Kolkata girl Sheena Chohan, who made her debut in the Malayalam film The Train opposite Mammootty in 2011, is all set to feature in Sant Tukaram alongside Marathi actor Subodh Bhave, and in the Disney+Hotstar web series Good Wife starring Kajol. Sheena talked to us about her upcoming projects and the experience of working with Madhuri Dixit and Kajol.

The Telegraph Online: Tell us about your character in Sant Tukaram.

Sheena Chohan: I play the female lead in this Hindi feature film, alongside Marathi superstar Subodh Bhave. It’s directed by Aditya Om, who is an incredible director but also a very well-known actor himself. I play Jijabai/Avali, the revered Marathi saint Sant Tukaram’s wife. They were married in the 17th century, so old Marathi books were read out to me as part of the research. I also went and sat down to have meals with the women working in the fields in Bhor, where the film was shot.

You have been working with people across India for many years now. What has been your biggest learning?

Sheena Chohan: No matter what it is, one thing stays constant — delivering my best. The manner of acting and the format may have changed but none of it matters to the director and the audience.

You have worked with Madhuri Dixit in The Fame Game and Kajol in The Good Wife. How was the experience?

Sheena Chohan: What I noticed is that just before the take, Kajol ma’am is charged up. She jokes around with her co-actors, laughs and lifts the energy on the set. She miraculously slips into the character the moment the camera starts rolling. Working with Madhuri ma’am was surreal because I grew up watching her. She’s very down-to-earth and full of grace.

How is it working on a new web series directed by Nagesh Kukunoor?

Sheena Chohan: Nagesh Kukunoor is an exceptional director. It’s my first-ever experience in a web series but having someone like him made it easy.

You are also a human rights activist. In India and globally, which issues worry you the most?

Sheena Chohan: I want to focus on the positives. India is recognised as one of the greatest constitutions in the world. The issue is about people knowing their rights and standing by them. That’s why I constantly call for human rights education to become a mandatory curriculum in schools in India. On my podcast, Born Free and Equal, Preity Zinta, Guneet Monga, Sonakshi Sinha, Sonu Sood, Imtiaz Ali and others came forward to help spread awareness about basic rights and equality.