“In school I was that student whom parents and friends used to tell me to work hard and study. And then, right now, I am such a front-bencher,” says Shweta Tripathi Sharma, with a hint of surprise. It’s been a great year for her as she delivered two of the OTT’s most watched shows - Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein and Mirzapur. After Masaan’s success, Sharma took an unusual route to fame by choosing OTT shows over big ticket commercial movies.  “I didn’t take that quintessential path, that a heroine should be like this. I want to tell so many people that do not lose on your purpose and your intent. Because to me, that is the most important thing. Following your dreams is not going to be easy. But at least you`re waking up to do what you want to do rather than just doing a job and earning money. A few days ago, I saw Richa and Ali`s film, which is Girls Who Be Girls. I feel that there is a change that is happening. I`m so glad that not just me, but people around me, people that I look up to, everybody is trying to bring about a change,” she says. 

The success of two big shows have been pivotal. “I don`t think a season has been ever announced so soon after. As an actor, now because it`s been a few years, I can feel an energy shift. I`m feeling better because I know there is a buzz around us. And I know people want to collaborate with me. We know that Shweta is bankable. She delivers. It does matter what your relevance is. And now because of Mirzapur and Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein coming out this year, and the curiosity that people have and the love that the character has got, that gives me that extra power. I have got two film scripts.  And both slice of life movies. I would have never imagined that after Mirzapur and Yeh Kaali Kaali Aankhein I will get a slice of life. But that is what I love. That people themselves only don`t want to typecast me. There is a certain worth in the projects that come to me.”