Shriyam Bhagnani talks to Mypencildotcom in an exclusive Interview

Shriyam Bhagnani is an Indian actress and writer. She is known for playing important role of Tanya Mehta in Disney+ Hotstar’s web series City of Dreams 2 alongside Ankur Rathi and Priya Bapat. She has also worked in Bollywood films like “Baaghi 2” and “Batti Gul Meter Chalu”.

Mypencildotcom: When did you realised that you wanted to be an actor?

Shriyam: I performed a play in the college, I used to be a part of the organising committee during the fests and events. As a part of organising committee, I’ve to perform a skit. Although, I was forced to do so. When I did for the first time, I realised that, yes this is interesting and I can do this work. Acting is a profession in which you keep on learning.

Mypencildotcom: How’s your acting in school was different from on-screen acting?

Shriyam: Yes, they are different because when you’re performing on screen, actor is the main focus but when we perform on stage, the whole set-up is the main focus. Acting in theatre, mostly depend on expressions and your body language. On Camera its very different but for an actor the feeling is same.

Mypencildotcom: What are the things that you have learnt from your project?

Shriyam: There are so many things that I’ve learnt because it was my major project. This set was especially made for women, there were a lot of women on the set. Working with all those actors was really very worthy because they are so good at their work. I felt that I learnt something new everyday after completing my work and on the last day, I was very sad and fearing that we’ll never go back on the same set.

Mypencildotcom: What was the reaction of your family members and friends after your web series got released?

Shriyam: I had no idea whether people will like the series or not. I knew Tanya was a lovable character on paper. When I read her, I instantly liked the character butpeople will also love me, that was a huge bonus and surprise for me. I got only love from lots of people. I felt very greatful and now people have expectations from me, so now I’ve to live up to it.

Mypencildotcom: Was there any character which you always wanted to play on-screen some day?

Shriyam: Any character that makes me uncomfortable, is the character which I wanted to play. And now I’ve played only few characters so it’s difficult to choose any one.

Mypencildotcom: You’re from a music background, do you have any interest in music?

Shriyam: I like to listen music but I don’t have any knowledge. I started learning music during the lockdown and yaa I started learning guitar but till now I don’t have any plan.

Mypencildotcom: How you are planning yourself for 2022?

Shriyam: I do have plans and ambitions but I think we don’t know anything about our future, so instead of making any plan, I’m just going with the flow. Even Covid has taught us that nobody knows what will happen tomorrow, when will third wave come or when there will be another lockdown.

Mypencildotcom: What message would you like to give to your audience through this magazine?

Shriyam: Try to stay positive and focus on the things that you love because life is very short to worry about anything.