Sheel Verma: Television makes you a spontaneous actor

Actor Sheel Verma, last seen playing the titular role of Jaiveer in Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, is balancing his journey between television and films. Seen in TV shows like Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey, Sasural Simar Ka 2, and Shree Ramayan Katha, he is now set to appear in films including Kharun Paar, Gangs of Raipur, and Ramayan. While his film career is gaining momentum, Sheel remains committed to the small screen. “I will be doing TV for the next 2–3 years. I have done films in regional cinema but TV gives a different type of experience and makes one a spontaneous actor,” he shares. On the evolving nature of entertainment, the actor points out how audience habits have shifted. “We watch reels of a few seconds and swipe. Everyone wants new, fast things—fresh stories, thrillers, crime, suspense.

That’s why South industries are performing well; they keep creating and changing. Television also has to adapt—modern drama, as well as researched drama. It will work for TRPs too,” he explains. He adds, "As actors, it’s tough when shows shut down within a month or two. For Badi Haveli Ki Chhoti Thakurain, we were together for six months, and it ended just around my birthday. It was really shocking and I was upset for a while. Films or TV, what matters is the challenge. If it doesn’t excite me, I’ll get bored. It has to push my inner actor so I can become better.”