View source for Shefali Shah

{{Short description|Indian film actress (born 1973)}}
{{Featured article}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Shefali Shah
| image              = File:Photos-Celebs-attend-the-premiere-of-Delhi-Crime-2-0086-1 (cropped2).jpg
| alt                = Shefali Shah smiling and looking at the camera.
| caption            = Shah in 2022
| birth_name         = Shefali Shetty
| birth_date         = {{birth date and age|1973|5|22|df=yes}}
| birth_place        = [[Bombay]], Maharashtra, India
| education          =
| occupation         = Actress
| works              = [[Shefali Shah filmography|Full list]]
| awards             = [[List of awards and nominations received by Shefali Shah|Full list]]
| yearsactive        = 1993–present
| spouse             = {{plainlist|
* {{marriage|[[Harsh Chhaya]]|1994|2000|reason=divorced}}
* {{marriage|[[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]]|2000}}
}}
| children           = 2
}}

'''Shefali Shah''' ({{née}} '''Shetty'''; born 22 May 1973) is an Indian actress of film, television and theatre. Working primarily in independent [[Hindi cinema|Hindi films]], she has received [[List of awards and nominations received by Shefali Shah|multiple local and foreign accolades]] for her performances. Shah's acting career started on the Gujarati stage before she debuted on television in 1993. After small parts on television and a brief stint with cinema in ''[[Rangeela (1995 film)|Rangeela]]'' (1995), she gained wider recognition in 1997 for her role in the popular series {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Hasratein]]}}. This was followed by lead roles in the TV series ''[[Kabhie Kabhie (1997 TV series)|Kabhie Kabhie]]'' (1997) and ''Raahein'' (1999). A supporting role in the crime film ''[[Satya (1998 film)|Satya]]'' (1998) won her positive notice and a [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress|Filmfare Critics Award]], and she soon shifted her focus to film acting starting with a lead role in the Gujarati drama ''[[Dariya Chhoru]]'' (1999).

Shah was selective about her roles through the following decades, resulting in intermittent film work, mostly in character parts and often to appreciation from critics. She appeared in the international co-production ''[[Monsoon Wedding]]'' (2001) and the mainstream comedy-drama ''[[Waqt: The Race Against Time]]'' (2005). In 2007, her portrayal of [[Kasturba Gandhi]] in the biographical drama ''[[Gandhi, My Father]]'' won her the Best Actress prize at the [[Tokyo International Film Festival]], and she received the [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress]] for the drama film ''[[The Last Lear]]''. Among her subsequent film roles, she played a leading part in ''[[Kucch Luv Jaisaa]]'' (2011) and was noted for her work in the social problem film ''[[Lakshmi (2014 film)|Lakshmi]]'' (2014) and the ensemble drama ''[[Dil Dhadakne Do]]'' (2015).

Shah's career surged in the late 2010s as she transitioned to leading roles. She won a [[Filmfare Short Film Awards|Filmfare Short Film Award]] for her performance in ''[[Juice (2017 film)|Juice]]'' (2017) and followed with two [[Netflix]] projects: the romantic drama ''[[Once Again (2018 film)|Once Again]]'' (2018) and the crime series ''[[Delhi Crime]]'' (2019). Her performance as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in the latter met with widespread acclaim. Five 2022 projects, including the [[Disney+ Hotstar]] series ''[[Human (TV series)|Human]]'', the feature dramas ''[[Jalsa (2022 film)|Jalsa]]'' and ''[[Darlings (film)|Darlings]]'', as well as the second season of ''Delhi Crime'', brought Shah further recognition. The last of these earned her a nomination for the [[International Emmy Award for Best Actress]], and she won a second Filmfare Critics Award for playing a woman with [[early onset dementia]] in ''[[Three of Us (film)|Three of Us]]'' (2023).

