Photographer: Rohan Shrestha
Stylist: Chandini Whabi
Hair: Rohit Bhatkar
Make-up: Stacy Gomes
All Accessories: Anana, Anayah Jewellery, Bblingg by Meghana (Ascend Rohank), Dashia, Eurumme Jewellery (DI Public Relations), Falguni Shane Peacock, Misho, Noya (Ascend Rohank), Radhika Agarwal Studio, Ritika Sachdeva, Studio Love Letter
Location Courtesy: The VeRVe Estate, Goa
Artist’s Management: Yash Raj Films Talent
Wardrobe: Falguni Shane Peacock
In an industry that often rushes toward the spotlight, Sharvari has chosen the slower, more intricate path—one that favours craft over clout, substance over spectacle. It’s in this quiet determination that her brilliance lies. A trained actor who began her journey behind the camera as an assistant director, Sharvari carries with her an uncommon intimacy with cinema—she understands not just how to perform, but how stories breathe, how frames linger, how silence can say more than dialogue ever could.
And yet, there’s a lightness to her presence—a traveller’s soul who absorbs the world in its raw, unscripted beauty. Whether it’s watching whales off Kaikōura’s coast, boarding the Rajdhani Express with her kin to visit Delhi, or wandering through the untamed beaches of Konkan between takes, she is acutely attuned to the magic of the moment. Her performances echo this; they are not just acted but lived. There’s a studied restraint, a lived-in honesty, a warmth that grows up on you.
But make no mistake—beneath the grace and gentleness is a mind sharp with ambition. Her roles in The Forgotten Army, Bunty Aur Babli 2, Munjya, Maharaj and Vedaa didn’t just charm audiences; they carved a place for her as a new-age actor capable of blending mass appeal with layered storytelling. With Alpha on the horizon, she steps into the territory of high-octane action, determined to defy tropes and redefine the female lead.
In this exclusive conversation, Sharvari opens up about her journey—from being behind the camera to commanding it, from structuring a perfect travel itinerary to warming up to the idea of spontaneity, from playing parts to inhabiting lives. What emerges, from this conversation, is a portrait of an artiste and adventurer—thoughtful, intuitive, and utterly unafraid to chart her own course. Here are the excerpts.
Q: You were born and raised in Mumbai. What aspects of the city resonate the most with you? Tell us about some of your fond Mumbai memories.
Sharvari (S): Yes, I was born and raised in Mumbai. I think the aspect of the city that resonates most with me is that it truly is a city of dreams. Growing up here and being born in Mumbai has always inculcated in me the value of dreaming big. I believe that every single person in Mumbai—whether you’ve grown up here or moved and settled in the city—comes with a dream: a dream to make it big, a dream to achieve something. That, I think, is what resonates with me the most. My fondest memories in Mumbai, of course, are of going to school with all my friends. Every single day of my school life has been the best time of my life. I went to school in Dadar Parsi Colony and had the most amazing time. After school, we used to go to Five Gardens, eat gola (crushed ice candy), and play cricket—and those are memories I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Q: What were some of your favourite spots in Mumbai during your graduation days?
S: During my graduation days, I think my most favourite place was Shivaji Park. It’s also where I grew up, but honestly, it’s a place where everybody just comes to hang out, eat food, meet friends, go for a walk, or work out a little. It’s just the most beautiful park, and I have the fondest memories there ever since I was a child. But I think, especially during college—since my college was close to the area—we used to end up going to Shivaji Park a lot more. We’d just sit on the katta (raised platform), hang out all day, chitchat, faff, and eat a lot of food.
Q: Apart from these, what were some of your fondest trips from your childhood?
S: I think my most fond childhood trips were the ones to Delhi. We always used to catch the Rajdhani Express—me, my mother, my aunts, all of our cousins, and of course, my sister. All of us would board the train and travel to Delhi. Almost every summer vacation was spent there, and it was a really, really beautiful time. But I think the most memorable part of those trips was the journey itself—the excitement of travelling by the Rajdhani Express. Figuring out who was going to sleep where, which berth you’d get—those little things are memories I’ll always cherish. And once we got to Delhi, we’d eat a lot of chaat, go to Sarojini Market, and just have so much fun. I think those trips are definitely among the most special ones from my childhood.
Q: From being a Yash Raj Films (YRF) heroine to headlining projects—how would you describe your acting journey so far?
S: I think my journey so far has truly been humbling, grateful, and blessed. These are the three words I would use to describe it. I started behind the camera as an assistant director in movies, because no one from my family was in the film industry. I had to learn on set, stay connected with the craft, and absorb everything I could—every single day. Even though I didn’t have acting jobs at the time, I stayed behind the camera and worked as an assistant director on three films. After that, my first project as an actor was a web series—The Forgotten Army on Amazon Prime, directed by Kabir Khan. Then I got my first film, Bunty Aur Babli 2, which was with Yash Raj Films (YRF). Ever since then, I feel like every single day has been a dream come true. I love being in front of the camera. I love everything that comes with being an actor. This is a journey I’m on, and I’m just grateful every single day.
