Actor Shweta Basu Prasad has had an incredibly busy year with back-to-back OTT releases—Oops Ab Kya?, Criminal Justice: A Family Matter, and now Maharani Season 4.
Despite the packed schedule, the actor insists she remains extremely selective about the work she takes up, even if it means spending months away from sets.
Choosing Quality Over Quantity
In a conversation with Hindustan Times, Shweta shared that she has no hesitation in turning down most of the projects that land on her desk.
“I’m being selective. That’s why I have an audience base who has faith in me. I’m conscious about picking roles and I’m not scared to experiment,” she said.
Shweta accepts that her choices may sometimes go wrong, but she sees that as part of her creative journey.
“I say no to 9 out of 10 projects. And it’s okay if I’m sitting at home for six months. I’ll wait.”
A Simple Lifestyle That Helps Her Stay Grounded
Shweta explains that her minimalist way of living allows her the luxury of waiting for the right roles.
“I don’t have the kharchas or the pressure of living up to expectations—doing photoshoots, attending parties, constantly being seen. I don’t subscribe to that journey.”
Instead, she prefers going “underground” between projects and returning only when there’s something meaningful to work on.
How She Picks Her Characters
The actor, known for standout performances in Makdee, Iqbal, Tashkent Files, Serious Men, Jubilee, Tribhuvan Mishra: CA Topper, and now Maharani, says she chooses roles as a viewer first.
“I’m an audience first and an actor after that. Whatever I pick must be something I want to watch.”
She believes audiences are smarter and more open to diverse genres than they’re given credit for.
“It’s a myth that the audience doesn’t get it. The audience gets everything. That’s why makers are getting bolder.”
Entering the World of Maharani Season 4
Maharani Season 4, led by Huma Qureshi and created by Subhash Kapoor, continues to explore the political landscape of Bihar. The new season also stars Vipin Sharma, Amit Sial, Vineet Kumar, and Kani Kusruti.
For Shweta, joining the series felt natural:
“It’s such a warm set. Subhash Kapoor, Huma, and the entire team have built a township where anyone can live comfortably. I felt at home the moment I entered.”
