Featured Performances and Projects
A curated collection of moments from my artistic journey, capturing the energy of film sets, the discipline of the stage, and the stories in between.
My foundation in Bharatanatyam taught me to access and portray core emotions, or 'rasas'. This shot is from an intense exploration of 'Bhaya', the rasa of fear, showing how I use my entire body and being to find the truth in a character's most vulnerable moments.
Being a small part of Mani Ratnam’s epic, 'Ponniyin Selvan 2', was an unforgettable experience. This is a still from the film, where the scale of the production and the detailed period costumes and character work were just incredible to be a part of.
Dance is my first language. This is a moment of complete immersion during a Bharatanatyam performance, capturing the dynamic energy and expressive storytelling that is at the core of my training and my identity as an artist.
A still from the bilingual film 'Dange/Por' where I played Bhama, a character who transitions from a doctor to a dancer. This role challenged me to portray two very different worlds and mindsets within a single narrative.
Hello, I'm Shreema. This video is a little introduction to my journey as a dancer, actor, and artist. I talk about how I started, the challenges I've faced, and what this path means to me.
I love collaborating on visual stories that evoke a specific mood. This shot from a monsoon series in Bengaluru captures a feeling of quiet contemplation and has a cinematic quality that I really enjoy bringing to life in front of the camera.
This is a montage from the music video 'Phir Kabhi'. It was such a fun project, and it gave me the chance to explore the chemistry and narrative of a romantic lead, telling a story of love and memory through quiet, shared moments.
A throwback to a chilly night in Alula, Saudi Arabia, while on tour with the Akram Khan Company. Working with international artists and performing under the stars was a surreal and deeply inspiring experience that pushed my boundaries as a performer.
About Featured
Acting for me isn't about simply reciting lines; it's about pulling from my Bharatanatyam training to find the right emotion, or rasa, for the character. Whether I am prepping for a 12-hour film shoot or a stage performance, I rely on that muscle memory to stay grounded, expressive, and ready for every single take.
I’ve always believed that the camera lens is just another type of audience. When I step onto a film set, I bring the same discipline I learned from my guru, Praveen Kumar, since I was four. Playing Bhama in 'Dange/Por' was a significant moment for me because it required managing two entirely different personas within one narrative. It wasn't just about acting; it was about handling continuity, understanding camera angles, and maintaining energy throughout long, exhausting days.
I approach film roles with the same intensity as a classical padam. Navarasa, the theory of expressions I’ve spent two decades studying, is my compass. When a director asks for a specific reaction, I don't just pretend. I access that internal emotional library.
If you are looking for a performer who understands the technical demands of a 12-hour call sheet—from maintaining posture to memorizing scripts in Hindi, Tamil, or Kannada—I’m here. My work isn't perfect, and I don't pretend it is. There is plenty of self-doubt and retakes involved in the process. But that is the real stuff. That is where the growth happens. I am always looking for projects that challenge me to explore new facets of my work, whether that's in music videos, indie short films, or commercial acting roles.
Shreema Upadhyaya
Hi, I’m Shreema. I spend my time balancing the disciplined world of classical dance with the unpredictable, high-energy environment of a film set. Whether I am acting for the camera or performing live, I bring a mix of traditional training and honest, human emotion to every project I take on.
Looking for something else?
Browse my other portfolios and creative services.
More from Film & Television Acting by Shreema Upadhyaya
More services by Shreema Upadhyaya