Sheena Chohan talks about her journey through Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood: Exclusive

Sheena Chohan is a rising star in the film industry, acclaimed for her impressive adaptability and mesmerising performances that transcend languages and borders, having made a notable debut alongside the iconic Mammootty in a Malayalam action film, and subsequently establishing herself as a talented actress with remarkable depth and range.

Her distinctive talent for infusing her characters with a compelling blend of resilience and elegance enables her to break new ground in the representation of complex, dynamic female characters in cinema.

From playing a fierce cop in the highly anticipated Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam to taking on a sinister She-devil in Bhayaava, Sheena’s upcoming projects demonstrate her unwavering commitment to pushing her boundaries and excelling in diverse genres.

With a solid track record and a promising slate of films lined up, Sheena is poised to leave an indelible mark on both Indian and global cinema in the years to come.

In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.com, Sheena Chohan opened about her journey across Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood, sharing insights into the unique challenges and experiences each industry brings.

Known for her versatility and ability to take on diverse roles, Sheena discussed her upcoming projects, including her intense portrayal of a lady cop in the South thriller Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam.

She also shared her thoughts on working with talented co-stars like JD Chakravarty and the advantage of being a Pan-Indian artist. With a track record of powerful performances, Sheena's candid reflections reveal her passion for pushing boundaries and her excitement for the diverse roles that lie ahead.

Experts from the Interview: 

As you have worked in Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood, which one do you feel is the most challenging and which one is the easiest?

Every industry presents its own challenges, but I love the process of diving deep into each character, regardless of the language or region. Bollywood has grand narratives, Hollywood demands a precision in performance and subtlety, while Tollywood brings intense emotion and dynamic action. The most challenging is always the one where I push my boundaries the most—like my Hollywood debut Nomad, where I had to completely transform. But I embrace each industry’s uniqueness, as it fuels my growth as an artist.

We all know that you are playing a lady cop in your next South thriller—Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam. Did you face any challenges?

Absolutely! Playing a lady cop required extensive physical and mental preparation. I trained in weapon handling, martial arts, and even studied real-life police officers to bring authenticity to my performance. I also worked on embodying the authority and resilience of the character while making her human and relatable. The challenge was blending toughness with emotional depth, which made the role incredibly exciting.

What do you have to say about your co-star, JD Chakravarty? How was working with him?

JD Chakravarty is a powerhouse of talent, and working with him was an enriching experience. He has an intense presence on screen, which challenged me to match his energy and depth in our scenes. What I admired most was his spontaneity—he brings something new to every take, which kept me on my toes and made our interactions more organic and engaging.

Do you feel there is an advantage to being a Pan-Indian artist?

Absolutely! Being a Pan-Indian artist allows me to explore a vast range of stories, cultures, and emotions. It challenges me to adapt to different cinematic styles—whether it’s the poetic realism of Bengali films, the larger-than-life storytelling of the South, or Bollywood’s diverse narratives. This versatility sharpens my craft and allows me to connect with audiences across India and beyond.

Which project was the most fun for you, as you have been working in a lot of genres and languages?

Each project brings something special, but playing Avali Jijabai in Sant Tukaram was deeply fulfilling—it was an emotionally rich role that required extensive research. On the other hand, my role in Bhayaava, where I play a She-devil, was thrilling because it allowed me to explore a completely different physicality and energy. With Jatasya Maranam Dhruvam and Nomad coming up, I’m excited to keep pushing my boundaries and taking on new challenges!