==Early and personal life==

Shefali Shah was born as Shefali Shetty on 22 May 1973 in Mumbai.<ref name="Ghosh20">{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Madhusree |title=I think some people hire me only for my eyes: Shefali Shah on craft, passion and the ''Delhi Crime'' Emmy win |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/i-think-some-people-hire-me-only-for-my-eyes-shefali-shah-on-craft-passion-and-the-delhi-crime-emmy-win/story-lzt1XSNeDCgPlPsbbgWKoL.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=4 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323000308/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/i-think-some-people-hire-me-only-for-my-eyes-shefali-shah-on-craft-passion-and-the-delhi-crime-emmy-win/story-lzt1XSNeDCgPlPsbbgWKoL.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="age">{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Pratim D. |author1-link=Pratim D Gupta |title=I want to play my age |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/i-want-to-play-my-age/cid/613541 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=[[The Telegraph (India)|The Telegraph]] |date=23 February 2008 |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320195853/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/i-want-to-play-my-age/cid/613541 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah's low-key birthday celebrations at home |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shefali-shahs-low-key-birthday-celebrations-at-home-23174936 |access-date=4 April 2022 |work=[[Mid-Day]] |date=26 May 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204902/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shefali-shahs-low-key-birthday-celebrations-at-home-23174936 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah sports pigtails, poses with birthday cake in throwback pic from childhood; fans say 'she's still the same' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-sports-pigtails-poses-with-birthday-cake-in-throwback-pic-from-childhood-fans-say-she-s-still-the-same-101653200214179.html |access-date=23 May 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 May 2022 |language=en |archive-date=23 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523011732/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-sports-pigtails-poses-with-birthday-cake-in-throwback-pic-from-childhood-fans-say-she-s-still-the-same-101653200214179.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She is the only child of [[Mangaloreans|Mangalorean]] Sudhakar Shetty, a banker at [[Reserve Bank of India]] (RBI), and his [[Gujarati people|Gujarati]] wife Shobha, a [[Homeopathy|homeopathy doctor]].<ref name="Patil">{{cite news |first=Vimla |last=Patil |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan24/sunday/head9.htm |title=A role to remember... |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] |date=24 January 1999 |access-date=28 July 2018 |archive-date=15 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215073027/http://www.tribuneindia.com/1999/99jan24/sunday/head9.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Society">{{cite news |last=Agrawal |first=Vinay |title='Our daughters will be safe if our sons are raised right.'—Shefali Shah |url=https://www.magzter.com/stories/Lifestyle/SOCIETY/Our-daughters-will-be-safe-if-our-sons-are-raised-rightShefali-Shah |access-date=9 March 2022 |work=[[Society (magazine)|Society]] |date=February–March 2019 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204916/https://www.magzter.com/stories/Lifestyle/SOCIETY/Our-daughters-will-be-safe-if-our-sons-are-raised-rightShefali-Shah |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah is fluent in Tulu, Hindi, English, Marathi and Gujarati.<ref name="Patil"/><ref name="Society"/> The family resided in [[Santacruz, Mumbai|Santa Cruz, Mumbai]] at the RBI quarters, where she attended Arya Vidya Mandir School.<ref name="MW">{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Ananya |title=Fifty Shades Of Shefali Shah |url=https://www.mansworldindia.com/culture/features/fifty-shades-of-shefali-shah/ |access-date=1 April 2022 |work=[[MW (Indian magazine)|Man's World]] |date=25 April 2021 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204914/https://www.mansworldindia.com/culture/features/fifty-shades-of-shefali-shah/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sahani19">{{cite news |last1=Sahani |first1=Alaka |title='I don't have a long resumé but I'm proud of the work I have done' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/i-dont-have-a-long-resume-but-im-proud-of-the-work-i-have-done-shefali-shah-delhi-crime-5660254/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=7 April 2019 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317143844/https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/i-dont-have-a-long-resume-but-im-proud-of-the-work-i-have-done-shefali-shah-delhi-crime-5660254/ |url-status=live }}</ref> While she was inclined to the arts as a child, including singing and dancing (she is trained in [[Bharatanatyam]]<ref name="Once">{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj |title=The eyes have it |url=https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-eyes-have-it/article24944862.ece |access-date=9 March 2022 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040816/https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/columns/the-eyes-have-it/article24944862.ece |archive-date=9 November 2020 |language=en-IN}}</ref>), she did not find particular interest in acting.<ref name="MW"/><ref name="IE99INT">{{cite news |title=I had never thought of becoming an actress |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/i-had-never-thought-of-becoming-an-actress-2/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=17 February 1999 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310221356/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/i-had-never-thought-of-becoming-an-actress-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Her first stint with acting happened on Gujarati stage when she was 10; her school teacher's playwright husband asked Shah's mother if she would permit her daughter to play a character based on [[Damien Thorn]] from ''[[The Omen]]'' (1976).<ref name="MW"/><ref name="Sahani19"/> Shah played the part upon her mother's consent and would not act again until several years later.<ref name="Sahani19"/> After her schooling, she enrolled at [[Mithibai College]] in [[Vile Parle]], opting to study science, but spent most of her student days working in theatre.<ref name="Sahani19"/> Shah was married to television actor [[Harsh Chhaya]] from 1994 to 2000.<ref name="IE99INT"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Yes, Shefali has left me! |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZCIqAAAAYAAJ |access-date=2 April 2022 |work=[[Cine Blitz]] |publisher=Blitz Publications |date=January 2000 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204906/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZCIqAAAAYAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2000, she married director [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olivera |first1=Roshni |title='I wasn't happy doing what I was' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/i-wasnt-happy-doing-what-i-was/articleshow/122130718.cms |access-date=9 March 2022 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=9 August 2001 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309220938/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/i-wasnt-happy-doing-what-i-was/articleshow/122130718.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> with whom she has two sons, Aryaman and Maurya.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shah |first1=Shefali |title=Mother's Day Special: 'I am not three any more' writes Shefali Shah |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/mother-s-day-special-i-am-not-three-any-more-writes-shefali-shah/story-dQJbfjP8hdykAhvFaNZudL.html |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=10 May 2020 |language=en |archive-date=4 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404174831/https://www.hindustantimes.com/brunch/mother-s-day-special-i-am-not-three-any-more-writes-shefali-shah/story-dQJbfjP8hdykAhvFaNZudL.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Shefali Vipul.jpg|thumb|alt=Shah and her husband looking at the camera|Shah with her husband [[Vipul Amrutlal Shah|Vipul Shah]] in 2019]]

