Himani Shivpuri reveals, "I considered quitting acting many times after my husband’s demise"

Himani Shivpuri, who plays Katori Amma in &TV's Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, has been one of India's most talented and brilliant actresses for over three decades. She has appeared in some of the biggest blockbusters of all time, and her superb acting abilities have won millions of hearts - Jyothi Venkatesh

Himani Shivpuri has a strong passion for the theatre, which has brought her fame, fortune, and recognition. In a candid interview with JYOTHI VENKATESH who she knows for a long time, the actress discusses her inspiring journey as an actress.

How did your journey in Bollywood as an actress start?

After completing my post-graduation in organic chemistry, I was set to leave for the United States for advanced studies. Still, at the very same time, I got selected for NSD (National School of Drama).

Everyone got annoyed when I told my family I wanted to go for NSD. Initially, I had a negative impression of Bollywood. I did not want to be in movies. I believed that Bollywood was where actresses were expected to show themselves.

I was content doing plays and theatre till I met my late husband, Gyan Shivpuri, who motivated me to do films. I began auditioning and feel grateful and fortunate to have worked in great classics such as Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge, Pardes, and Umrao Jaan.

What were the challenges you faced in taking acting as your career choice?

I came from a small town in Uttar Pradesh and then shifted to Dehradun. At that time, venturing into the entertainment industry was frowned upon, and no one took my career choice seriously.

I was often questioned, "Kya nautanki karogi? I had to convince my family to understand that acting is a serious business and that one must be formally trained to be an actor.

Hence, I decided to join the NSD, which took a lot of convincing. Thankfully, my father, Haridutt Bhatt, supported me. Still, it was not as easy as it was difficult to explain to my family that choosing acting or theatre as a profession requires certain skill sets and equally hard work.

Tell us about your journey with theatre.

I participated in a play when I was seven but do not remember much about it. Since then, I have been involved with theatre, which has continued during my school and college days.

During my MSC in chemistry, I performed a play by Betlot Bretch, "The Three Penny Opera." There were people from NSD conducting the workshop. That is when I realised this is what I wanted to do with my life.

That is when I decided to attend the National School of Drama. Whatever plays I did in theatre are precious to me, but one called "Mitron Marjani" is one I performed all over the country and is one of my most memorable performances.

Despite your successes in Bollywood and television, you are still associated with theatres. What keeps you motivated?

Theatre will always be my first love, and acting on the screen will be my last. I can never leave the theatre. As an artist, I feel content doing both together, and I never bothered about the medium, only wanting to do good roles.

One should have confidence in themselves and the determination to pursue it. I not only perform in theatres across India but also do workshops in different universities. I go to theatres like women who go to spas to rejuvenate themselves.

Your character, Katori Amma, has become a household name. Were you expecting this kind of love when you started Happu Ki Ultan Paltan?

My journey with &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan has been remarkable. It's been a smooth ride from when the show was first conceived, and I was approached to play Katori Amma, to now when people address me as Ammaji on set.

I knew Yogesh right from the theatre days, so our chemistry was great, and so was with Kamna, though they were working with me for the first time. In my opinion, Katori Amma is shown as a strong mother figure.

She is full of vigour and knows how to get her way. This character is a winner, and I recognised that right from the start. It is a multi-dimensional role with the subtlety of a motherly role.

Her relationship with her housemates is what she cherishes most, and she is always seen caring for them. Katori Amma, as the audience very lovingly calls me now, is a trademark I shall hold close to me forever.

In real life, you have a motherly bond with Yogesh Tripathi and Kamna Pathak. Please tell us about it.

They are both wonderful people who take excellent care of me. I scold them and shower them with love, just like their mother. We try to spend time with each other while I am on set.

While Yogesh and I discuss our work, family, and theatre days, I make reels with Kamna Pathak. I am never bored when they are around. Not just them, but the entire team addresses me as Amma, and I love all of them very much.

Did you ever feel like giving up on your career?

Honestly, many times after yout friend and my husband Gyanji's unexpected death, I seriously considered quitting acting. I wanted to give up everything because I used to feel bad about leaving my child at home to go to shows as a mother.

Because we did not have much money, we had no choice but to work. I recall one event in Kolkata; we could not afford to travel, so I breastfed my child on the train. It is difficult to forget the stress and difficulty of those days, rushing to the restroom before performances to express the milk, so the costume didn't get wet.

The point is that women rarely have it easy, whether at home or work. The fact is that women, whether at home or work, rarely have it easy. But I learned to never give up and always stand up against all the odds of life.

Watch Himani Shivpuri as Katori Amma in &TV’s Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, airing every Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 10:30 PM!