Helly Shah reveals being asked to 'compromise' for a big web series: 'He said 'ok ONLINE' too'

Actor Helly Shah, currently promoting her upcoming Gujarati film Dedha, in an exclusive chat with India Forums, spoke openly about instances where she has turned down work that did not align with her personal values.

When asked if she has ever lost out on roles due to refusing to compromise her principles or because of industry politics, Shah said, “Yes, I mean if there is some television show then not so much, but yes, if there is some web project which has been offered and which has certain scenes which I am not comfortable doing in, I will tell them that I do not want to do it. And then obviously you lose out on the project. So that is one thing, that is my personal choice.”

She went on to describe a specific experience that she found both surprising and concerning. “Yes, yes, I do remember this one instance. There was this huge project and I was firstly very surprised and shocked when I got the message. I was like really? So I was happy and obviously I do not want to name anything, basically, that will cause a lot of trouble. But I asked them, are you approaching me or are you just pitching my name? So they said we are just approaching you. We are approaching you. I said okay, great. Then there was this huge message: 'There is a condition,' You will have to come to a certain place and this and that. I said please find somebody else. I cannot do it.”

Then there was this huge message: 'There is a condition,' You will have to come to a certain place and this and that. I said please find somebody else. I cannot do it.

- Helly Shah

According to Shah, what followed was even more unexpected. “So then the reply that came was even more shocking. The person said that it is okay on phone also. I mean, I am okay online. I do not know how to put it. I do not know how to frame that sentence also. That it will work online. Online compromise. Yes, okay. I was like what is this. I blocked that number and I mean these things happen and people are really shameless. There is no decency at all. It is just, it is bad that there are people like this. So yes, I did not do that project because I will not do anything that goes against my ethics.”

Shah’s comments reflect the kinds of decisions many performers face behind the scenes, especially in a space where boundaries are often tested. With Dedha set to release soon, she remains clear on where she draws the line.