In addition to acting, Shah is fond of painting and cooking. Finding painting therapeutic, she says it gives her the creative outlet she craves when not acting in films.<ref name="MW"/><ref name="IndulgePaint">{{cite news |last1=Khandelwal |first1=Heena |title=Cover story: An actor and now a director, Shefali Shah talks about finding the artist within |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/celebs/2021/jul/30/interview-shefali-shah-directing-short-films-paintings-webseries-upcoming-films-34954.html |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=[[The New Indian Express|Indulge Express]] |date=30 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204856/https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/celebs/2021/jul/30/interview-shefali-shah-directing-short-films-paintings-webseries-upcoming-films-34954.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She trained for six months at Last Ship, an artists' residency in [[Bandra]], and in 2016 took a course at Metàfora, an art school in Barcelona, Spain.<ref name="MW"/><ref name="MMart">{{cite news |last1=Coutinho |first1=Natasha |title=Shefali Shah turns painter |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-turns-painter/articleshow/61350614.cms |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=31 October 2017 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204856/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-turns-painter/articleshow/61350614.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Working mostly with acrylic on canvass as well as charcoal and ink, Shah focuses on [[Perspective (graphical)|perspective art]], namely "the marriage of perspective with architectural designs" of places she has visited.<ref name="IndulgePaint"/><ref name="MMart"/> She cites [[Mark Rothko]] and [[Jackson Pollock]] as her sources of inspiration.<ref name="MMart"/> One of her paintings was on display at [[Jehangir Art Gallery]] in Mumbai at an exhibition held by Art for Concern, where it was eventually sold, while a solo show at The Monalisa Kalagram in Pune in 2017 was, by her own admission, unsuccessful.<ref name="IndulgePaint"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shetty |first1=Anjali |title=Art has made me more content: Shefali |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/art-has-made-me-more-content-shefali/story-VTBizCxee1Gzamj0whRoUP.html |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=7 December 2017 |language=en-us |archive-date=5 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405222805/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/art-has-made-me-more-content-shefali/story-VTBizCxee1Gzamj0whRoUP.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shah opened a restaurant named Jalsa in [[Ahmedabad, Gujarat]] in 2021, which serves Indian and international cuisines and offers customers different cultural and recreational activities, from [[pottery]] and [[Mehndi|henna decoration]] to musical performances such as [[Garba (dance)|Garba]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=S |first1=Srivatsan |title=Actor Shefali Shah launches into the hospitality business with Jalsa in Ahmedabad |url=https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/actor-shefali-shah-launches-new-restaurant/article37801948.ece |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=2 December 2021 |language=en-IN |archive-date=9 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409222353/https://www.thehindu.com/life-and-style/food/actor-shefali-shah-launches-new-restaurant/article37801948.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="JalsaRest">{{cite news |last1=Srinivas |first1=Eshita |title=Jalsa review: Shefali Shah's first restaurant serves dhaba-like vegetarian fare in Bengaluru |url=https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/food-drink/dining/jalsa-review-shefali-shahs-first-restaurant-serves-dhaba-like-vegetarian-fare-in-bengaluru/#:~:text=12%3A14%20PM-,Jalsa%20review%3A%20Shefali%20Shah's%20first%20restaurant%20serves%20dhaba,like%20vegetarian%20fare%20in%20Bengaluru&text=With%20a%20host%20of%20quirky,to%20add%20to%20your%20plate. |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=[[Lifestyle Asia]] |date=18 February 2022 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204857/https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/food-drink/dining/jalsa-review-shefali-shahs-first-restaurant-serves-dhaba-like-vegetarian-fare-in-bengaluru/#:~:text=12%3A14%20PM-,Jalsa%20review%3A%20Shefali%20Shah's%20first%20restaurant%20serves%20dhaba,like%20vegetarian%20fare%20in%20Bengaluru&text=With%20a%20host%20of%20quirky,to%20add%20to%20your%20plate. |url-status=live }}</ref> She directly supervises its cuisine, some of which is based on her home recipes, as well as decor, having designed some of its interiors, including walls [[Mural|hand-painted]] by her.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Priyanka |title=Shefali Shah on Jalsa, her 'labour of love' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-jalsa-her-restaurant-in-ahmedabad/cid/1839453 |access-date=2 April 2022 |work=The Telegraph |date=21 November 2011 |ref=none |archive-date=2 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220402215209/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-jalsa-her-restaurant-in-ahmedabad/cid/1839453 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah's new restaurant Jalsa has hand-painted walls, recipes from her kitchen. See photos |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-s-new-restaurant-jalsa-has-hand-painted-walls-recipes-from-her-kitchen-see-photos-101636532480580.html |access-date=2 April 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=10 November 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407103724/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-s-new-restaurant-jalsa-has-hand-painted-walls-recipes-from-her-kitchen-see-photos-101636532480580.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The restaurant's second outlet was opened in [[Bangalore]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ray |first1=Bikramjit |title=Not just a restaurant{{snd}}it's an experience |url=https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/restaurants/not-just-a-restaurantits-an-experience/89421565 |access-date=9 April 2022 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204858/https://hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/restaurants/not-just-a-restaurantits-an-experience/89421565 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was positively reviewed by ''[[Lifestyle Asia]]''.<ref name="JalsaRest"/>

==Career==
{{see also|Shefali Shah filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Shefali Shah|l2=awards}}

