For Shalini Bathina, there’s no better feeling than being able to express yourself through your craft. It’s the reason she became an artist, and it’s led her to projects like underGRAD, The Butter Knife, and her breakout role in Apple TV+’s Little Voice. Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to chat with Shalini about Season 1 of Little Voice, her journey discovering her own voice, and the importance of representation.
PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Shalini: I was a pretty expressive and emotional kid growing up. Like many South Asian girls, I started Indian classical dance at a young age. It soon became my outlet and I grew to absolutely love it. It was my first introduction to storytelling—a major portion of the dance form—and something that came pretty naturally to me.
I was passionate about practicing, performing, and improving on this art form, and it was one of the few things that brought me immense joy. When I started theater and acting, it was another way to express myself. Dance and acting were so rooted in each other that, for me, the transition into acting was seamless.
Both became my catharsis, my way of communicating, my artistic expression, and my vocation. I honestly can’t imagine a world where they don’t exist in my life. The passion was always there, but the journey of how much art became part of my identity made me realize how integral it was in my life.
PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Shalini: Relationships. I think relationships with my peers and loved ones have been my biggest influence. Observation, experience, and learning from other perspectives are the best way to collect moments that you can use in your craft.
In addition, absorbing the work and careers of my peers, actors, and artists in all the different genres, whether it was in theater, TV, or film, shaped how I approached and moved through my own career.
Lastly, I’ve had some great teachers that have given me incredible guidance, support, and love, and I will forever be grateful for them.
PC: In addition to acting, you’re also a producer and writer. How has your work behind the scenes made you a stronger actress and vice versa?
Shalini: One important aspect that I learned was that acting is just one small portion of something that is so large. Producing opened my eyes to how collaborative filmmaking can be. I’ve always known the amount of teamwork that is needed to create a complex project, but doing it firsthand was a very different experience.
As an actress, I understood the importance of collaborating cohesively, trying to stay in the moment, and knowing that you are being taken care of by a whole cohort of people. As a producer, I came to realize how much I love bringing in different voices together. Everyone has a unique perspective and job, and when they unite in a harmonious way, it’s incredibly satisfying and fulfilling.
PC: You’re one of the stars of Apple TV+’s Little Voice, and one of the major themes within the first season is finding your own. What was that process like for you as an artist?
Shalini: I think that’s still a journey I’m on. Every year I find myself discovering something new about myself, something that I need to express in my own way. That’s what I took away from Little Voice as well. It’s a constant journey to find your voice, but the most important part is to express it, and stay true to yourself. As an artist, I’ve molded myself through my journey to try to fit into a version that I thought others would accept. Recently, I’ve really thought about what makes me happy, what and who inspires me, and I’ve been trying to follow that voice.
PC: The season finale just aired. When you look back at Season 1, did anything surprise you about Prisha’s journey? What was the biggest takeaway for you as an actress?
Shalini: I think I was surprised at first at how hesitant Prisha is to express herself. She’s written so confidently at first, and she dishes out the advice that she may not follow herself. But over the last few episodes you saw why that was the case. She seems like she has it all together and she knows what she has to do, but finding the courage to make yourself happy is a journey of its own.
I think my biggest takeaway is to not assume where the character may go because of my gut instinct. Always stay present and let yourself be surprised!
PC: Your character means a great deal to many different communities who want to see themselves represented on screen. Did that bring any pressure/weight to this project? What has the audience response been like?
Shalini: I think there is a certain pressure, for sure. These stories are not as common as we think they are, and when they are told accurately and with nuance, I feel an incredible amount of pride. I felt responsible to tell Prisha’s story, and hopefully, I’ve done my job and it can inspire a few people out there. I don’t think this represents every story, especially entire communities, which means that this narrative should be echoed in future productions. There are many other intersections of story lines, relationships, cultures that can be explored through the South Asian and LGBTQIA lens. We are just scratching the surface. The audience response has been amazing. I’ve received many lovely messages on how Prisha inspires them and how much this show means to people. It’s providing a sense of hope and light during these difficult times and also encouraging people that they are not alone.
PC: Which of Prisha’s relationships was your favorite to explore and why?
Shalini: Her own relationship with herself was the most difficult to explore. I think the relationships she has with her family and Bess is so clear that when I read each script, I knew exactly who she was in relation to them. Finding the relationship she has with herself, her purpose, her place in her own life—now, that was more challenging. It was a complicated discovery, but the writing gave me so much to play with, specifically in terms of how she approached each decision she made and the turmoil she was going through.
PC: If the series is picked up for a second season, where would you like to see Prisha’s story line head?
Shalini: I hope she finds the courage to find her voice and live her truth!
PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Shalini: Riders of Berk.
PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Shalini: 50 First Dates.
PC: Favorite book?
Shalini: Lamb by Christopher Moore.
PC: Favorite play or musical?
Shalini: My Fair Lady.
PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Shalini: Ásgeir! One of my favorite Icelandic artists.
PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Shalini: My sister.
Keep up with Shalini, by following her on Instagram. Binge-watch Season 1 of Little Voice on Apple TV+ today.
Photo Credit: Paul Gregory
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