The golden period of women in the industry is going on today: Renuka Shahane

- I came into the film industry with the intention of becoming a director, but then I started getting acting assignments, so my desire for direction was pushed to the corner.'

Renuka Shahane, best known as the loving sister-in-law of Prem (Salman Khan) in Ra Jashri Pictures' Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, has been in films for three decades. In such a long career, he has seen a radical change in the style of story-telling of films. "I think movies have changed in every way since the advent of OTT platforms. Now filmmakers have got the freedom to choose different subjects for their films. These new subjects are not financially viable on the big screen. Now people are used to watching global content due to OTT. OTT has created a segment of viewers who can criticize any nonsense without restraint. Now everyone has more responsibility than before. Now even actresses are not offered Chilachalu roles. Today is the best time for women in this industry,' says Renuka.

Renuka is back in cinema after four years with the witty comedy film 'Govinda Naam Mera'. Released on the OTT platform, Renuka plays the role of Vicky Kaushal's mom. Sharing her excitement, the versatile actress says, 'As this is a new genre film for me, I was very excited for its release. I am curious to know what people think about my work in the film. I already love comedy movies and in my opinion making people laugh is more difficult than making them cry. Also, some interesting facts can be told in comic style. Our film is funny and also silly in some ways. In a way it will be a relief for the audience.'

Few people will remember that the writer-director of the film 'Tribhanga' starring Kajol, which was released in 2021, was Renuka Shahane. However, as an actor, he last did a film named 'Three Stories' in 2018. Asked how she manages to do justice to a wide variety of roles, Renuka says enthusiastically, 'I am always up for such challenges. I entered the film industry with the intention of becoming a director. In 1988, I was Vijaya Mehta's assistant director in the serial called 'Lifeline'. In the meantime, the acting assignments got pushed into the corner in the direction.'

Renuka is the wife of famous actor Ashutosh Rana. Says Mrs. Rana, 'Ashutosh and I need a support system for each other. We can openly say what we don't like about each other. We do not criticize to bring each other down, but to make each other better people. Everyone needs an understanding partner in their life.'

One hundred percent agree.