===Early theatre and television work (1990–1996)===
Shah's acting career began with work in inter-collegiate plays in Gujarati during the early 1990s.<ref name="Sahani2021">{{cite news |last1=Sahani |first1=Alaka |author1-link=Alaka Sahani |title=Shefali Shah: 'I don't want to lose out on the wave I'm riding' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/shefali-shah-interview-i-dont-want-to-lose-out-on-the-wave-im-riding-7420858/ |access-date=7 April 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=25 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324193714/https://indianexpress.com/article/express-sunday-eye/shefali-shah-interview-i-dont-want-to-lose-out-on-the-wave-im-riding-7420858/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Her work included roles in several stage dramas including ''Ant Vagarni Antakshari'' and ''Doctor Tame Pan?''.<ref name="Patil"/> A 1995 piece by ''Rasa'' magazine reported that Shah had proved her abilities to become one of the stars of Gujarati theatre.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gujarati Theatre |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dfsLAQAAMAAJ |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Rasa: Theatre and cinema |publisher=Anamika Kala Sangam |year=1995 |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221201433/https://books.google.com/books?id=dfsLAQAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref> In one of the plays, she was brought to the attention of a team member of the TV serial ''Campus'' (1993) who suggested that she audition for a part in it.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Awaasthi |first1=Kavita |title=Campus: TV actors recall working on the hit 1990s show |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/campus-tv-actors-recall-working-on-the-hit-1990s-show/story-xXXt4JCbTQZyt9F7NlT0EK.html |access-date=9 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=9 September 2016 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310001438/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/campus-tv-actors-recall-working-on-the-hit-1990s-show/story-xXXt4JCbTQZyt9F7NlT0EK.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She was accepted following a screen test.<ref name="Patil"/> This was followed by several other serials, including the popular [[Zee TV]] shows ''[[Tara (TV series)|Tara]]'' and ''[[Banegi Apni Baat]]'' (both 1993–1997), as well as ''Naya Nukkad'' (1993–1994) on [[Doordarshan]] and ''Daraar'' (1994–1995) on Zee TV.<ref name="Patil"/><ref name="IE99INT"/><ref name="BAB">{{cite news |last1=Awaasthi |first1=Kavita |title=Banegi Apni Baat: How the show brought freshness to Indian TV |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/banegi-apni-baat-how-the-show-brought-freshness-to-indian-tv/story-R1PGcQQFFn1diaLYxC1TQI.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=28 July 2016 |language=en |archive-date=16 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180416121453/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/banegi-apni-baat-how-the-show-brought-freshness-to-indian-tv/story-R1PGcQQFFn1diaLYxC1TQI.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

The year 1995 marked Shah's first film appearance with a brief role in [[Ram Gopal Varma]]'s ''[[Rangeela (1995 film)|Rangeela]]''.<ref name="Patil"/> A few days into shooting, she realised the part was different from what she was set up for, and she walked out of the sets as she felt cheated.<ref name="Rangeela">{{cite news |last1=Britto |first1=Anita |title=Shefali Shah feels Rangeela was a 'mistake': Exclusive interview |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/shefali-shah-feels-rangeela-was-a-mistake-exclusive-interview-1898262-2022-01-10 |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=10 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310152659/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/shefali-shah-feels-rangeela-was-a-mistake-exclusive-interview-1898262-2022-01-10 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah was reluctant to work in motion pictures after that, and the roles she was offered were mostly small character parts.<ref name="Rediffold">{{cite news |last1=Srinivasan |first1=V S |title=She's dynamite! |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/aug/05she.htm |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=[[Rediff.com]] |date=5 August 1998 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309014609/https://www.rediff.com/movies/1998/aug/05she.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> She continued working in TV series, including [[Balaji Telefilms]]' ''[[Mano Ya Na Mano (1995 TV series)|Mano Ya Na Mano]]'' (1995–1999) and Doordarshan's ''[[Aarohan]]'' (1996–1997) and ''[[Sea Hawks (TV series)|Sea Hawks]]'' (1997–1998).<ref name="Sahani2021"/><ref name="Sadhwani">{{cite news |last1=Sadhwani |first1=Bhavya |title=Shefali Shah Has No Qualms About Doing Less Number Of Roles, As Long As They Are Special Ones |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-has-no-qualms-about-doing-limited-number-of-roles-as-long-as-they-are-special-ones-364152.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=[[Times Internet]] |date=22 March 2019 |language=en-IN |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310004742/https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-has-no-qualms-about-doing-limited-number-of-roles-as-long-as-they-are-special-ones-364152.html |url-status=live }}</ref> An anthology horror series, ''Mano Ya Na Mano'' starred Shah opposite [[Durga Jasraj]] in an episode titled "Kabzaa", directed by [[Homi Wadia]], which was developed into a full-fledged serial called ''[[Kavach (TV series)|Kavach]]'' in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |title=Zee Horror Show to Aahat: 5 horror shows 90s kids still remember |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/top-stories/story/zee-horror-show-to-aahat-5-horror-shows-90s-kids-still-remember-1272238-2018-06-28 |access-date=24 September 2022 |work=India Today |date=28 June 2018 |language=en}}</ref> ''Arohan'', starring and produced by [[Pallavi Joshi]], tells the story of a woman who joins the [[Indian Navy]].{{sfn|Singh|2021|p=212}}

