Shefali Shah says impostor syndrome persists as Delhi Crime Season 3 nears

Post by : Mina Rahman

Veteran actor Shefali Shah has spoken candidly about an ongoing sense of impostor syndrome that accompanies her work. As the release of Delhi Crime Season 3 approaches, she says stepping back into the role of DIG Vartika Chaturvedi brings fresh waves of self-doubt.

Noting her previous recognition for the character, including a Best Actress win at the Asian Academy Creative Awards, Shah described how success can feel accidental. She recounted moments on set when, despite experience, she freezes as if she hasn’t understood the director’s call — a reaction she likened to the sensation of not following a foreign language.

Shah emphasised that the anxiety is not confined to Vartika. She told reporters that fear accompanies virtually every project and, paradoxically, fuels her work. For her, it signals that instinct still drives the performance rather than a rehearsed formula.

The actor said spontaneity underpins her method. Rather than relying on a fixed playbook for a character, she trusts emotional responsiveness and intuition. Shah added that if she ever felt she had completely 'mastered' the process, it would be a sign to step away.

The forthcoming season introduces Huma Qureshi as a new antagonist running a human-trafficking operation. Returning ensemble members include Rasika Dugal, Rajesh Tailang, Sayani Gupta, Mita Vashisht and others. Directed by Tanuj Chopra, Season 3 is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on November 13.