MUMBAI: Actor Shivani Gosain, currently seen in Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri, speaks candidly about the constant hustle in the entertainment industry. Far from the glamor it’s often associated with, Shivani describes the profession as a space where nothing is permanent and every project comes with its own set of challenges.
“Yes, it’s true that the acting profession is a constant hustle. Nothing is permanent. After one project, you look for another and go through the same cycle of waiting, rejections… a lot of times, it’s not even your choice of work. But to stay active and take care of your expenses, you take up whatever comes—even without any real work satisfaction,” she shares. “That struggle is constant in this temporary world. So failure or success—nothing is permanent. The tables keep turning.”
While the world outside sees only the glamour, Shivani says the reality behind the scenes is anything but easy. “Every stage, each role comes with its own fresh set of challenges. Sometimes, the role is great but you don’t get a healthy work atmosphere or a fair chance to perform. Other times, you have the best team and supportive environment, but don’t get the opportunity you’re hoping for,” she explains.
In such situations, Shivani believes in focusing on the craft. “When you do get the opportunity, you just need to forget everything around and give your best. That in itself is the challenge. And acting is always a team effort—it’s a big blessing when you get a good team to work with.”
The difference, she says, lies in the kind of work. “When I’m working on something that gives me satisfaction, I never feel exhausted. I feel creatively inspired—my mind and body are full of energy, and I look forward to getting ready and giving my best,” says Shivani. “But if I’m working without that creative satisfaction, it becomes emotionally and physically draining.”
On the subject of audience response, Shivani acknowledges the impact of social media but also recognises the bigger picture at play. “In today’s social media age, we get instant reactions. Many times I get amazing responses for a character. But the channel, production, and creatives have their own vision. They’re not swayed by fan reactions because they have a larger narrative to shape and run the show.”
Despite the ups and downs, Shivani sees hope in the evolving landscape of the industry. “Nowadays, with so many platforms and genres emerging, there’s better scope for storytelling. There’s more opportunity for actors to get good, performance-driven roles. But yes, we’re all still waiting for that right time, right place, and the right opportunity.”
In Shivani’s words, it’s clear that acting isn’t just about the spotlight—it’s about resilience, passion, and the patience to keep going, no matter what.
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