From performing opposite legendary actors to representing India at the United Nations, Sheena Chohan has carved a remarkable journey across Indian and international entertainment. Known for her transformative performances, multilingual filmography, and impactful humanitarian work, Sheena is far more than an actress — she is a storyteller driven by purpose.
Whether portraying Avali in Sant Tukaram, sharing screen space with icons in OTT dramas like The Fame Game and The Trial, or stepping into intense roles like the sinister Lilith in Bhayaavah, Sheena consistently brings emotional honesty and layered authenticity to every performance.
Having worked across Bollywood, Hollywood, Tollywood, Malayalam, Tamil, and Bengali cinema, the actress continues to challenge herself with diverse and meaningful roles. Beyond cinema, her advocacy work as a Human Rights Ambassador and her global campaign “Read Me My Rights” have helped her become a voice for equality and awareness worldwide.
In this exclusive interview, Sheena Chohan talks about her acting journey, theatre roots, international recognition, upcoming projects, and balancing glamour with activism.
Exclusive Interview With Sheena Chohan
You spent five years training with Arvind Gaur in Delhi. How does that rigorous theater discipline influence how you approach a ‘she-devil’ character like Lilith versus a saint’s wife like Avali?
Sheena Chohan:
“Theatre has been my real training ground. It taught me that acting is not about performing a character, but becoming fluent in the universe of the story. The first principle I carry is deep research—understanding not just the character, but her psychology, contradictions, and emotional architecture, so she feels lived-in rather than performed.
The second is discipline in collaboration. I see myself as a blank creative canvas for the director’s vision—while still bringing my own truth to it. And the third is precision in transformation: the ability to shift completely from one inner world to another, whether it is a Lilith or an Avali, without carrying residue of the previous role.”
You’ve mentioned your mother was denied her dream of being a fashion designer. How did her experience shape your drive to become a ‘Pan-India’ actor?
Sheena Chohan:
“In many ways, I am living my mother’s unfinished dream. She wanted to be an artist but came from a traditional Punjabi family where that path wasn’t permitted. Born in Chandigarh and brought up in Kolkata, I grew up witnessing her silent creativity and resilience.
She was the one who put me into martial arts, dance, and theatre at the age of seven. That decision shaped my entire foundation. My journey across 15+ films in 5 languages feels like an extension of her expression through me, and that responsibility has made me deeply committed to growing as a Pan-India actor.”
Having been born in Chandigarh, raised in Kolkata, and trained in Delhi, which of these cities defines your creative identity?
Sheena Chohan:
“Each city shaped a different layer of my creative identity. Chandigarh gave me grounding and simplicity. Kolkata gave me emotional depth, sensitivity, and an instinct for art and culture. Delhi gave me discipline, structure, and rigorous theatrical training.
Together, they created a very layered artistic lens. I don’t think of myself as belonging to one geography—I think of myself as shaped by this cultural convergence, which is why I naturally connect across languages and industries as a Pan-India actor.”
Your debut was opposite Mammootty in The Train. What was the most intimidating lesson you learned from a veteran like him during that first shoot?
Sheena Chohan:
“Working with Mammootty sir taught me absolute commitment to craft. There is a stillness and precision in his preparation that elevates everyone around him. He is incredibly focused, yet very generous as a co-actor, which creates a safe and collaborative space on set.
The biggest lesson was that greatness is not loud—it is consistent, disciplined, and deeply respectful of the process. That experience set a benchmark for how I approach every set I step into.”
You received Best Actress nominations at Shanghai and Dubai for Ant Story. How did that international recognition change the way the Indian film industry perceived you?
Sheena Chohan:
“It helped expand the conversation around my work beyond borders. International recognition doesn’t change the craft itself, but it does change how stories travel and how filmmakers perceive your range.
For me, it reinforced the idea that language is not a limitation when the emotional truth is clear. It strengthened my positioning as an actor who can bridge Indian cinema with global storytelling sensibilities.”
From playing Madhuri Dixit’s PR manager in The Fame Game to Kajol’s adversary in The Trial, what have you observed about how these icons maintain their longevity?
Sheena Chohan:
“What stands out is their discipline and reinvention. They don’t rely on legacy—they actively evolve with every project while staying rooted in authenticity. There is a strong clarity in their choices and a deep respect for craft.