===Breakthrough with ''Hasratein'' and ''Satya'' (1997–1999)===
In 1997, Shah replaced Seema Kapoor in the Zee TV series {{Lang|hi-latn|[[Hasratein]]}} (1996–1999) after over 120 episodes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Reel to real |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/19970825-harsh-chhayas-wife-shefali-to-replace-seema-kapoor-in-hasratein-831980-1997-08-25 |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=25 August 1997 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310185052/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/19970825-harsh-chhayas-wife-shefali-to-replace-seema-kapoor-in-hasratein-831980-1997-08-25 |url-status=live }}</ref> In her first lead role, Shah starred as Savi, a married woman involved in an extramarital affair with a married man.<ref name="break">{{cite news |last1=Deosthalee |first1=Deepa |title=My first break |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/my-first-break-4/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=17 July 1998 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310211458/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/my-first-break-4/ |url-status=live }}</ref>{{sfn|Mankekar|2012|p=193}} Based on the Marathi novel ''Adhantari'' by [[Jaywant Dalvi]], the show was popular with audiences and attracted attention for its commentary on the institution of marriage.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Awaasthi |first1=Kavita |title=''Hasratein'': A story about infidelity and complicated relationships |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/hasratein-a-story-about-infidelity-and-complicated-relationships/story-oJRyze947qoXW0kbfExxFO.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=29 December 2016 |language=en |archive-date=23 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170123201528/http://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/hasratein-a-story-about-infidelity-and-complicated-relationships/story-oJRyze947qoXW0kbfExxFO.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="GuptaSunday">{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |author1-link=Shubhra Gupta |title=Savi's story |url=https://archive.org/details/dli.bengal.10689.23265/page/n201/mode/2up?q=shefali+chaya |access-date=2 April 2022 |work=[[The Telegraph (Kolkata)|Sunday]] |publisher=[[ABP Group]] |date=24 April 1999}}</ref> ''India Today'' describes it as "one of the prime productions that changed the face of Indian television".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kaur |first1=Manpreet |title=#ZEEturns24: From Banegi Apni Baat to Hip Hip Hurray, 5 iconic shows we can thank Zee TV for |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/television/what-s-hot/story/zeeturns24-banegi-apni-baat-hip-hip-hurray-tara-hum-paanch-top-5-iconic-shows-lifetv-344435-2016-10-02 |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=[[India Today]] |date=2 October 2016 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309025219/https://www.indiatoday.in/television/what-s-hot/story/zeeturns24-banegi-apni-baat-hip-hip-hurray-tara-hum-paanch-top-5-iconic-shows-lifetv-344435-2016-10-02 |url-status=live }}</ref> The character of Savi, a mature woman with grown up children, was significantly older in age than Shah.<ref name="earshot">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Murli |title=Earshot |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/earshot-27/lite/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=25 August 1998 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310160328/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/earshot-27/lite/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Hindu15">{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj |title=I can even play a dog |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/i-can-even-play-a-dog-says-shefali-shah/article7309923.ece |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=12 June 2015 |language=en-IN |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310160123/https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/i-can-even-play-a-dog-says-shefali-shah/article7309923.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> Given the age differences, she had to persuade director Ajay Sinha to cast her.<ref name="break"/> Bhavya Sadhwani of ''[[Times Internet|IndiaTimes]]'' attributed the show's success with viewers mainly to the "impeccable acting skills" demonstrated by Shah in the part.<ref name="Sadhwani"/> The serial gained wider public recognition for Shah,<ref name="IE99INT"/> and she called it a milestone in her career.<ref name="IE98"/><ref name="screen97">{{cite news |title=Rich and famous |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/feb20/tele3.htm |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]] |date=20 February 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991009174719/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/feb20/tele3.htm |archive-date=9 October 1999}}</ref> Her performance earned her the [[Zee Cine Awards|Zee Woman of the Year]] award in 1997.<ref name="screen97"/> Another lead role was given to her in [[Mahesh Bhatt]]'s weekend soap ''[[Kabhie Kabhie (1997 TV series)|Kabhie Kabhie]]'' (1997), which aired on [[StarPlus]].<ref name="IE98">{{cite news |title=Strong and never silent |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/strong-and-never-silent/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=27 April 1998 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310192048/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/strong-and-never-silent/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Screen97">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Anil |title=Awake to the wild-life |url=http://www.screenindia.com/old/sep24/tele3.htm |access-date=11 March 2022 |work=Screen |date=24 September 1997 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080628175811/http://www.screenindia.com/old/sep24/tele3.htm |archive-date=28 June 2008}}</ref>

