Shalini Pandey, widely recognized for her role in Vijay Devarakonda’s film Arjun Reddy recently discussed a challenging experience she had while filming a rape scene in Yash Raj Films’ (YRF) Maharaj. In this movie, she stars alongside Junaid Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Sharwari. Shalini’s character undergoes a traumatic encounter with a self-proclaimed godman, played by Jaideep Ahlawat, which caused her significant anxiety.
Shalini recounted that her initial reaction to the scene was one of judgment towards her character, thinking she was naive. However, she later realized that this reaction stemmed from societal conditioning. Maharaj is set in the 1800s and portrays Jaideep’s character as a godman who manipulates young women into believing that a ritual called “charan seva,” which involves submitting to him, is sacred. Society overlooks these actions considering them holy.
In an interview Shalini described how filming the scene affected her. After completing the scene, she felt extremely anxious and needed to step outside for fresh air. She immediately informed the director, Siddharth P. Malhotra and her co-star Jaideep Ahlawat, both of whom were understanding of her distress.
Shalini stated that her real-life beliefs are vastly different from those of her character. Initially, she saw her character, Kishori, as naive and foolish. However, she later realized that Kishori was not stupid; she was simply a product of intense societal conditioning that made her believe she was doing the right thing. This realization had a profound impact on Shalini, deepening her empathy for her character.
Reflecting on her role, Shalini expressed a wish that Kishori had known the truth about her situation. This experience served as a powerful reminder of how societal conditioning can profoundly influence individuals’ perceptions and actions.
Shalini Pandey Movies:
Beyond “Maharaj,” Shalini Pandey is also known for her performances in “Arjun Reddy” with Vijay Deverakonda and “Jayeshbhai Jordaar.” Her role in “Maharaj” underscores her ability to handle challenging and intense scenes, further establishing her as a talented actress in the industry.
