Shelly Bhalla – Jane The Virgin

By starrymag | May 22, 2017

By: Jessica Wolff

 

 

Q) What’s your favorite part of being on “Jane The Virgin?”

 

A) There are countless many reasons I love being a part of the “Jane The Virgin” family. More than anything, it means the world to me to part of a show that truly pushes boundaries and paves the way for more diversity and representation in television.

 

Q) Were you a fan of the show before joining the cast?

 

A) When Gina Rodriguez won the Golden Globe I was so touched by her powerful speech. I couldn’t stop thinking about her words and what they meant to me as a woman, artist and daughter of immigrants. Within a week of her win, I binge watched the entire first season and became a huge fan of the show before I ever auditioned for it.

 

Q) Any teases of what’s coming up in the season finale?

 

A) Season Three has been full of highs and lows and the finale certainly doesn’t disappoint. Definitely watch it live so spoilers aren’t revealed to you on social media!

 

Q) How do you think Krishna feels about Petra?

 

A) Despite having worked for Petra for five years, Krishna is still terrified of Petra (Yael Grobglas)! #PETRAFIED

 

Q) What does it mean to you to play a lesbian character?

 

A) On-screen representation is VITAL. Discrimination is often rooted in fear of the unknown. For a lot of people, TV and film may be the only way to understand those who aren’t like them. For me, it’s a privilege to play one of the few gay Indian women on TV and I’m thankful to do it on a show where I have full faith the writers will create stories with heart and integrity.

 

Q) What storylines do you want Krishna to have or be involved with in the future?

 

A) Krishna is one of those people who has a lot bubbling underneath the surface. I think every office has someone like Krishna, an overworked and overlooked rock solid person that everyone relies on. I would love to see her step into her power more, have a little fun outside of work and possibly find romance!

 

Q) “Jane The Virgin” typically puts its characters in alternate settings or parodies. Which setting or parody would you have wanted to be involved in?

 

A) The magical realism element of the show is really cool. I did have the chance to dress up as a man in 1902…Krishna was transformed into Kristof! There was a “Sex In the City” parody in a recent episode that I was obsessed with. Seeing Rogelio (Jaime Camil) as Charlotte is forever burned into my consciousness…whoever thought of that is a genius!

 

Q) What actor on “Jane The Virgin” is your favorite to work with and/or who would you like to work with that you haven’t already?

 

A) The majority of my scenes are with Yael Grobglas and Justin Baldoni since they play my bosses. They both are incredibly generous actors and go out of their way to support everyone around them on set. I have yet to work with Yara Martinez who plays Luisa – I think that would be a lot of fun. She is super talented and her scenes always crack me up!

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Jane The Virgin?”

 

A) This past season, I had a lot of fun shooting a scene with Yael Grobglas where she finds out for the first time that Krishna is gay (despite the fact that Krishna has been working for her for five years). Our amazing director, Anna Mastro, directed the episode and gave us several takes to play and explore the scene. Yael is one of those truly gifted and generous actors who support you 110% even when the camera isn’t on her.

 

Q) You’ve done a lot of activism and philanthropic work, what do you enjoy most about it?

 

A) I really love connecting with and empowering kids. I was so lucky that I had some teachers and mentors that really took an interest in me and nurtured talents of mine. I hope to do that for other kids. I think the most valuable thing anyone can give is their time and attention – it doesn’t cost a penny and it really can change someone’s life.

 

Q) Who or what inspired you to pursue acting?

 

A) A professor in college told me to read The Art of Acting by Stella Adler. I fell in love with the book and intended to spend a summer at the studio in New York after college. On the first day of my summer program it hit me – I wasn’t going anywhere. I felt at home being immersed in the world of theatre with other artists. They were all speaking a language I could understand. I ended up auditioning and being accepted into their full-time conservatory and that was the start of it all.

 

Q) What would your dream role be?

 

A) One of my dream acting roles would be to play a campaign manager or chief strategist in a contentious political race. I grew up outside of Washington D.C. and beyond the sheer proximity to that world I have always been fascinated by how layered and complex it is. There are so many factors at play whether it be ego, power, genuine desire for change, etc. While I would never want to be a politician in real life it would be a dream to do it on screen or stage!