In 1998, she was offered a small part in Ram Gopal Varma's crime thriller ''[[Satya (1998 film)|Satya]]'', which revolves around the [[organised crime in India|Mumbai underworld]].{{sfn|Dwyer|2005|pp=211–2012}}{{sfn|Roy|2011|pp=98–119}} Having been disappointed in her previous collaboration with Varma on ''Rangeela'', she was hesitant on accepting it but eventually relented as she found the part special and made sure to receive thorough information about it.<ref name="Patil"/><ref name="Rediffold"/><ref name="break"/> In a seven-minute role, she played Pyaari Mhatre, the wife of a mafia gangster played by [[Manoj Bajpayee]].<ref name="Sahani19"/>{{sfn|Dwyer|2005|pp=211–2012}}<ref name="IE99">{{cite news |last1=Poojari |first1=Chatura |title=Out of the Shadows |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/out-of-the-shadows-6/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=19 February 1999 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310200056/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/out-of-the-shadows-6/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Their roles were said to be modelled after [[Arun Gawli]] and his wife Asha.<ref name="Patil"/><ref name="Rediffold"/> Shah said she instinctively recognised her part and knew exactly how to play it.<ref name="Patil"/> ''Satya'' opened to commercial success and major critical acclaim, and Shah's performance in it was favourably reviewed.<ref name="Patil"/>{{sfn|Dasgupta|Datta|2018|pp=197–198}} [[Anupama Chopra]] of ''[[India Today]]'' wrote that Shah and her co-actors "are so good that you can almost smell the Mumbai grime on their sweaty bodies".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chopra |first1=Anupama |author1-link=Anupama Chopra |title=Nowhere man |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19980720-film-review-satya-starring-urmila-matondkar-j-d-chakravarty-manoj-bajpai-826739-1998-07-20 |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=20 July 1998 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310152659/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/films/story/19980720-film-review-satya-starring-urmila-matondkar-j-d-chakravarty-manoj-bajpai-826739-1998-07-20 |url-status=live }}</ref> For her portrayal, Shah won the [[Screen Award for Best Supporting Actress]].<ref name="Rangeela"/><ref name="Screen99">{{cite news |title=Still waiting for the reward |url=http://www.expressindia.com/screen/feb26/tele1.htm |access-date=13 March 2022 |work=Screen |publisher=Express Group |date=26 February 1999 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000306200714/http://www.expressindia.com/screen/feb26/tele1.htm |archive-date=6 March 2000}}</ref> At the [[44th Filmfare Awards]], she was nominated for the [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress]] and was awarded the [[Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress|Critics Award for Best Actress]].<ref>{{cite web |title=''Satya'': Awards and Nominations |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/awards/6387/index.html |website=[[Bollywood Hungama|IndiaFM]] |access-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080511032325/http://www.indiafm.com/movies/awards/6387/index.html |archive-date=11 May 2008 |date=11 May 2008}}</ref>

Despite the positive reaction to her work in ''Satya'', Shah did not receive as many film offers as she expected.<ref name="IE99INT"/><ref name="IE99"/> Following ''Hasratein'', she starred in its successor on Zee TV's prime-time spot, the soap opera ''Raahein'' (1999).<ref>{{cite news |title=Second innings |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/19990412-roducers-of-hit-serial-raahein-gets-nod-from-zee-tv-for-104-episode-run-780670-1999-04-12 |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=12 April 1999 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309005424/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/society-the-arts/story/19990412-roducers-of-hit-serial-raahein-gets-nod-from-zee-tv-for-104-episode-run-780670-1999-04-12 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Raahein">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Murli |title=Earshot |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/earshot-40/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=30 March 1999 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310201336/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/earshot-40/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The show was met with approval from viewers and critics alike.<ref name="Screen97"/> She played Preeti, a woman caught between her love life and career ambitions.<ref name="Raahein"/> In contrast to Shah's previous roles, the character of Preeti was 22 years old. Shailaja Bajpai of ''[[The Indian Express]]'' commended Shah's acting talent but thought she was less suitable for such a young-aged part, concluding that she is "brilliantly miscast".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bajpai |first1=Shailaja |title=Married to the box |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/married-to-the-box/ |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=2 August 1999 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310202500/https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/married-to-the-box/ |url-status=live }}</ref> During this period she was one of the co-hosts on the musical game show ''[[Titan Antakshari|Antakshari]]'' opposite [[Annu Kapoor]].<ref name="IE99"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Awaasthi |first1=Kavita |title=Antakshari: Annu Kapoor, Pallavi Joshi share memories of iconic musical show |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/antakshari-annu-kapoor-pallavi-joshi-share-memories-of-iconic-musical-show/story-JoOrFIY2UYIwhb6VhOIkEJ.html |access-date=10 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=2 September 2016 |language=en |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310001440/https://www.hindustantimes.com/tv/antakshari-annu-kapoor-pallavi-joshi-share-memories-of-iconic-musical-show/story-JoOrFIY2UYIwhb6VhOIkEJ.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Among other projects on television, she acted in several episodes of the anthology series ''[[Rishtey (TV series)|Rishtey]]'' (1999–2001), including the well-received "Highway".{{sfn|Mahadevan|2020}}

In 1999, she was cast in a Gujarati film, ''[[Dariya Chhoru]]'', made by her future husband Vipul Shah. A love story situated on the coast of [[Saurashtra (region)|Saurashtra]] between a poor man ([[Jamnadas Majethia]]) and a wealthy woman (Shah), the film was named Best Film at the Gujarat State Film Awards, where Shah won the Best Actress award.{{sfn|Thaker|2007|p=515}}<ref>{{cite news |title=Gujarat State Awards announced ''Dariya Chhoru'' is best film |url=http://www.screenindia.com/20000825/film1.htm |access-date=11 March 2022 |work=Screen |date=28 July 2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010524115121/http://www.screenindia.com/20000825/film1.htm |archive-date=24 May 2001}}</ref> The film, which ''[[The Times of India]]'' said should cater to educated Gujarati viewers, was a box-office success.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Khatri |first1=J. A. H. |title=Gujarathi Cinema: From a Historical Perspective |journal=International Journal of Research Culture Society |date=1 January 2021 |issue=21 |url=https://www.academia.edu/45453666 |issn=2456-6683 |access-date=17 September 2022 |archive-date=9 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509200959/https://www.academia.edu/45453666/GUJARATI_CINEMA_FROM_A_HISTORICAL_PERSPECTIVE |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Young |first1=Michelle |title=Lights, camera, resurgence! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lights-camera-resurgence/articleshow/14198987.cms?from=mdr |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=17 June 2012 |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313110423/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/lights-camera-resurgence/articleshow/14198987.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> According to the book ''Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas'', it was among the films that started a trend of larger productions in the Gujarati film industry.{{sfn|Gokulsing|Dissanayake|2013|p=99}} In the book ''Gujarat: A Panorama of the Heritage of Gujarat'', the film was praised for its beautiful portrayal and Shah and her colleagues were hailed as screen artistes who "could create fresh hopes among the film goers in Gujarat".{{sfn|Thaker|2007|p=515}}

