I struggle as much as any other actress: Shweta Basu

Shweta Basu Prasad, who was in news for her alleged involvement in a sex racket in 2014, has put her past behind her. The actress is gearing up to kickstart a brand new innings on television. She will be seen playing the role of a warrior princess, Nandani, in Ekta Kapoor’s new show, Chandra Nandani. We caught up with the actress, where she spoke about the show, got candid about her relationships and the controversy. Edited excerpts from the interview:

Shweta, what made you pick Chandra Nandani to make a comeback I have been resisting television show offers for the past five to six years, since I was busy with my studies. When I got this offer, I knew it was the right time for me to get back to acting. I don’t think I could make a better comeback. Nandani isn’t a pretty doll — she is fierce, bold and speaks her mind. She is actually challenging Chandragupt Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire, and saying that she is going to devastate his kingdom. I like Nandini’s boldness. Besides, who wouldn’t want to dress up as a princess every morning

Life has given you a second chance; Chandra Nandani will put you back into the limelight. Do you agree I don’t call it a second chance because I was not acting by choice. I was studying and then I was making a documentary. I was never out of work. It’s just that I was never in front of the camera.

I did produce short movies and also took up a job at Phantom Films. I also worked with a publication in Mumbai as an intern. I will call this a comeback because I have worked in this space previously. Although, I struggle as much as any other actress — I go for the auditions in Mumbai — but I do have an upper hand, because I have worked earlier and I know these people well. So, I have been an outsider who’s grown up in this industry.

A few years ago, a headline linking you to a sex scandal shocked the nation. Fans who loved for your performances in Makdee and Iqbal, were shocked. How difficult was that period and how did you deal with it Looking back at it, it was one crazy adventure. It was futile and absolutely insignificant. I shouldn’t talk about it, knowing how the verdict from the Indian judiciary takes years. I was given a clean chit within a week — that itself stands witness to how insignificant the incident was.

It was blown out of proportion. I understand how important it is to have a sensational story. Being a journalist, I guess I would grab the story. I don’t think anyone went against me; the journalists were doing their job. In fact, it was journalists who presented my open letter to the media. Eventually, people understood that it was a misunderstanding and that I was given a clean chit. I think we all have one adventure we look back on — this was mine. I have had a blessed life. I have had wonderful family, friends and colleagues to work with.