12 May,2026 07:40 AM IST | Mumbai | Letty Mariam Abraham
Abhishek Kumar
It has been a long journey for Shiny Doshi, who has spent over 15 years in the industry and has now reached a phase in life where she values peace, passion, and meaningful work over the constant hustle of showbiz. The actor, who returns with the new series Ishk Dum Aur Idli Rasam - produced by Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Studios and executed by actor Surbhi Chandna's Feel Good Studios - speaks to mid-day about her chemistry with Abhishek Kumar, her evolving career, and why she consciously stepped away from daily soaps for two years.
Excerpts from the interview.
Looking back at your journey, how differently do you view your career now?
When I started, making money was extremely important for me because I had to earn my living and take care of my family, being the provider. My situation was different then. But once I had a little monetary security and stability in life, acting became a passion. I became choosy about my work and the quality of projects that I wanted to do. It has been almost 15-16 years in the industry and I feel I have come a long way. I feel privileged to be part of all the shows that I have done so far.
What drew you to Ishk Dum Aur Idli Rasam?
I had never played a South Indian character on screen before. It was challenging and different for me. The platform is also new because I have never explored YouTube. But for me, the team matters a lot - the writers, producers, and the director. I saw potential in the show.
Initially, Shoaib Ibrahim was supposed to play the lead. With Abhishek Kumar replacing him, was it easy to adapt to the casting change?
While my look test and reading were with Shoaib, I worked with Abhishek directly on set for the first time and it felt very easy-going. As an actor, I understand that you have to have chemistry [with your co-star]. If there's somebody else, of course, I'm going to have different dynamics. You have to be versatile. I think my chemistry with Abhishek has been coming out amazing. I remember we did a scene where I had to pull a cigarette out of his mouth. It was my first scene, and my director loved it. He said he could see the chemistry on screen.
You consciously stayed away from TV after Pandya Store. Was that difficult?
After Pandya Store, I consciously sat at home for two years because I did not like what was being offered to me. I wanted to take myself a level higher with my projects. I was offered many shows in those two years, but I knew instantly whether I wanted to do something or not.
Why did you opt for the reality show The 50 as your comeback after the two-year-plus break?
I did The 50 because I am extremely into fitness. When the show was offered to me, they told me it would be all about fun tasks like Squid Game. That intrigued me to say yes, minus the drama part because I wasn't aware of it.
"She understands me as an actor and gets my working pattern. Surbhi has personally looked into all my looks, standing on the makeup artist and hairstylist's heads, making sure that I look just right."
Shiny Doshi made her debut with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's daily soap âSaraswatichandra', also starring Gautam Rode and Jennifer Winget.
