.

How to respect myself. How to carry myself — not just for a stage, but into the industry. How to respect others. She really mentored me.

I think, you know, when you get mentored by the right people… Like right now, for example — she influenced me a lot when I started off.

But even today, I have my own mentors in my acting field. I learn the craft. I get mentored. I approach my craft in that way.

So the journey has been… you know, definitely somebody who I would look up to. And I feel she has set a great example.

I worked with her for a month. She mentored me before I entered Miss Universe India. I just think that would be someone I would give that credit to.”
She added:

“In acting, I would say Arvind Gaur — a theatre guru. Dilip Tomarsho. Kangana Ranaut. And Deepak Dobriyal.

Arvind trained me in theatre for five years. He's in Delhi. He really trained me and made me understand the importance of discipline and the craft.

Being dedicated to the craft. Really creating characters. The research that goes into it. Understanding your characters.

That I take with me everywhere and every single day. And I try to… You know, that for me is something I work toward. Every single day. Even today.”