Taali fame Sheetal Kale on early career struggles: “People laughed at my English”

Actress Sheetal Kale, who gained recognition for her powerful performance as Nargis in the acclaimed web series Taali, recently spoke candidly about the challenges she faced as a newcomer in the entertainment industry. In Taali, she played the role of Sushmita Sen’s best friend, portrayng a transgender character with depth and sensitivity. However, her early days in the field were marked by isolation and humiliation on set.

Recalling one such incident, Sheetal shared that she was working on a project where everyone around her communicated in English. “I was also speaking in English,” she said, “but everyone kept laughing at me, and I couldn’t understand why. After that, they would simply end the conversation. If you don’t know English, people assume you don’t know anything, so they ignore you. They behave as if they are educated and we are not, and sometimes they even tell us to speak less.”

She explained that in the initial stages of a career, connections on set are minimal, and this makes such experiences more isolating. “As you continue to work, you start to feel these things more deeply,” she reflected.

Despite feeling cornered, Sheetal chose not to dwell on the negativity. “I decided to let it go. I thought maybe I didn’t know them well enough, and they already had a rapport with others on set. Naturally, people talk more to those they are familiar with. Perhaps I felt ignored simply because I wasn’t part of their circle yet. That’s how it seemed to me, but I can’t say for sure if that was really the case.”

Her perspective on these experiences began to shift after Taali brought her widespread recognition. “After Taali, people started seeing me as an actress and a performer. I earned respect in the industry,” she said. “I’ve learned that you should never blame others right away—first, look at yourself and focus on your own growth. No one is completely at fault. Recognize your own mistakes, keep improving yourself, and have patience.”

Today, Sheetal’s journey stands as a testament to resilience and self-belief. From being isolated on set to being celebrated for her talent, she has transformed challenges into lessons that continue to shape her career. Her story is an inspiration for aspiring actors, proving that with determination, patience, and self-improvement, one can rise above early hardships and earn their place in the spotlight.