Shiv Jyoti Rajput is no stranger to the camera. The leggy lass who made the audience sit up and take notice of her stunning presence as the lead character Kainaat in Ekta Kapoor’s show Bebaakee was already a well-known name in the advertising industry. After having featured in several advertisements such as Himalaya, Uber, Heads and Shoulders, Vivo, Maybelline, and Fiama among several others, the Delhi girl decided to take the plunge into acting. Currently seen in Special Ops 1.5, the fearless and bold Shiv Jyoti is ready to make the most of her craft. Don’t be surprised if you see her making her big-screen debut soon! In a chat with TMM, she revealed her ambitions and plans for the future.

You had no connection with the glamour world before you stepped into advertising. Can you tell us how you stumbled into advertising?
It was an act of God that I happened to be in the right place at the right time. I had accompanied my friend for an audition for Dove shampoo and the casting director insisted that I try out for the same. I received a call later and I was told that I have been selected for the ad.

Was it a big move for you to come from Delhi to Mumbai? Can you tell us about the initial days of moving here?
I never wanted to shift to Mumbai as my mom wasn’t keeping well at that time. But I was signed with the agency who was constantly sending me mails to visit Mumbai at least for a month. The initial days were rough but fun. I love exploring new places and it was amazing to see so many actors appearing for auditions.

You have worked with some of the biggest names in advertising, including brands such as Victoria’s Secret, Maybelline, Heads & Shoulders among others. Is it all as glamorous as it looks or is there a lot of struggle/rejection/competition?
I have never struggled. There are challenges in my way which are natural till you are alive. And yes, even if I’m bleeding, I won’t say it because that’s how Rajputs are; strong and dignified.

Bebaakee was your debut in the world of acting. Can you tell us how that break happened for you? What is the most memorable part of being in that show for you?
It was a good but overwhelming experience. I learned a lot from my co-actors and director. The most memorable part was when I had Covid while shooting and it was the darkest chapter that I faced quietly.

You are a part of Special Ops 1.5. The first season was such a huge project. Did it add pressure on you to do justice to your role?
All the pressure is on the shoulders of Himmat (laughs) I am relaxed and ready for audience feedback.

Tell us a bit more about your role in Special Ops. How much prep did you need to put in?
I had no time to prepare for it. I did readings with Kay Kay Menon and Neeraj Pandey sir. He explained the character’s needs and circumstances really well. We rehearsed and then went straight to the sets.

Acting is not an easy profession and there is a lot of insecurity/competition that comes with it. Do you think you have what it takes to be a part of this world?
I am secure of myself. I know my strengths and weaknesses. I only listen to what I want to listen to; the rest is just noise for me. I come from a middle-class family and we fight for our dreams whether people believe in us or not. My friends used to make fun of me when I first told them that I want to be an actor and today I am one. So, I do what I say.

Going ahead, what are the kinds of roles that you want to explore? OTT is already huge at the moment. Do you think it’s a great space for an actor to be in?
There is no limit to the sky and acting. I would love to unlock every character. With so many platforms available, there is a lot of scope for every actor.

Any big screen ambitions? Can we hope to see you in a full-fledged Bollywood film someday?
When the time is right you will see me everywhere. That’s for sure.