Actress Shreya Pilgaonkar spoke at the UNESCO Creative City Film Event held at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Mumbai. She shared her insights on the evolving landscape of Marathi and Hindi cinema, the growing influence of OTT platforms, and the new opportunities available to artists. Shreya expressed that Mumbai is not just a city for her; it is an emotion that inspires millions to dream and achieve those dreams.
In her conversation, Shreya stated, “Mumbai is both my birthplace and my workplace. Celebrating Mumbai as a UNESCO City of Film at a prestigious platform like NGMA fills me with immense pride. People often refer to Mumbai as the city of dreams, but it does more than just show dreams; it empowers individuals to realize them. This city has provided countless artists the chance to carve their identities.”
Shreya also mentioned her father’s long-standing connection with cinema, saying, “My father has been part of the film industry for the past 60 years and has made significant contributions to Marathi cinema. I draw constant inspiration from my parents. Many believe that an artist’s career lasts only a few years, but my parents continue to work with full energy. That’s why I aspire to remain connected to acting and art for life.”
She emphasized the importance of supporting not just films but also theater and stage artists. “With the rise of OTT and web series, new avenues have opened for artists. Previously, opportunities were limited, but now, various platforms allow them to showcase their talents. In recent years, I have focused more on OTT and received a lot of love from the audience there.”
Discussing her film background, Shreya shared, “I prefer not to use the term ‘film background’ because I grew up surrounded by stories. Cinema was a part of my home environment from childhood, which is why I developed a deep connection with storytelling and acting. I consider myself fortunate to be born into a family where art and cinema were already present.”
Shreya also expressed her views on social media and audience perception, stating, “Nowadays, negative topics often dominate social media. However, people should also talk about the artists and stories they love. If audiences support good stories and quality content, better films and series will emerge.”
On the work front, Shreya Pilgaonkar is set to appear in two major projects in the coming months. She revealed her excitement about a film based on the popular web series ‘Mirzapur’ that is soon to hit theaters. Additionally, she will be seen in director Priyadarshan’s film ‘Havaan.’ Shreya mentioned that the upcoming period will be quite special for her, and she is thrilled about her new projects.