Sherleen Dutt: Whenever I Watched A Shah Rukh Khan Film, I Felt A Belief That I Too Could Weave Magic On The Screen

“Whenever I watched a Shah Rukh Khan film, I felt a surge of energy, a belief that I, too, could step into larger-than-life roles and weave magic on the screen. In the simplicity of childhood, the dreams were big, and the aspirations were wrapped in the charisma of Bollywood. Shah Rukh Khan’s on-screen charisma fuelled my imagination, making me believe that every dream, no matter how grand, was attainable. Fast forward to today, and that childhood yearning has transformed into a resolute ambition. From the realms of imagination to the vibrant world of cinema, I carry the essence of those early daydreams. The power of imagination, the inspiration from Bollywood’s iconic figure, and the unwavering belief that dreams have the strength to turn into reality. So, here I am, on a journey from the little dreamer of yesteryears to the aspiring actor of today, driven by the magic of Shah Rukh Khan’s films and the endless possibilities that my childhood fantasies whispered to my heart,” she says.

Sherleen has no formal training in acting. “I haven’t taken any official acting classes, but I did spend two years doing theatre in Jammu. After that, I’ve been soaking up lessons from movies and web series to keep honing my skills. Learning on the go has been my approach,” she adds.

Good looks are very important for an actor, according to many. “Absolutely, I don’t agree that good looks are the most important factor for an actor. In my perspective, having solid skills and a genuine passion for learning is paramount. The level of seriousness and focus I bring to my acting endeavours reflects my dedication to this industry. I’ve encountered my fair share of sceptics who pointed out things like my height, teeth, and nose as potential roadblocks. However, I’ve silenced those voices with unwavering dedication. I firmly believe that one’s comfort and confidence play a crucial role in becoming a successful actor. Don’t let people’s opinions demotivate you, because, in the world of acting, it’s the skills, dedication, and authenticity that truly matter, not superficial judgments based on looks,” she says.

Ask her what profession would she have chosen if acting did not work out? “If not an actor, I might have explored the path of directing. I’m intrigued by the idea of shaping scenes based on my imagination, envisioning how I would direct a particular moment. Directing allows me to bring my creative visions to life and delve into the intricacies of storytelling from a different perspective,” she answers.