Shweta Basu Prasad reveals her secret to Maharani 4: 'Write backstory for my characters'
Shweta Basu Prasad joins Maharani 4 as Roshni. She uses a method of writing character backstories and admits acting is always challenging, even after 20 years.
Last Updated: 11.05 AM, Nov 04, 2025
Season four of the political drama series Maharani will be a significant milestone for Shweta Basu Prasad, who has captured audiences with her captivating performances since her childhood. In the Sony LIV (OTTplay Premium) series, the actor will star as Roshni alongside Huma Qureshi and Vipin Sharma; she has lately appeared in Criminal Justice: A Family Matter and the Hindi version of Jane the Virgin titled Oops! Ab Kya?. Prasad opened up about her methodical approach to acting, the difficulties of her lengthy career, and her upcoming projects outside of film in an interview with Mid Day.
Collaborative preparation and personal character backstories
The actor elaborated on the preparation process for the latest installment of the popular series, emphasising the highly collaborative nature of the production. She stated, "We had readings with all the actors, technicians, the director, and writers," she explained. However, the actor revealed a personal, intensive method she employs to deepen her understanding of a role. "But there’s something I do on my own—I write a backstory for my characters."
Carefully documenting her character's development for Maharani 4 was her priority. Prasad went on to say, "I wrote Roshni’s journey from season one to season four — her late teens to early 20s. It’s got nothing to do with the actual story. I share it with the makers; sometimes they like it and even incorporate parts of it, and sometimes they correct me. It makes the process interactive and collaborative."
Ever-challenging nature of acting
Maharani is only one of many challenging roles that Prasad has taken on throughout her twenty-plus-year filmography. She said, "Every character is challenging for me. Just because I’ve been working as an actor for 20 years does not mean it’s a cakewalk, ever." The actor made it clear that her 20 years of experience in the industry were no guarantee that acting would be easy.
Prasad opened up about how nervous she got before beginning filming a new part. Before beginning a new venture, she gets anxious. The first day of filming, she confessed, she was "very nervous" about pulling it off.
Learning and unlearning
Learning new things as he goes along is a hallmark of Prasad's path. She depends on her practical expertise rather than formal training from a dedicated institution. She affirmed, "I’m always learning and unlearning. I’ve never been to theatre or film school, so I don’t have any formal training. I’m always learning on the job."
Prasad is clearly expanding her creative horizons in the industry, since she is not only committing to acting but is also exploring other professional frontiers, such as becoming an entrepreneur and filmmaker. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see her role as Roshni, especially since Maharani is still a smashing success on OTT.
FAQs:
Q: What role does Shweta Basu Prasad play in Maharani 4?
A: Shweta Basu Prasad is set to play the role of Roshni in the fourth season of the political drama series Maharani, acting alongside co-stars Huma Qureshi and Vipin Sharma. Roshni is the daughter of Huma Qureshi's character, Rani Bharti, and the role involves a generational leap in the storyline.
Q: What is Shweta Basu Prasad's method for preparing for a character?
A: In addition to collaborative readings with the cast and crew, Prasad employs an intensive personal method: she writes a detailed backstory for her characters. For Maharani 4, she charted Roshni’s journey from her late teens to early 20s, sharing the draft with the makers for discussion and possible incorporation.
Q: What are Shweta Basu Prasad's new ventures beyond acting?
A: Beyond her commitments as an actor, Shweta Basu Prasad is venturing into new professional territories by exploring roles as a filmmaker and an entrepreneur, indicating a broadening of her creative and business scope in the industry. She has previously made a documentary on Indian classical music and produced and directed short films.