Shefali Shah admits to impostor syndrome ahead of Delhi Crime 3

Shefali Shah, celebrated for her powerful portrayals in Indian cinema and web series, has opened up about her ongoing struggle with impostor syndrome. Ahead of the release of Delhi Crime Season 3, the actor revealed that every time she steps into the shoes of her iconic character, DIG Vartika Chaturvedi, she is engulfed by self-doubt.

Shefali, who previously won the Best Actress award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards for the role, said, “Every time I feel this is a fluke. It’s like an impostor syndrome. I actually have this thing that when the director says action, I will just stand there like I don’t understand, like he is talking French.”

The actor clarified that the anxiety is not exclusive to Delhi Crime. “Not just for Vartika but in general, I am terrified, and it works for me. With every project, I feel last time ho gaya, but I don’t know whether I know the art of it. What works is that the instinct is alive, and it hasn't become a craft,” she shared.

Shefali’s spontaneous, instinctive approach to acting has been her strength. “The way I work is spontaneous and from the heart. It’s not like I don’t use my brain, but I don’t have an instruction manual for becoming Vartika or what I should do in this scene. The day I feel I know it; I should go home,” she added.

The upcoming season of Delhi Crime introduces a new antagonist, played by Huma Qureshi, who runs a human trafficking ring. Returning cast members include Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Sayani Gupta, Mita Vashisht, and others. Directed by Tanuj Chopra, Season 3 is set to premiere on Netflix on November 13.