‘Mirzapur Changed My Life’: Shweta Tripathi opens up on Golu’s return, Theatre comeback and why she refuses to stay comfortable

Mumbai: Shweta Tripathi has never been one to take the predictable route. From critically acclaimed independent films to memorable OTT performances, the actress has consistently chosen characters that push creative boundaries. Now, as she prepares for the much-awaited Mirzapur film and marks her return to theatre after more than a decade, Tripathi says stepping outside her comfort zone remains the driving force behind her career.

In a recent conversation, the actress reflected on her journey, her emotional connection with Golu Gupta, and why experimenting with new mediums continues to excite her.

‘Mirzapur Is One of My Best Investments’

For Shweta Tripathi, Mirzapur has become much more than a successful franchise.

The actress described the series as one of the most rewarding experiences of her career, saying the love and appreciation from audiences continue to grow with every new chapter.

She shared that returning to portray Gajgamini ‘Golu’ Gupta in the upcoming film felt like travelling back in time, allowing her to reconnect with the younger version of the character before the dramatic events that shaped her journey.

Tripathi also expressed excitement about audiences experiencing the story together in cinemas, calling the collective viewing experience something truly special.

Stories That Leave an Impact

Known for choosing unconventional roles, Shweta believes storytelling should do more than entertain.

According to the actress, creators have a responsibility to make audiences question, reflect and sometimes even feel uncomfortable. She considers empathy one of the most powerful qualities a person can possess and believes meaningful stories can reveal emotional truths that often go beyond facts.

Rather than focusing on genre or setting, she said she is drawn to stories that offer a fresh perspective and leave a lasting emotional impact.

Why She Returned to Theatre

After spending years working in films and web series, Shweta recently returned to the stage with External Affairs, a relationship comedy that also marks her first professional collaboration with husband Chaitnya Sharma.

The actress admitted that coming back to theatre after more than ten years made her nervous, but described the experience as both challenging and deeply rewarding.

She believes growth comes from attempting things that feel intimidating, adding that every stage performance teaches an actor something new.

Playing an Influencer Was a New Challenge

In External Affairs, Shweta portrays Insiya, a young social media influencer navigating relationships, loneliness and modern dating.

The actress revealed that the role pushed her to understand a world very different from her own, as she does not consider herself an influencer and prefers genuine human interaction over digital validation.

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Preparing for the character involved exploring the emotional pressures, insecurities and constant search for approval that many online personalities experience.

She added that the play also examines themes including dating apps, toxic relationships and emotional compatibility, making it relatable for today’s audience.

Working Alongside Her Husband

Sharing the stage with husband Chaitnya Sharma for the first time brought both excitement and responsibility.

Although the couple shares a strong bond in real life, Shweta explained that they consciously avoided allowing that comfort to influence their on-stage characters, whose relationship develops gradually.

She also credited Chaitnya for being one of her most honest critics, saying their relationship has always been built on constructive feedback rather than empty praise.

According to the actress, surrounding oneself with people who offer honest opinions is essential for continuous growth as a performer.

Looking Ahead

Whether it’s theatre, OTT, films or live performances, Shweta Tripathi says her biggest goal is to keep surprising both herself and her audience.

She hopes to continue exploring diverse characters that inspire conversations, evoke emotions and challenge conventional storytelling. Refusing to be confined by a single image, the actress believes every new role is an opportunity to discover something different—not only about the character but also about herself.