The haunting line “Tu kisi rail si guzarti hai, main kisi pull sa thartharata hoon” lingers in your mind long after you’ve watched Neeraj Ghaywan’s critically acclaimed film Masaan. With lead performances by Richa Chadha, Vicky Kaushal, and Shweta Tripathi, the film beautifully captures the pain and struggles of broken lives in the timeless and spiritual city of Varanasi. Now, ten years since its release, actress Shweta Tripathi reflects on her experience and emotional journey with the film in an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in.
Looking back, Shweta Tripathi expressed deep nostalgia and emphasized how Masaan has retained its importance in today’s world. The film, which marked her acting debut, carries a message that remains powerful across generations. She said that Masaan remains socially significant even today and always will because art and storytelling are tools that can spark change. Whether it’s about addressing the cracks in society or healing them, she believes storytelling should move people emotionally. According to her, the impact of a film like Masaan is not limited to entertainment — it also opens up hearts and minds. She shared that being a part of this film makes her feel incredibly fortunate and grateful, and that Masaan choosing her will always be one of the most meaningful parts of her life.
Shweta also touched on a powerful theme explored in the film — the way society reacts when a woman openly expresses her desire or curiosity. Using Devi’s (played by Richa Chadha) character as an example, she explained how even a simple wish to explore her sexuality becomes something she is punished for. Shweta noted that pleasure is a natural part of being human, but society still tends to judge women harshly for talking about it. She admitted that, at the time of shooting the film, she hadn’t fully grasped the depth of what they were trying to say, and now appreciates how far her understanding has come. This, she said, makes her admire her younger self even more.
Remembering her own character, Shalu, and her on-screen chemistry with Vicky Kaushal, Shweta warmly recalled the time they received the news about Masaan being selected for its premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival. She said that when the announcement came while they were still shooting in Varanasi, it felt surreal. Both she and Vicky were newcomers back then, stepping into cinema with no expectations. The immense love and appreciation that followed took them by surprise and holds a very special place in her heart.
As she continued reminiscing, Shweta spoke about a particularly memorable scene — the fair sequence with Vicky Kaushal — which became symbolic of the pure and innocent nature of love portrayed in the film. She said that they didn’t even use the script during that scene because she understood Shalu so deeply. The red balloon from that moment became a metaphor in her life for that time — full of hope, love, and sweetness. The character of Shalu had such an influence on her that she even began enjoying poetry, something Shalu is introduced to in the story.
After Masaan, Shweta went on to be a part of major projects like Mirzapur and Raat Akeli Hai, but she says Masaan remains a cornerstone in her journey as an actor. The film itself, while deeply rooted in the traditions of Varanasi, explores themes like caste, gender, morality, and love in a way that is universal and emotionally resonant. It paints a sensitive and raw portrait of people bound by societal norms as they seek freedom and meaning.
At its heart, Masaan tells two intertwined stories: one of Deepak (played by Vicky Kaushal), a young man from a lower caste who falls in love with an upper-caste girl, and the other of Devi (played by Richa Chadha), a woman dealing with loss and social stigma. With a strong supporting cast including Sanjay Mishra, Pankaj Tripathi, and Vineet Kumar, and penned by Varun Grover, the film was brought to life by producer Anurag Kashyap. Even after ten years, Masaan continues to touch hearts with its raw beauty, layered storytelling, and emotional depth.
