The Struggle with the ‘TV Actress’ Label
Helly Shah has opened up about one of the biggest hurdles television actors face when stepping into new spaces—the dreaded ‘TV actress’ tag. For years, the actress has been a familiar face on the small screen, but now she’s ready to break free from that box. In a recent chat, Helly admitted that despite her gratitude for television, she often gets pigeonholed. ‘I have often been categorized as a TV actress,’ she said, adding that she wants to be known for her work, not just the medium she started in.
She’s not alone in this struggle. With OTT platforms blurring the lines between TV and films, many actors are fighting the same battle. But Helly believes that consistent, quality work can slowly change perceptions. ‘Right now, my focus is simply on doing good work,’ she said, making it clear that she’s not interested in being seen at every event just for the sake of visibility. For her, it’s all about the craft, not the noise.
Gullak: A Special OTT Debut
Helly’s big step into the digital world comes with the beloved family drama Gullak, produced by TVF. The show, which has earned a loyal fanbase for its authentic portrayal of middle-class life, marks her OTT debut. She called the experience ‘very special’ and revealed that working with such a talented cast has been a dream come true. ‘I had always wanted to work with TVF,’ she shared, ‘and the fact that Gullak marks my OTT debut makes it even more meaningful.’
For Helly, landing a role in a show that has maintained its authenticity season after season is a big deal. She sees it as a chance to showcase a different side of her acting skills while connecting with audiences in a new format. The show’s continued success and heartfelt storytelling have made it a perfect launchpad for her transition. It’s a win-win: the actress gets to shed her old label, and fans get to see her in a fresh, relatable avatar.
Focus on Work Over Visibility
While some celebrities might obsess over staying in the limelight, Helly Shah is taking a different route. She’s clear that her priority is growth as a performer, not maintaining a constant public presence. ‘I don’t want to be in a space where I’m seen at multiple events for no reason,’ she said. Instead, she wants audiences to know her and appreciate her because of the work she does. It’s a refreshing take in an industry often obsessed with red carpets and Instagram posts.
With Gullak adding a new chapter to her career, Helly is focused on building a portfolio of performance-driven projects. She remains grateful for her television roots—’it has always been my comfort zone’—but she’s eager to explore new opportunities. As more actors move between TV, OTT, and films, Helly’s journey reflects a broader shift: being defined by roles, not by labels. Aur humein yeh approach bahut pasand aayi, honestly!