Today she is known as ‘Devyani’ among all Marathi TV viewers, because of her title role in Star Pravah’s popular serial ‘Devyani’. But, for Shivani Surve, it’s not her debut in entertainment field, as before this serial, she has done three Hindi TV serials namely, ‘Phulwa’, ‘Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo’ and ‘Navya’, offering her roles, suited to her teenage, at that time.
In fact, Shivani made her debut in films, at the little age of seven, when she played the main lead role in a Bhojpuri film ‘Ganga Mili Sagar Se’. It was after that she performed in a Marathi drama ‘Mangalayacha Lena’ and then joined a Hindi theatre Group ‘Karma Kala Manch’, which opened doors for her entry into Hindi serials.
As a child, Shivani spent her childhood days in Dombivali and only 5 years ago the family shifted to Sion, Mumbai. While Shivani was doing her serial ‘Navya’ she had to give time for her 12th std exams and had to quit the serial. But, little before that she was suggested to give audition for a Marathi serial. It was always the wish of Shivani’s mother that she should act in a Marathi serial and the opportunity came, when Shivani was selected to play for this title role in ‘Devyani’.
Reacting to her selection in this Marathi serial, Shivani says that she is now happy to receive appreciation from the people of Maharashtra, after becoming popular in places like Bihar and North India, performing those Bhojpuri type of roles in Hindi.
Speaking about Devyani’s character in particular, Shivani says, “This character of Devayani only knows how to be good to all with her polite nature. She is not the rough and tough type of girl. She follows the principles passed on to her by her father. Initially, Devayani’s marriage is fixed with a Doctor; but Samrat steps in and breaks it. It was due to pressure mounting on my family, I get married to Samrat and become a part of his family, comprising of head person- Sarjerao Vikhe Patil and his elder daughter in law Vatsala, played by Saie Ranade Sane. And the latest developments are being watched by you all.”
Simple and frank in the discussion, Shivani admitted that there was a lot of hard work, while completing her 12th standard, which she completed through correspondence course and then appearing for the exams; besides continuing with her acting assignments. When asked as to what type of roles she enjoyed playing the most, she said, “I am more comfortable playing cute bubbly character, the kind of I played in Star TV’s serial ‘Navya.”
It was a pleasure talking to this talented actress, for whom ‘sky is the limit’. Marathi Movie world wishes her a bright future.
