From South Mumbai to the Chawl: Muskan Bamne on Shanaya’s audacious entry in Pushpa Impossible

Pushpa Impossible is a show which has won hearts for its realistic storytelling and relatable characters. Its latest twist is the introduction of Shanaya (Muskan Bamne), a loud and confident young woman from South Mumbai with a privileged mindset, who collides with Pushpa’s chawl life. An intriguing character to interact with, her presence opens up a new dimension in Pushpa (Karuna Pandey)’s journey.

In a chat with us, Muskan Bamne tells us about her character Shanaya and the track’s progress so far, and what’s coming next.

What was your first feeling when you were selected for the role of Shanaya?

“When I was offered Shanaya, I was really thrilled. From the very first, she was different from the world we see in Pushpa Impossible. She is strong, confident and used to a very comfortable life. So the idea that someone is coming from South Mumbai and living in a chawl situation is very intriguing. As an actor, it is always exciting to play a character who will change the momentum of the story but who holds emotions underneath.”

What’s exciting about joining in a show with a loyal audience already?

“Being a part of a show where people are already invested in the story is really exciting. Pushpa has already created this world where people love to live in. Shanaya’s charactre will come into this world with a totally different mindset and that clash between the two will add more dimension. Fans will now be more excited to see how a new personality will change things.”

What is so interesting about Shanaya right now in the story?

“Shanaya is unpredictable. She is expressive, she is not shy, she is outspoken. She is from privilege, so she looks at things differently and that leads to both comedic and dramatic situations. When she interacts with the characters in the chawl, especially with Pushpa. That clash of worlds and that viewing thing is what makes her a fun character right now.”

How did you prepare to portray her?

“I tried to grasp what was in her mind, and the world from which she is emerging. Her body language, her confidence, her reactions, her walk-in in the room or when something goes wrong for her, all of it needed to be that young, almost entitled energy. But at the same time, I didn’t want her to be too over the top, to be so over the top. She needed to be very relatable, so finding that sweet spot was what it was about.”

How was it sharing screen space with Karuna Pandey again?

“Working with Karuna ma’am after nearly a decade is simply an amazing experience. She is a phenomenal actor, who adds sincerity and depth to every scene she’s in. Working with her is always a learning experience. Since Shanaya and Pushpa belong to such different worlds, performing those scenes together is even more interesting. I felt the nostalgia and it was a very special experience to be back on set with her.”

No spoilers, but how will Shanaya affect Pushpa’s life?

“Shanaya’s presence for sure brings in some unexpected elements to Pushpa’s life. Their personalities and circumstances are so different that their interactions lead to friction and curiosity. Shanaya always looks at things in a different way which surprises Pushpa and that contrast adds another layer to the story. As the equation changes, audiences will witness interesting, emotional, and even comical moments as well.”