Observing them closely taught me that longevity in this industry is built through consistency, adaptability, and the courage to take on roles that challenge public perception.”
OTT content normalising marijuana use and violent content—where do you draw the line between creative freedom and social responsibility?
Sheena Chohan:
“I believe creative freedom is essential, but it comes with awareness of impact. Cinema shapes perception, especially in a country as vast and impressionable as ours. For me, responsibility begins when storytelling starts influencing behaviour without context.
The line, for me, is intent and framing—whether content is exploring reality with depth, or unintentionally normalising it without reflection.”
You are the only Indian actor to receive the Human Rights Hero Award at the UN. What turned advocacy into a lifelong mission?
Sheena Chohan:
“It wasn’t a single moment—it was a growing awareness that visibility comes with responsibility. As an actor, you are constantly seen, and I realised that platform can either be purely entertainment or something more meaningful.
That understanding turned into a long-term commitment to human rights advocacy, education, and using storytelling as a tool for awareness.”
Your podcast, Born Free and Equal, brought together stars like Preity Zinta and Sonu Sood. How do you balance glamour and activism?
Sheena Chohan:
“For me, they are not separate worlds. Cinema gives me reach, and activism gives that reach direction. The podcast became a bridge where conversations could be both accessible and impactful.
I don’t see it as balancing two identities—I see it as using one platform to strengthen the other.”
As South Asia Ambassador for United for Human Rights, how does this impact the roles you choose?
Sheena Chohan:
“It makes me more conscious of the narratives I contribute to. I gravitate towards roles that have emotional intelligence, social relevance, or psychological depth.
It doesn’t limit creativity—it refines it. It pushes me toward stories that leave a lasting thought in the audience.”
Jhatasya Maranam Dhruvam features you as IPS Officer Anusha. Did your karate training help?
Sheena Chohan:
“Yes, my martial arts training helped immensely in terms of physical discipline and mental focus. It allows me to approach action sequences with control rather than chaos.
But beyond the physicality, what excites me is portraying a strong, layered woman in uniform—someone who carries authority with emotional depth.”
Your Hollywood debut Nomad was filmed across 30 countries. What was your biggest culture-shock moment?
Sheena Chohan:
“The biggest realization was how universal human emotion is, regardless of geography. Even though cultures were different, the emotional language of cinema remained the same.
It taught me to trust instinct over translation—because truth in performance travels beyond borders.”
Working on Arjunanin Allirani with B. Jeyamohan—your first Tamil folk drama experience?
Sheena Chohan:
“It was deeply immersive. The writing itself carries a strong cultural and literary weight, and stepping into that world required surrendering to its rhythm and texture.
It expanded my understanding of rooted storytelling and reminded me how powerful regional cinema is in preserving cultural identity.”
Mumbai is the ‘New York of actors’—how do you stay grounded?
Sheena Chohan:
“For me, grounding comes from discipline and solitude. I make sure there is space away from noise—where I can reconnect with myself and reset emotionally.
Staying connected to theatre roots, training, and meaningful work keeps me centered in a very high-pressure environment.”
You’ve reached 170 million people with “Read Me My Rights,” aiming for one billion. What’s next?
Sheena Chohan:
“The next milestone is expansion through accessibility—reaching younger audiences and integrating storytelling formats that travel faster and deeper.
The goal is not just numbers, but impact—how many people genuinely reflect and engage with the idea of equality and rights.”
What keeps Sheena Chohan grounded despite global success?
Sheena Chohan:
“Purpose over recognition. Awards and visibility are external, but the real grounding comes from the intent behind the work.
As long as I stay connected to meaningful storytelling and human impact, everything else remains secondary.”
If you could go back to the shy girl in Kolkata, what would you tell her?
Sheena Chohan:
“I would tell her that every bit of confusion, training, and uncertainty is building something far bigger than she can see at that moment.
And that staying consistent with her craft will take her across languages, countries, and stories she hasn’t even imagined yet.”
From regional cinema to international projects, and from powerful performances to global advocacy, Sheena Chohan continues to redefine what it means to be a modern artist. Her journey reflects not only versatility and ambition, but also a commitment to storytelling that creates meaningful impact.
With exciting projects like Bhayaavah, Jhatasya Maranam Dhruvam, and global collaborations on the horizon, Sheena Chohan’s journey is only getting bigger — and more inspiring.
