Shivani Raghuvanshi Says Bollywood Is More Accepting of Outsiders Today: ‘Patience Is the Most Important Thing’

Actress Shivani Raghuvanshi, known for bringing memorable and layered characters to the screen, believes Bollywood has become far more welcoming towards outsiders, particularly with the rise of OTT platforms. Reflecting on the opportunities available to actors who come from outside the industry, Shivani said, “I think Bollywood is quite accepting of outsiders these days—especially with the arrival of OTT platforms, which have created so many opportunities. You just have to wait; I think patience is the most important thing, even if you’re an insider. Even if you land your first project because you knew someone, you still have to work hard to survive and to get people to love your work.”

Shivani further explained that while getting the first opportunity can be particularly difficult for an outsider, the real challenge is proving yourself once that door opens. “So, those coming from outside have to put in the effort too. Perhaps the struggle is mostly about getting that first break; after that, things gradually become easier. So, just keep working on your craft,” she said. Her advice is rooted in her own journey as an actor who entered the industry without a conventional Bollywood background and gradually built a varied body of work across films and streaming projects.

The actress is currently enjoying the love coming her way for Dupahiya Season 2, which has been receiving a positive response from audiences. Asked about the appreciation for the show, Shivani said, “What would I say? I am very happy. I think we all are. We created this show with a lot of love and fun, and seeing it receive so much love makes us all very happy.” The actress has clearly enjoyed being part of the series, and the audience response has added another happy chapter to her growing list of screen appearances.

Shivani has explored a wide range of characters throughout her career, but when asked which role remains closest to her heart, she immediately named Jazz — her much-loved character Jaspreet “Jazz” Kaur from Made in Heaven. “I think Jazz is my favorite character so far. Actually, there is another one, but it hasn't been released yet. That one is my absolute favorite because it is closest to my heart. I find myself most similar to her,” she revealed. Shivani also teased another upcoming project, saying she is playing a character named Garima, but chose not to reveal the name of the show yet.

Talking more about Jazz, Shivani explained why the character continues to hold such a special place in her heart. “But anyway, I really adore Jazz; I love her character dearly. So, in that sense, Jazz is my favorite. She is perhaps relatable to everyone; many girls see themselves in her, and the show—specifically that character—has empowered so many of them,” she said. Shivani also connected Jazz’s journey to her own understanding of what it means to enter an unfamiliar world and try to find your place without losing your identity.

She added, “As you mentioned, we are outsiders—people who have come from the outside—and the world Jazz comes from is vastly different from the one she aspires to live in. Watching her struggle through that is compelling, but the most beautiful thing about her is that she never loses herself. Even after undergoing so much change, Jazz never abandons her core. Usually, we tend to mold ourselves to fit into new environments or situations—we get into the habit of adapting, thinking it’s for the best—but there is so much to learn from Jazz. She is such a lovely person.” From her debut in Titli to projects including Posham Pa, Raat Akeli Hai, Murder in Mahim, Zindaginama, Made in Heaven and Dupahiya, Shivani has continued to move between different genres and characters. And if her latest comments are anything to go by, she remains focused on the one thing that has shaped her journey from the beginning — staying patient, trusting the craft and never losing herself along the way.

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