Shahana Goswami is ‘Santosh’ in British Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suri’s widely acclaimed police drama set in northern India. The gritty drama revolves around a widow’s trials and travails, convincingly depicted by the talented Indian actress.
In this exclusive interview, Goswami reflects on the many challenges behind her BAFTA nominated crime thriller, some highlights from the shoot near Lucknow and her hopes as the film opens in UK cinemas next week.
What was the most challenging aspect of playing Santosh?
The biggest challenge in playing Santosh was believing that I could. I've struggled with self-doubt —questioning whether I could do justice to a character, fearing that instead of seeing Santosh, I’d only see myself performing her.
Before the shoot, I tried to impose a process on myself, influenced by how other actors approach their craft. But it felt unnatural, and when the prep didn’t work, I panicked, convinced I wasn’t right for the role. I doubted whether I truly understood Santosh or could embody her authentically.
The journey, which continues, has been about learning to trust — trusting the director’s vision, my instincts, and the fact that I was chosen for a reason. Ultimately, you have to surrender to the process, and somehow, it all falls into place.
Please share an enduring memory from the shoot in India.
It was a long and intense shoot, especially as the lead, being in almost every frame. That required discipline and routine, which I enjoyed, but it was still tough. The nature of the scenes, the mix of experienced and first-time actors, and the usual constraints of independent filmmaking — limited time, resources, and unpredictable challenges like weather — added to the complexity.
What made it all easier was the incredible team. Despite the film’s dark themes, there was a real sense of camaraderie on set, and we had a lot of fun together. That bond carried us through, and when we wrapped in the early hours of the morning, it was an emotional moment.
The journey had been intense, but it was also filled with passion, love, and shared experience —something we all deeply cherish.
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Do you think it's in the shades of grey that ‘Santosh’ has struck a chord with audiences worldwide?
‘Santosh’ presents a spectrum of reality where nothing is purely right or wrong. Just when you form an opinion, you’re confronted with an opposing perspective that adds context and complexity. I believe that’s why the character resonates — because the film holds up a mirror to society, not just in India but globally.
It explores how competition, comparison, and one-upmanship divide people, creating polarising behaviour, which is a shared reality today. The film highlights systemic issues, both personal and societal, showing how individual actions shape the larger structures we live in.
It forces self-reflection, revealing our own contradictions, biases, and moral dilemmas. What strikes a chord is how the film constantly challenges expectations. Just when you think you’ve understood its themes or morality, it unsettles you again, making you question everything.
Do you believe the female gaze gave this film an added edge?
The film explores contradictions that coexist — women feeling undervalued in the workplace while, at times, perpetuating the same cycle when in power.
Santosh is ultimately a commentary on power — how people react to it, wield it, and are changed by it. Often, those who have felt powerless end up misusing power when they attain it. There's an allure to power that can lead people astray. The film delves into the complexities of power dynamics, showing that it isn’t just about a "male gaze", even a female gaze, when tied to power, can be unsettling and difficult to navigate.
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Your message for audiences as the film releases in the UK on March 21…
I really hope you get the chance to watch ‘Santosh’ in theatres. As cinema lovers, we often complain about the lack of good independent films on the big screen, so when a film like this comes out, please support it in theatres.
I’m not sure when it will be available on OTT, but it will be eventually. Your support is crucial, not just for this film, but for the future of independent cinema and its success at the box office.
If you enjoy the film, please recommend it to your friends and family and encourage them to watch it in theatres.
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Please tell us about some other projects in the pipeline.
After ‘Santosh’, I worked on a project called ‘Four Years Later’, an Australian TV series that’s now being distributed worldwide. It's a romantic drama between an Indian couple, set between India and Australia. It explores modern-day love, relationships, and self-discovery, touching on the immigrant experience. One character thrives in the opportunities of immigration, while the other struggles with the loss of support from home.
Currently, I’m wrapping up another film with Kabhi Banerjee, which we shot in India during the Maha Kumbh. It’s been a fascinating journey, and I’m excited to share this special film with the world, hopefully by the end of this year or early next year.