===Recognition for character roles (2000–2007)===
Shah's work in the 2000s started with a short appearance in [[Aditya Chopra]]'s 2000 romance ''[[Mohabbatein]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Raheja |first1=Dinesh |author1-link=Dinesh Raheja |title=''Mohabbatein''{{snd}}Maple Syrup |url=http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/reviews/reviewmohab.shtml |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=India Today |year=2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010417023618/http://tntmovies.thenewspapertoday.com/reviews/reviewmohab.shtml |archive-date=17 April 2001}}</ref> A year later, she was cast in [[Mira Nair]]'s international co-production ''[[Monsoon Wedding]]'',{{efn|The film was coproduced by India, USA, France, Germany, and Italy.{{sfn|Dasgupta|Sinha|Chakravarti|2011|pp=86–87}}}} a comedy-drama which chronicles the reunion of a large Punjabi family for a wedding.{{sfn|Scheuer|Brill-Scheuer|2007|p=218}} Shah played Rhea Verma, an orphaned young woman, aspiring writer and a survivor of [[child sexual abuse]], a character she considered as the most complex in the film.<ref name="IEMW">{{cite news |last1=Sundaram |first1=Suguna |title=Salaam Mira |url=http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/interviews/intmonsoon.shtml |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=India Today |year=2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011109232620/http://movies.thenewspapertoday.com/interviews/intmonsoon.shtml |archive-date=9 November 2001}}</ref> The film opened to considerable international acclaim, receiving the [[Golden Lion]] at the [[58th Venice International Film Festival]] and nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at the [[BAFTA Award for Best Film Not in the English Language|BAFTA]] and [[Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film|Golden Globe Awards]].{{sfn|Tzanelli|2015|p=46}}<ref>{{cite news |title=''Monsoon Wedding'' |url=https://www.tvguide.com/movies/monsoon-wedding/2000038431/ |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=[[TV Guide]] |language=en |archive-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315172926/https://www.tvguide.com/movies/monsoon-wedding/2000038431/ |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Elvis Mitchell]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' singled out Shah's part, and [[Saibal Chatterjee]] of ''[[Hindustan Times]]'' wrote that she "taps into the depths of a difficult character with amazing ease".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mitchell |first1=Elvis |author1-link=Elvis Mitchell |title=Film Review; Clashing Ingredients In a Marital Masala |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/22/movies/film-review-clashing-ingredients-in-a-marital-masala.html |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=22 February 2002 |archive-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315200444/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/22/movies/film-review-clashing-ingredients-in-a-marital-masala.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Saibal |author1-link=Saibal Chatterjee |title=Monsoon Wedding |url=http://167.216.192.98/infotainment/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsmw.shtml |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=2 February 2002 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020202151712/http://167.216.192.98/infotainment/cinema/reviews/bollywood/reviewsmw.shtml |archive-date=2 February 2002}}</ref> The film was a significant box-office success, earning over $33{{spaces}}million against its $1.2{{nbh}}million budget.<ref>{{cite news |title=''Monsoon Wedding'' |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr276779525/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[Box Office Mojo]] |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319143956/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/releasegroup/gr276779525/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=''Monsoon Wedding'' (2002) |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Monsoon-Wedding#tab=summary |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[The Numbers (website)|The Numbers]] |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319143956/https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Monsoon-Wedding#tab=summary |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shah worked again under her husband Vipul's direction in the family melodrama ''[[Waqt: The Race Against Time]]'' (2005), playing [[Amitabh Bachchan]]'s wife and [[Akshay Kumar]]'s mother.<ref name="BHWaqt">{{cite news |title=It was challenging to portray a woman of 50 – Shefali Shah |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2005/4/11/160/index.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=11 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915180618/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2005/4/11/160/index.html |archive-date=15 September 2008}}</ref> She was considered for the part following Bachchan's suggestion against her husband's hesitation.<ref name="BHWaqt"/> Her casting in the role of a middle-aged mother to Kumar, who in reality is five years her senior, attracted considerable media coverage.<ref name="indulge">{{cite news |last1=Khandelwal |first1=Heena |title=Shefali Shah: ''Delhi Crime'' was extremely consuming, it demanded every ounce of me' |url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/celebs/2020/dec/04/interview-shefali-shah-emmys-delhi-crime-lockdown-film-30019.html |access-date=18 March 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=4 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204710/https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/celebs/2020/dec/04/interview-shefali-shah-emmys-delhi-crime-lockdown-film-30019.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah on not wanting to play the roles of mothers to 40-year-olds anymore |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/shefali-shah-on-not-wanting-to-play-the-roles-of-mothers-to-40-year-olds-anymore-52655-1.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[Filmfare]] |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204715/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/shefali-shah-on-not-wanting-to-play-the-roles-of-mothers-to-40-year-olds-anymore-52655-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She defended her choice of the part, saying she admired the character's traits and found particular challenge in the significant age differences.<ref name="telegraph21">{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Priyanka |title='This is what I've dreamt of' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/interview-shefali-shah-opens-up-about-her-career-2-0-in-a-candid-chat/cid/1824744 |access-date=18 March 2022 |work=The Telegraph |date=1 August 2021 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309020948/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/interview-shefali-shah-opens-up-about-her-career-2-0-in-a-candid-chat/cid/1824744 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her portrayal of Sumitra Thakur, a strict mother who encourages her husband to take extreme measures to discipline their irresponsible son, earned her a second Filmfare nomination for Best Supporting Actress. [[Derek Elley]] of ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' and [[Ziya Us Salam]] of ''[[The Hindu]]'' commended her subtle and composed acting,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elley |first1=Derek |author1-link=Derek Elley |title=''Gandhi My Father'' |url=https://variety.com/2007/film/reviews/gandhi-my-father-1200557147/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=15 August 2007 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319183301/https://variety.com/2007/film/reviews/gandhi-my-father-1200557147/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Salam |first1=Ziya Us |author1-link=Ziya Us Salam |title=Plenty of moments to remember, smile, savour |url=http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/04/24/stories/2005042402260200.htm |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=24 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050504131108/http://www.hindu.com/lf/2005/04/24/stories/2005042402260200.htm |archive-date=4 May 2005}}</ref> and [[Subhash K. Jha]] of ''The Times of India'' argued that "it's Shefali Shah as Amitabh Bachchan's wife whose expressive eyes conveying spousal and matriarchal pain that you come home with".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=''Waqt'' |url=http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1087918,curpg-5.cms |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=24 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050507173130/http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/msid-1087918,curpg-5.cms |archive-date=7 May 2005}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tanwar |first1=Sarita |title=Film review: ''Waqt'' |url=http://ww1.mid-day.com/hitlist/2005/april/107929.htm |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Mid-Day |date=22 April 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051126234609/http://ww1.mid-day.com/hitlist/2005/april/107929.htm |archive-date=26 November 2005}}</ref> She followed with a role in [[Aparna Sen]]'s English-language drama ''[[15 Park Avenue]]'' (2005).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Namrata |author1-link=Namrata Joshi |title=''15 Park Avenue'' |url=http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?229900 |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |date=23 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117155740/http://outlookindia.com/article.aspx?229900 |archive-date=17 November 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Rituparno Ghosh alongwith actor Shefali Shah (cropped).jpg|thumb|left|Shah with director [[Rituparno Ghosh]] at an event for ''[[The Last Lear]]'' in 2007]]

