Girl in the city

Shrenu Parikh, the girl next door from Baroda, who climbed the success ladder at a young age, is now moving towards the pinnacle of success through her new show “Dil Boley Oberoi”

What’s your philosophy in life?
My journey just started. It’s still in process. And the urge for doing more does not end. I think that’s a good thing. I’m still a learner. I’m still trying to find happiness in what I’m doing. When you feel you’re pretty good and no more to learn, that’s where one sees a downfall. Never get success into your head.

How eventful had it been, for you to reach where you are today?
Honestly, if I look back it doesn’t look that difficult. But back then, there were times, which were quite difficult where you felt like breaking down, but, by God’s grace I have always been welcomed by Mumbai. But when I came here, it was an altogether different place. For two- and-a- half years I couldn’t settle in Mumbai. I used to feel homesick most of the times. Having said that, now Mumbai is like a second home. Now if I think, everything is smooth enough for me. Because there have been actors, who struggled a lot to get a scene or a chance in a show.

You were a pharmacist. If not acting, would you have been enjoying your career as a pharmacist?
Of course. I still have that career. I’m a person who firmly believes in education. My parents had one condition. They always used to say, whatever your dreams are, education is must. I belong to an academic family. My father and brother are engineers. My mother is a banker. My brother is a sports person too. They never stopped us to work for fulfilling our dreams. I still believe in Plan-B. If tomorrow I don’t pursue my acting career, I’ve my degree to settle in life.

Define success.
Success is a journey, not a destination. I feel more than achieving one should enjoy the whole process. One need not reach anywhere. But one needs to enjoy the journey called “life”.

From ‘Gulaal’ to ‘Dil Boley Oberoi’, you have evolved as an actor. So what is the background work you do for the character?
At the time of ‘Gulaal’, I was a blank slate. When you have previous show baggage, that character sticks to you. What I do is I erase what I learnt from the previous show, so that I can learn and write new stuff on my slate. That’s the homework I do. So, whenever I start a new show, I feel myself as a newcomer.

Make us meet the real Shrenu Parikh…
I could relate a lot to Aastha from “Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon- Ek Baar Phir”. But, Aastha was too dreamy a girl, and I’m very practical.

What advice do you have for the people out there, who wish to be a part of this industry?
Believe in yourself. I have seen myself getting rejected at times. There will be a phase where you want something to happen very badly, but it won’t. So just go with faith that God has something better for you. Keep working hard and believe in yourself. Most importantly, do not underestimate any character you get. In television, even though you initially join for three days, if it clicks due to hard work and passion, then for sure God will make it to continue till the show ends.

Having a family that backs you up is the most important thing in the world. What was your family’s take on your venturing into this industry?
They have been of tremendous support. They have been my strength, especially my mother. There were times I had almost given up, but she always stood by me. She always used to say, “If there is no place for us in Mumbai, then we have to create one for you, so let’s go.” Many times my brother used to drive down from Baroda to Mumbai, because we could not get tickets on time.

What is the next step of yours?
I have been part of a Gujarati film and now part of the ‘Dil Boley Oberoi’ as Gauri. The film is in post-production stage.