Shiny Doshi: Initially, I entered this industry to earn money

It’s been over a year since Shiny Doshi was last seen on television, following her role in Pandya Store. Since then, the actress has been noticeably absent from screens — a decision she says was not intentional.

Shiny has been acting for over a decade now, but she never planned to be an actor in the first place.Sharing about it, she says, “Honestly, initially I entered this industry to earn money. I wasn’t even sure if I wanted to do TV or films — I just took up whatever came my way. Then Saraswatichandra happened, and things changed.” The Sanjay Leela Bhansali-produced show gave her visibility, audience appreciation, and her first serious acting experience.

“That was the first time I learned acting — on set, without any formal training.” The early phase was financially and emotionally tough. The actress says, “Payments in TV usually come after 90 days. I was working almost every day, but couldn’t take on other projects. My savings were gone quickly. I had no contacts in Mumbai. My mother was the only person I could rely on.” Shiny moved to Mumbai around the age of 23, and the adjustment was significant.

“The energy and drive you have at that age is different. I don’t think I could go through that kind of struggle now.” She admits that fear and pressure shaped many of her early choices. “My mother had supported me completely — she’d fought with family to help me pursue this. That brought a lot of pressure. Sometimes, the fear of failure held me back. Maybe I didn’t give my 100% all the time because I was afraid.”Asked about when she plans to return to TV, she says, “I’m not in a hurry. I’m open to the right project to come my way to take it up."