MUMBAI : India — Indian actress Sheena Chohan steps into her first lead role in a Hindi film with the powerful role of Avali Jijabai in Sant Tukaram, directed by Aditya Om. Opposite her is celebrated Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, who portrays the revered saint Sant Tukaram. Known for his dedication to character depth, Bhave played a pivotal role in Chohan fully embodying her character.
Reflecting on his experience working with Chohan, Bhave shared, “This is the first time I’m working with Sheena, but despite that, I found her a very sincere to the core actor on set. She knows her work and understands how important it is to be focused and sincere. She really understands the director’s vision and delivers what is needed, whether it be an emotional scene, a light scene, or any type of scene. She has delivered the role with honesty and full commitment, giving her best.”
Chohan’s portrayal of Avali Jijabai allowed her to showcase her skills, learned after five years in theatre, to bring an inspiring blend of resilience and depth to the character. Known for her ability to transition effortlessly between diverse roles, she initially debuted in the South Indian film industry opposite Mammootty and then portrayed a Super star in Ant Story, which was bought by Netflix, and a contemporary Indian woman in the comedy Ex-Mates. Her role in Sant Tukaram as a historic icon contrasts strikingly with these modern characters, underscoring her adaptability and strength as an actress.
In Chohan’s words, “Transitioning from playing modern characters, to a historic figure like Avali Jijabai allowed me to explore new depths as an actress. I opened myself up as a blank page for director Aditya Om, whose insightful directing really enhanced this journey. His guidance helped me bring authenticity to Avali Jijabai, capturing her resilience and quiet strength in a way that resonates deeply. It was fascinating how the combination of Subodh Sir's mastery of the cinematic medium and all my theatre training combined to bring this important character to life"
Bhave emphasized how Chohan’s constant dedication and commitment enriched the film’s dynamic: “Sheena is very focused as an actor, and every moment she is prepared to learn something new. She’s always on her toes, thinking about how she can contribute to the scenes in a fresh way and bring uniqueness to her character. This is what I liked about her the most.”
Through Aditya Om’s direction, Sant Tukaram thoughtfully explores the lives and sacrifices of Avali Jijabai and Sant Tukaram. Om’s vision enabled Chohan to embody Avali Jijabai’s layered persona with authenticity, bringing the historical figure to life with a depth that resonates with audiences.
With Sant Tukaram, Sheena Chohan has once again demonstrated her dynamic range, shifting seamlessly from a modern Indian woman to a historic icon in Avali Jijabai. Her Hindi debut is a powerful reminder of her dedication, talent, and ability to breathe life into diverse, complex characters, solidifying her status as one of the most promising talents in Indian cinema today. Audiences are eagerly looking forward to seeing Sheena Chohan and Subodh Bhave’s on-screen chemistry as their layered characters come alive, capturing the spirit and strength of Avali Jijabai and Sant Tukaram in a story of devotion, resilience, and deep connection.
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