Shivani Gosain feels good about topics like divorce being normalised: ‘It’s a step forward’

Not only does she play strong women characters on screen, but actress Shivani Gosain does not believe in mincing her words when it comes to talking about issues that matter. Shivani, who is currently seen in Rishton Se Bandhi Gauri, says that showing divorce and marital conflict as part of stories for shows is a good thing and these topics need to be normalised.

“I actually feel it’s a good thing that topics like divorce and conflict are being normalized. It’s a step forward because we’ve seen so many tragic outcomes, people living in toxic relationships, hurting themselves or their children. Sometimes, separation is the healthier option. It doesn’t mean either person is bad, they just aren’t right for each other. I believe that if someone is disturbing your peace, mentally or emotionally harassing you, it’s better to walk away with self-respect. Today’s generation understands that, they value peace, mental health, and independence more than forced relationships. And honestly, that’s how it should be,” she says.

I actually feel it’s a good thing that topics like divorce and conflict are being normalized. It’s a step forward because we’ve seen so many tragic outcomes, people living in toxic relationships, hurting themselves or their children.

- Shivani Gosain

Meanwhile, she says that self-censorship is the need of the hour. “As artists, we need to draw our own lines and stay clear about what we’re comfortable with. I’ve become more cautious over time. There was another experience where I was promised a cameo in Season 1 of a show, and a major role in Season 2. The scene was important, they paid well, but Season 2 never happened. I later realized they just needed a known face for one strong scene. It feels disheartening when that happens. Even after so many years in the industry, we still sometimes get misled or taken for granted,” she says.

Shivani admits that such experiences have made her more careful in choosing her work. “Now I ask more questions before saying yes. I once went for a shoot thinking it was for a reputed crime-based series, only to realize on set that it was being made for a random YouTube channel. That matters to me. Platform, intention, and presentation are all important. Experiences like these have made me more careful. I’ve learned to ask at least four key questions before agreeing to anything, so that I don’t have to walk out mid-shoot or feel cheated afterward. We give our best as performers; all we ask for in return is honesty and clarity,” she says.