Q: How did it feel to be part of a ₹100-crore blockbuster so early in your career?
S: Munjya has actually been my second film in theatres, and it’s been truly humbling—and exciting at the same time. It came two years after my first film, and that journey in between was long–filled with ups and downs. So when a film like Munjya was released—an underdog film—and went on to do ₹100 crores at the box office, it was completely unexpected. I think we truly surpassed all earlier expectations, and that feeling was incredible. When you’re the underdog and you’re able to achieve something big, it hits differently. It was truly a testament to the whole team’s hard work and passion for Munjya. And for me, it was especially exciting because it opened so many more doors. It really put me on the map—more audiences saw my work—and that’s something both humbling and thrilling. I’m looking forward to what’s next.
Q: You’ve delivered a solid dance number that caught everyone’s attention—how does that feel and what kind of prep goes into pulling off something like that?
S: Taras is actually an opportunity I got only because my producer, Dinesh Vijan sir, believed in me. It’s my first solo song, and I really, really wanted to push my boundaries, work hard, and make it count—make his belief in me count, to be honest. You know, a song in Maddock Films’ horror-comedy universe is something everyone looks forward to, and I got to feature in a solo track in my film Munjya. I was really excited, and I put in all the hours and hard work. The preparation was a lot of fun because I love to dance, and learning something new always excites me. I was rehearsing for hours and hours—we had only about three to four days before the shoot, so those days were extremely hectic. When we finally shot the song, it was a straight 15-hour shoot. It was a long day on set, but honestly, it was totally worth it in the end.
Q: You’re now entering the YRF Spy Universe with Alpha. What’s it like prepping for such a physically demanding and high-octane role?
S: I think Alpha is definitely my most ambitious film. It’s a film that’s going to break glass ceilings—because it features two women in leading roles in an action film, which has never happened in our country before. So, I’m very, very excited about this one. It’s an out-and-out action film, and the preparations have been physically demanding—long hours in the gym, intensive training sessions, and lots of rehab work to maintain physical fitness. It’s been quite an incredible journey, and I’m really looking forward to the film’s release on 25th December this year. Fingers crossed!
Q: What does a day in your life look like?
S: My life currently looks like a gym session in the morning, followed by a work meeting or a shoot on some days, and then coming back home, relaxing with Miso and my family, having a healthy but hearty dinner, and calling it a night.
Q: How do your travels (work or personal) or cultural encounters find their way into your performances, if at all?
S: I love travelling—especially because, as an actor, we’re always trying to absorb as much as we can from different environments, different people, their habits, the way they talk, the way they walk. Dialects, especially—I’m very, very interested in the different dialects India has, and that’s something that always excites me. So, I’m always observing these things when I travel. My brain is constantly working and churning when I meet new people, especially those from walks of life you don’t encounter every day. Travel, for me, is really important. It connects you to your country, it connects you to your people. You begin to understand a certain pulse. And I think, because we embody such different characters on screen, it’s essential to know how people truly live—how they think, how they are. Travel is the best way to do that. Tasting different foods, and experiencing different climates—it’s all part of the homework you subconsciously do when building a character. I find that process incredibly exciting and fascinating. In fact, I think the most exciting part about being an actor is the preparation. So, every time I’m preparing—especially if it’s for a role that isn’t based in Mumbai or comes from a different culture or state—I try to meet those people, or travel there, and learn as much as I can.
Q: Can you share a travel experience that completely transformed your perspective on life or opened your mind to new possibilities?
S: I think a travel experience that completely transformed my perspective on life was a trip I took with my family to New Zealand. It wasn’t very pre-planned—we decided to drive from the North Island to the South Island, stopping at multiple destinations along the way. Just that entire drive—sitting in the car with my parents and siblings, spending so much time together on the road, stopping at different cafés or beautiful locations, staying at various places, and having new experiences—was unforgettable. At one of these places in New Zealand, called Kaikōura, we went on a whale-watching expedition and saw a humongous whale. It was completely unplanned—we stumbled upon it—and I think it remains one of the best experiences of my life. That trip transformed my perspective because it made me more open to new experiences and to the idea that not everything in life needs to be planned.
Q: How does travelling, in general, inspire you?
S: I think travelling truly inspires every single person because there is so much to look forward to. There is so much to learn in every place you visit. Being able to experience a place you’ve never seen before in your entire life is such an incredible experience, and I think that’s absolutely inspiring. Meeting people from different walks of life is inspiring—seeing how they live, what they eat, their day-to-day lives, and their jobs. I think that’s so inspiring because when you travel, you meet people, and when you meet people, they always inspire you.
Q: How does the culture of these places you’ve visited influence you?
S: As an actor, I think I’m always trying to grasp as much as I can from different cultures. As actors, we play such different characters and varied lives, so it’s very important to understand these cultures. At the very least, meeting people from different walks of life helps us get inspired by them. And one day, when we land a role, we can remember something someone said and bring that to life on screen.
