Interview : Shenaz Treasurywala

	SHENAZ TREASURYWALA

Think Shenaz Treasuryvala and you instantly visualize all around sunshine. Vivacious and chirpy, the ex-MTV VJ has been known to light up the atmosphere whenever she used to appear on the telly. However, when it comes to her movie outings, she is looking at characters that go beyond her ever-so-smiling and bubbly image. This is why even though she has been around for 6 years now; she is taking it easy without going overboard when it comes to Bollywood. Busy with multiple other roles that she is playing in the world of entertainment, Shenaz is all excited about RADIO where (thankfully), in her own terms, she isn’t showcased as a ‘Rich and bitchy’ or ‘sexy but innocent’ character.

In line with your on-screen as well as off-screen image over the years, do we get to see you in a sweet, innocent and ever so smiling avatar in RADIO as well?
This has been my best role so far in my short career as an actress. Yes in the beginning of the film, I am vivacious, chirpy and energetic. However, my character

“I’ve been in love with two people at the same time.”

undergoes a change and in the second half I am conflicted, confused, moody, temperamental and erratic. I really enjoyed playing Shanaya. For me, the more complex, complicated and conflicted the character is, the more fun it is to play the role.

Looking at the storyline of RADIO, it seems to be pretty much exploring the complexities in today’s relationships?
Yes, today’s relationships are very complex and our film depicts true to life – love, marriage and relationship complications. ‘Can you love two people at the same time?’ ‘I love him, he doesn’t love me.’ ‘I wasn’t in love with him before but now when I see him with someone else, I am jealous.’ These are the questions and complications the characters face in the film. I know I’ve had all these problems and faced all these issues and so have most of my friends. It’s very relatable. I’ve been in love with two people at the same time. I was in love with a man who didn’t love me. That was heartbreaking!

Oh is it? Looking at you and your work over the years, one can’t quite imagine you not to be spreading sunshine both on and off the screen. Happy with the image that you have built for yourself?
Spreading sunshine on screen is my image? Oh that’s so sweet, thank you (smiles)! I try and smile in the face of adversity, distress and controversy. That’s how my character in RADIO handles her problems too by smiling at them. I have discovered that this is the best way because when you smile at life’s troubles, they turn trivial and fade away and then all you are left with is your smiling face.

That’s being quite positive…
Yes, I am. I try to live by this philosophy and so does Shanaya. We are very similar in that respect. Shanaya believes life is beautiful and looks at life through rose tinted glasses, I do too. So, I guess it was good casting. How would I describe myself? Well, I am a sassy, naughty, fun, vivacious, energetic, spunky girl with a bright personality and quick wit. I’m extremely emotional and can get very mushy. I try and look at the brighter side of things and believe in smiling through adversities and life’s trials and tribulations. My kick in life is to make people laugh, smile and feel. I love telling stories.