No matter the language or medium, acting is about expressing emotions, says Sheeba Akashdeep Sabir

In her career spanning many years in showbiz, the stunning Sheeba Akashdeep Sabir has done films across many languages. Recently, she was seen in the much talked about Sonu Sood directed Fateh and even in the Karan Johar directed Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.

Desimartini caught up with the extremely talented lady Sheeba for an exclusive interview. Presented here are the excerpts:

Hi Sheeba! To start with, you have worked across various film industries, including Hindi and Tamil cinema. How do these experiences compare?
I have acted in many different languages and genres, ranging from Tamil to Hindi to Punjabi films. Recently, I have even worked on a Punjabi film! And over the years, I have also done theatre, television, and movies. No matter the language or medium, acting is about expressing emotions and bringing different characters to life.

The main difference is in the way films are made. Hindi films are usually made on a much bigger scale compared to other regional films, though the South Indian film industry comes very close. One thing that really stands out in the south is its discipline and how well they stick to schedules and timelines, making it a very organized and professional place to work.

⁠Are there any genres or roles you’re particularly eager to explore in the future?
I’m eager to take on an action film soon, and I believe I would do well in that genre.

Looking back, in Jigra, you shared the screen with Alia Bhatt. Can you tell us about your role and how you prepared for it?
Jigra, for me, was an interesting experience. It was my second film with Dharma after Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani. I was confident about the production, knowing it would be a smooth and well-organized project.

In the film, I played the role of a wealthy mother who deeply loves her son and would do anything for him. Since the character was quite straightforward and didn’t have many dramatic scenes, there wasn’t much preparation required. It was a one-dimensional role, so I didn’t get the chance to explore much with it.

You gave a stunning performance in the recently released Fateh, which had Sonu Sood in the lead. Were there any challenges you faced during filming?
When I signed Fateh, I knew it was going to be an interesting role, something that I hadn’t done anything like before. And I enjoyed it because the director, Sonu Sood, was very clear in his vision of how he wanted each character to behave and be. Even in terms of look, he was very committed to how he wanted my character to look, behave, and talk. So, I was pretty much trying to remember how my grandmother spoke at any given point in time to me, and I was trying to be that.

Fateh also marked your return to the big screen after a break. What motivated you to take on this project?
I chose to do Fateh because, firstly, it marked Sonu Sood’s debut as a director, and secondly, I found the role itself very interesting. Playing a simple Punjabi character with a no-makeup look was a refreshing change from how people usually view me. I’m glad I took on the role, and it was a great experience.

In your career spanning many years, tell us which role from your film career has been the most challenging?
Looking at the work I’ve done, I’ve been lucky to play many different kinds of characters. I’ve played a boy, a sad person, a loving person, a widow, and so many more. Even in my first film, where my character was burnt for dowry, the role was very powerful. I feel blessed to have been part of such meaningful projects with great actors, and so far, the journey has been just amazing! Touch wood to that!

Everyone is eager to know as to what next from you?
That’s a big surprise! All that I can say is ‘wait and watch. You won’t be disappointed at all!’