“Shivangi’s journey resonates with my dreams,” says actor Khushi Dubey, the lead of ‘Jubilee Talkies – Shohrat. Shiddat.Mohabbat’

Set against the backdrop of Indian cinema, Sony Entertainment Television’s latest offering, ‘Jubilee Talkies – Shohrat.Shiddat.Mohabbat’ follows the journey of Shivangi Sawant, who aspires to restore the former glory of her family’s single-screen theatre, ‘Sangan Cinema.’ Amidst multiple hurdles, she finds herself in Mumbai, and she crosses paths with superstar Ayaan Groveraka AG (Abhishek Bajaj), who enjoys a fandom like none other, sparking an unexpected romance. In a candid conversation, Khushi Dubey talks about her character Shivangi, her preparation for the show, and much more.

1. Can you tell us about your character, Shivangi Sawant, and what drew you to this role?
When I heard the script for the first time, I immediately felt that ‘Shivangi’ is a character that many can relate to; I believe I am exactly like her in my daily life as well. She is lively, high-spirited, humble, and embodies modern-day sensibilities. She aspires to save her father’s legacy and revive the former glory of their single screen theatre, Sangam Cinema.

2. What kind of research went into the character sketch of Shivangi?
To understand my character arc better, I attended many meetings with the production and writing teams before beginning the shoot. Considering my character is a Maharashtrian, I had to work on my Marathi accent to ensure I bring authenticity to my role. In this journey, Asawari Joshi ji, who plays my mother in the show, was incredibly supportive and helped me with the nuances of the language. I have also learned how to drive a rickshaw, as Shivangi owns one in the show. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to explore scenes involving water and fire which require physical fitness, and demand flexibility. So, I do yoga and dance to maintain my fitness since I don’t have much time for the gym. So yes, there was a lot that went into playing Shivangi on-screen.

3. Would you say that you and your character Shivangi share any similarities or differences?
I do resonate with my character. Shivangi is very relatable and her point of view on certain things matches my thought process. The way she stands for her mother, her loyalty, and most importantly her optimism connects with me. One of the striking similarities is our shared love for cinema; like Shivangi, I’m also a ‘filmy keeda’ and have a deep passion for acting. One of the differences is our experience in the film industry. While Shivangi is portrayed as new to the industry, I have been working in this field since I was four years old.

4. How is your off-screen camaraderie with co-star Abhishek Bajaj?
I’m having a lovely experience working with each of my co-stars, especially Abhishek, who is wonderful. He is always fully immersed in his character and keeps teasing me now and then. The most important part is that even with so much experience, he remains humble and has always been supportive throughout the shoot. He is the typical Punjabi guy who listens to Punjabi songs and has that energetic vibe. Occasionally, he calls me ‘Deepu’ because his mom said I resembled Deepika Padukone when she saw theposters of the show. It’s great to work with him; he is a good co-star who ensures there is always a positive vibe on set, which is very important, and I’m thankful to him for that. I really hope our hard work pays off and the audience loves our chemistry on-screen.

5. You’ve been in the entertainment industry for a long time, how has your journey been so far?
I started my career at a very young age, and over the years, I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that have helped me grow as an actor. Bringing a character to life requires more than just memorizing lines; it involves a deep commitment to portraying emotions authentically and believably. Despite the personal challenges we may face, it’s essential to deliver performances with full conviction and dedication. Each project has been a learning experience, and I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way.

6. Can you tell us what the viewers can watch out for in the upcoming track?
Viewers have seen how Shivangi’s destiny has brought her to Mumbai and led her to meet Superstar Ayaan Grover. In the upcoming episodes, Shivangi’s journey takes an even more exciting and unexpected turn. She will face new challenges that test her determination and resilience as she continues her quest to revive Sangam Cinema. Her relationship with AG will have multiple highs and lows, and there’s a lot in store for the audience, whowill thoroughly be entertained and moved by what’s to come.

7. Any message for your fans?
The word ‘fan’ is such a small term but the role they play in our lives is enormous and beyond comparison. It means a lot to us and people in our industry that in this hectic world when everyone is busy with their personal lives, be it family, friends, or other obligations, but they make time for people they don’t even know. I’d like to thank all my fans for their constant support and for always believing in me; please continue to love and encourage me and keep watching ‘Jubilee Talkies – Shohrat.Shiddat.Mohabbat.’

Tune in to watch ‘Jubilee Talkies – Shohrat.Shiddat.Mohabbat’ every Monday to Friday at 8:00 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television