In a heartfelt interview, actress Shalini Pandey shared her experiences and challenges as she steps into the role of Mariam, a small-town girl with big dreams in the new Prime Video series Bandwaale. The character of Mariam, a poetess who confronts familial resistance while striving to achieve her aspirations, mirrors Pandey's own journey in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her past, she recounted, "When I voiced out for the first time that I wanted to be an actor, it was a big deal. People thought I was crazy." This sentiment resonates with many aspiring artists who face skepticism from their communities.
Pandey, known for her roles in Arjun Reddy and Maharaj, expressed pride in portraying Mariam, stating that the character allowed her to relive her early struggles. She noted that the confrontation scene with her on-screen father echoed her real-life discussions with her own parents about her career choice. She explained, "What happens is, when you relive that, you also understand the other perspectives, your father's perspective, your mom's, your sister's." This depth of understanding has helped her strengthen her relationship with her father over the years.
- Character reflects personal journey — Pandey finds parallels between her life and Mariam's struggles.
- Inspiration for young girls — She aims to motivate girls from small towns to pursue their dreams.
- Collaboration with talented creators — The series is created by Ankur Tewari and features music by Yashraj Mukhate.
As she navigates her career, Pandey hopes her father is proud of her accomplishments, despite their mutual struggle with expressing emotions. She remarked, "I earn my own money. I have my own lifestyle here. I hope he's very proud of me." This statement reflects her growth as an independent actor and the pride she takes in her achievements.
Bandwaale is not just a story about individual ambition; it is also a narrative that resonates with the aspirations of many young women in India. Directed by Ankur Tewari and Akshat Verma, the series features a talented ensemble cast, including Kirkire, Ashish Vidyarthi, Anupama Kumar, and Sanjana Dipu. Produced by OML Entertainment, with original music by Yashraj Mukhate, this series marks his debut in composing for a long-format series. The show aims to inspire and empower viewers, particularly young girls, to chase their dreams despite societal challenges.