Behind the Scenes of My Acting Projects
The final performance is just the tip of the iceberg. Here is a look at what actually happens in the vanity van, during hair and makeup, and the collaborative madness that makes a scene come to life.
A candid moment in the vanity van with the cast of 'Dange/Por'. These moments of rest and preparation between intense scenes are where we all bonded.
Another shot from the vanity van on the 'Dange/Por' set. We spent a lot of time in here, running lines and just hanging out.
Getting my hair done for 'Dange/Por'. The hair and makeup chair is where the transformation into the character really begins.
A mirror selfie during hair prep for 'Dange/Por'. It takes a village to create a character, and I'm so grateful for the amazing artists I get to work with.
The 'Dange/Por' team at a screening. It was so special to celebrate the release of the film together after months of hard work.
Another group photo with the cast and crew of 'Dange/Por'. So much love for this team.
A fun, silly video from the last day on the set of 'Dange/Por'. We were recreating a classic movie scene to blow off some steam. It's these moments of laughter I remember most.
Behind the scenes of the 'Phir Kabhi' music video shoot. This was a project with friends, so it barely felt like work.
A creative selfie taken on the set of 'Phir Kabhi'. We were having fun with reflections and angles between shots.
A mirror selfie with my co-star from 'Phir Kabhi'. The chemistry you see on screen often starts with a great friendship off-screen.
About Behind the Scenes
The glamour you see on screen usually starts in a cramped vanity van with a script in one hand and a hair dryer in the other. Whether it is prepping for a role like Bhama in Dange or just hanging out between takes, this is where the character building actually happens. It is messy, loud, and honestly, the best part of the job.
Film sets are intense, but they are also where the real magic happens. When I step onto a set, I am not just an actor; I am part of a machine. My background in Bharatanatyam, specifically the study of Navarasa, helps me switch on that emotional intensity for a camera, but the technical side of acting is a different beast.
The Reality of Production
From my time on projects like Dange and Ponniyin Selvan 2, I have learned that a good scene is a team sport. It involves hours of physical continuity management, retakes to get the lighting just right, and trusting my hair and makeup team to help me transform. The mirror selfies and vanity van videos might look fun, but they are documentation of the patience required to make every take count.
Why the 'Behind the Scenes' Matters
When you hire me for a music video or a film role, you are not just getting a face on screen. You are getting someone who understands the rhythm of a set. I know the importance of a 12-hour call sheet, the need for clear communication during rehearsals, and the value of keeping the energy light even when we have been shooting since sunrise.
I treat my collaborators like family because, on set, that is exactly what we become. If you are looking for someone who can hold their own in a demanding production schedule while keeping the creative process collaborative and fun, I am here for it.
Shreema Upadhyaya
I am Shreema, and acting is my second language after dance. I bring my Bharatanatyam roots—especially the emotional depth of abhinaya—to every set I walk onto, whether it is a massive film production or an indie music video.
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