During a discussion with Anant Goenka, Executive Director, The Indian Express Group, in Mumbai on Monday, Bollywood actor Shefali Shah, recently nominated for the Best Actress category at the 2023 International Emmy Awards, candidly discussed the hierarchical dynamics prevalent on film sets. Shefali shared her experiences of working with a director and an actor who displayed objectionable behaviour. She stressed her resolve to not play Akshay Kumar’s mother in any on-screen role.

Shefali Shah candidly shared her experiences in response to a question about the hierarchy prevalent on film sets. She said, “Honestly, I have been fortunate to collaborate with amazing individuals, and I really want to say that. I have probably only encountered one director or actor who displayed extreme aggression. Additionally, I have been fortunate to work with directors who see actors not just as performers but as valued collaborators.

Laughing, Shefali further said, “I can assure you that I will not play the role of Akshay Kumar’s mother in any future project.”

Despite being five years younger than him at the time, Shefali Shah played the role of Akshay Kumar’s mother in the 2005 film “Waqt: The Race Against Time”. Shefali was 32, while Akshay was 37 when they worked together in the film, which also starred Amitabh Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra.