Shefali Shah Opens Up About Impostor Syndrome Ahead of Delhi Crime Season 3: “Every Performance Feels Like a Fluke”
Mumbai, November 6: National Award-winning actor Shefali Shah, celebrated for her powerful portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime, admits that even after decades in front of the camera, she still feels terrified every time she performs. In an exclusive conversation ahead of the release of Delhi Crime Season 3 on Netflix, Shefali spoke candidly about battling self-doubt, how fear drives her performances, and why she believes acting should never become a mechanical process.
“Every time, I feel it’s a fluke”
Despite being one of India’s most respected performers—with accolades including a Best Actress award at the Asian Academy Creative Awards—Shefali confesses that confidence doesn’t come easily.
“Every time I perform, I feel like it’s a fluke. I genuinely believe I’ll freeze when the director says ‘action.’ It’s like he’s speaking a different language,” she said, reflecting on her recurring sense of impostor syndrome.
“I don’t know if I know the art”
The actor explained that her anxiety isn’t limited to a single project—it follows her into every role.
“I’m terrified before every shoot, not because I doubt my dedication, but because I’m never sure if I truly know this art. Maybe that fear keeps me real. The day I think I’ve mastered it, I should probably stop,” Shefali shared.
She added that her performances rely more on instinct and emotional truth than technique:
“I don’t have a manual for becoming Vartika or any character. I work from the heart. The spontaneity is what keeps the performance alive.”
About Delhi Crime Season 3
The much-anticipated third season of Delhi Crime sees Shefali return as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, leading her trusted team once again through the dark alleys of crime in the capital.
This season introduces Huma Qureshi as the main antagonist—a woman at the centre of a human-trafficking ring. The ensemble cast also includes Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Sayani Gupta, Mita Vashisht, Anshumaan Pushkar, and Kelly Dorji.
Directed by Tanuj Chopra, Delhi Crime 3 premieres on Netflix on November 13.
Why Shefali’s Honesty Resonates
Shefali’s openness about fear and creative vulnerability has struck a chord with audiences. Fans have often praised her for portraying strong yet deeply human characters—whether in Human, Jalsa, or Delhi Crime. Her admission serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished artists continue to wrestle with uncertainty in pursuit of authenticity.
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