Q: What are the three things that define the essence of a city?
S: I think for me, there aren’t three things that define the essence of a city. I believe it’s one thing: the food. I think it absolutely matters what kind of cuisine you get to eat and what kind of food you’re having in the city—it makes all the difference. I always look forward to the food when I visit a new city.
Q: Which city did you visit recently? What did you love the most about it?
S: Recently, I visited Amritsar with my mother. I’ve always wanted to see the Golden Temple, but for so many years, I never got the chance or opportunity to go. However, this year, I went with my mother, and we had the most spiritual and peaceful time at the Golden Temple. It’s a feeling I can’t fully express in words, but it was divine and serene. That experience is definitely something I absolutely loved, and I can’t wait to go back to the Golden Temple.
Q: Among all the places that you’ve travelled to, which one do you think is underrated and deserves more attention from travellers?
S: Among all the places I’ve travelled to, I think for the film Munjya, we went to two places in Konkan: one is called Kudal, and the other is called Guhagar. I’ve never seen such beautiful beaches. They’re exquisite, serene, and peaceful. The fact that they are in India and so untouched and untapped, where we shot, is something I really loved. Also, the food there—the Maharashtrian food—was just too yummy. They used to cook in their own houses, and then they had small, restaurant-like set-ups connected to their homes. It was a great experience, and I really, really enjoyed it. I hope more people can visit these places.
Q: Your happiest and most memorable trip to date?
S: My happiest and most memorable trip to date is my girls’ trip to Goa. I think it’s that trip that actually made it out of the group (chat) and was finally successful. So, it’s my trip to Goa with my best friends and girlfriends, and we had such a great time. We would chill by the swimming pool, talk about everything under the sun, and have an amazing time. I think a great time with your closest friends in a place like Goa is truly unmatchable.
Q: How do you approach travel planning to ensure a well-rounded, authentic experience, while also allowing room for spontaneity?
S: I am a planner, and I have to plan my trips to the T. I think there is no room for spontaneity; very rarely do I find spontaneity on trips, but I really like my trips planned. I always plan where I’m going to eat, and I always know which locations I’m going to visit—whether it’s a museum, a trek, a workshop, or even a stroll down the lane. I always know where I’m going to shop, and I always know where I’m going to eat.
Q: Have you ever taken a solo trip? Any tips for solo female travellers?
S: I have actually never taken a solo trip. I always travel with my friends and family, but maybe in the future, I hope to take a solo trip.
Q: Your top 5 must-packs when travelling.
S: My top five must-packs would be my vintage camera, definitely a power bank, followed by a great pair of sunglasses, sunscreen, a really nice backpack–and maybe a book as well.
Q: What do you like to read or watch when on a long flight?
S: I love reading books when I’m on a long flight. I think that’s the best time to read. At times, I have finished about two books on long flights. I love reading love stories—there’s just something about reading them on a flight. These feel-good kinds of stories are something I absolutely enjoy. A great love story on a flight is just the perfect way to pass the time.
Q: How do you stay fit during travel? Are you mindful about what you eat or do you indulge in the cuisines available?
S: Most times when I’m taking a vacation and I’m not travelling for work, I allow myself to enjoy whatever meals I want. I think I indulge in great food wherever I go when I’m on vacation. After my vacation is done, I definitely work very, very hard to get back in shape. But I think that is the best balance I can maintain for myself—to have fun when I’m on vacation and really slog it off in the gym once I’m back on my schedule.
Q: What’s the best way to pamper yourself on a vacation?
S: I think the best way to pamper yourself on a vacation is definitely with a massage. It’s something I really enjoy, and if I am on a vacation, I definitely feel like that’s something I would do. I believe that is the best pampering for oneself.
Q: How necessary is conscious (eco-friendly) travelling in today’s time? What sustainable practices do you follow while travelling?
S: I think it is really important, in today’s time, to make eco-friendly choices, whether you’re travelling or in your day-to-day life. Something really small but practical that I do is carry my own water bottle, like a steel or copper bottle, and I also carry a flask for my coffee because I love coffee. Even if I’m on a road trip or in a city where I’m moving about, I love drinking coffee while I’m on the road or walking. So, I always keep a small tumbler and, definitely, a bottle of water with me most of the time, so that I can contribute to being eco-friendly.
Q: What destinations are on your travel bucket list?
S: I think my biggest destination on my travel bucket list is Japan. I love their culture. Everything that I’ve read about their culture in books or watched in shows has always made me want to go to Japan. I think the cuisine is incredible, and the places I’ve seen look really, really great. It’s culturally so powerful and strong that when I finally do go to Japan, I really hope to take a long vacation and truly learn from their culture, trying to imbibe as much as I can. I really want to go there and live like a part of that city, not just visit as a tourist. So, I’m hoping that when I’m able to make my big trip to Japan, I can tick it off my bucket list.
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