Like many others, she once dreamt of being the heroine in wispy chiffons running through mustard fields. But Shweta Tripathi’s career arc turned out radically different and the “Mirzapur” actor, who says she likes challenging norms, will have it no other way.
"My personality type is of a rebel. I am all of 5ft, I don't fit your archetype of a heroine, I like challenging those norms," the actor, known for her roles with a difference in "Masaan" and OTT shows including "Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein", told PTI.
She was in her 30s and can point to exactly when it all changed, when her thoughts crystallized. It was 2009, working on her debut show "Kya Mast Hai Life.".
"I would go from Bandra to Malad daily and I had a cab driver, a very nice fellow. One day, when the car stopped at the red light, he looked outside and his gaze lingered there for more than usual. I turned to see what was happening -- there was a movie poster with three women in bikinis.".
"… I promised myself there and then that I never want to be this," said Shweta.
The actor, who has gained accolades for her portrayal as the spunky Golu from "Mirzapur," clarified that she doesn't have a problem with wearing a bikini or a swimsuit.
"But being displayed like that is something I wouldn't like," she said.
Equally, Shweta is glad that cinema and television are now exploring the sexuality of women. These are the roles she has no qualms in choosing - be it the student infatuated with her teacher in "Haraamkhor", the acid attack survivor in "Kaalkoot" or the brilliant student-turned gang woman in "Mirzapur", the show that made her a household name.
"I love the fact there are films like 'Masaan' and 'Mirzapur', where it is about female desire. It is important to have characters like Beena Tripathi (Rasika Dugal in 'Mirzapur') or Devi (Richa Chadha in 'Masaan') because we belong to a very progressive land and culture. And, if we keep clipping our wings, then it will be in every aspect and every sector."
Her father was a bureaucrat, and her mother was a teacher. Growing up in the Andamans and Delhi, she said she dreamt of being the quintessential heroine made popular by Yash Raj Films romances.
"But fortunately, unfortunately, I have not done any of that. What I have done are films like 'Masaan' and 'Gone Kesh', which is about a girl who has alopecia… Everyone has a different purpose and you can get inspired by others but you have to find your own purpose.".
"I feel that I'm running after the pleasure of storytelling, storytelling which sets a higher bar emotionally. So when people see my story, or my character, they feel something because of dad and mom, I want to be part of those stories which move people, which make people uncomfortable."
A mainstream romance is not out of the picture but it will depend on the character, the story and how much leverage it gives her to drive her independent cinema choices.
"I'll take it if I get popular and I can continue doing indie-cinema. But a mere arm candy? No. Your choices and the battle you want to fight for the bigger picture are important."
Asked whether films and shows have a direct impact in how the audience perceives sex and violence, particularly given the graphic language and scenes in some shows, Shweta said audiences also play their part.
"It has become our habit that the government should have done this, the media should have done this. What were you supposed to do? Don't look at the item number. When your little girls are dancing on it, please do not encourage that. We consume those things and we say it should not happen. It is a demand and supply game," said Tripathi.
According to her, "Mirzapur", located in the badlands of Uttar Pradesh, has become a rage because the characters do not look as if they have been "dry cleaned".
"Earlier, mothers didn't have any shades or colors apart from motherly love. Heroines were very innocent. Our heroes were godlike. But we are not black, white and gray. All of us are very colorful. And, depending on the situation, the event, and the journey that we've had individually, those colors pop out."
The actor, whose mother is from Lucknow and father from Allahabad, said she would love to play a light character and an urban woman – after all she is one too – but does not want to lose out on heartland stories.
"We shouldn't forget our culture, our roots. Heartland is called heartland for a reason. I like the emotions, dreams and drive of a small town," she said, giving the example of her "Mirzapur" character Golu Gupta who has simple dreams before she is pulled into the world of crime.
The fashion communications graduate from NIFT Delhi said she loves the power Golu Gupta has given her.
"I like that wherever I go they start calling me 'Golu didi' instead of Shweta. That is fine, there is warmth and love and respect to it. They even fear and that I love, as girls and women, it is a wonderful thing that people fondly remember you but nicer is the people are scared of you".
"In fact, there was one DM which read, 'I want to talk to you, I am feeling awkward, I hope you don't feel bad'. I wondered where this was going and he asked, 'Will you be my elder sister?' I was like 'Wow, this is a rakhi proposal' but it's nice."
The actor said her rebellious streak often comes up whenever there is a gendered perception about women whether it is a role, a character or one's space on a poster.
"I did a film in which the boy was this big in the poster and I was small. Not because I have a short height, but just because the perception of the people is that the girl's (picture) should be smaller. The interesting thing was that when I asked, they changed it. The moment you ask, changes take place."
"Even with 'Mirzapur', I remember when the hoardings of the season one were being installed, I asked where are women characters? And this is a fight which is never merely for me. This has been the battle and it does not mean that tomorrow we will wake up, and suddenly there will be equality everywhere."
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