In 2007, Shah was lauded for her work in two films: [[Feroz Abbas Khan]]'s biographical film ''[[Gandhi, My Father]]'' and [[Rituparno Ghosh]]'s English-language [[Story within a story#Nested films|film-within-a-film]] drama ''[[The Last Lear]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=Spectrum |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070902/spectrum/main4.htm |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=The Tribune |date=2 September 2007 |archive-date=1 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201185600/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070902/spectrum/main4.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Nigel">{{cite news |last1=Andrews |first1=Nigel |author1-link=Nigel Andrews |title=The bluster behind the bluff |url=https://www.ft.com/content/5c2d5154-4049-11dc-9d0c-0000779fd2ac |access-date=27 March 2022 |work=[[Financial Times]] |date=1 August 2007 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327171032/https://www.ft.com/content/5c2d5154-4049-11dc-9d0c-0000779fd2ac |url-status=live }}</ref> An Indo-British co-production, ''Gandhi, My Father'' features Shah in the role of [[Kasturba Gandhi]], who is torn by the lifelong conflict between her husband [[Mahatma Gandhi]] and son [[Harilal Gandhi|Hiralal]] (played by [[Darshan Jariwala]] and [[Akshaye Khanna]], respectively).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |author1-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=''Gandhi My Father'' |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4dKGAAAAIAAJ |access-date=28 March 2022 |work=[[Sight & Sound]] |publisher=[[British Film Institute]] |date=October 2007 |quote=India/United Kingdom 2007... Darshan Jariwala as Gandhi and Shefali Shah as his wife Kasturba put in strong performances |archive-date=28 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328003632/https://books.google.com/books?id=4dKGAAAAIAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=John |title=''Gandhi My Father'' – Movie Review |url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-gandhi3aug03,0,2355932.story |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=3 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071020060214/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-gandhi3aug03,0,2355932.story |archive-date=20 October 2007}}</ref> Portraying the character from Kasturba's early adulthood to old age, Shah lost weight to look the part.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali ready to break the mould |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/shefali-ready-to-break-the-mould/story-ScjoArPbhmUlieG32GzsqL.html |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=10 March 2006 |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320232341/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/shefali-ready-to-break-the-mould/story-ScjoArPbhmUlieG32GzsqL.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Dalal |first1=Sandipan |title=Keep a calm pose |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/keep-a-calm-pose/articleshow/15721032.cms |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=4 July 2007 |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320233503/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/keep-a-calm-pose/articleshow/15721032.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Khalid Mohamed]] of ''Hindustan Times'' called her performance "magnificent" and [[Roshmila Bhattacharya]] of ''[[Screen (magazine)|Screen]]'' described her as "brilliant, her sparkling glances, eloquent silences and drooping shoulders effectively conveying the hopelessness and helplessness of a parent whose child has gone astray".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid |author1-link=Khalid Mohamed |title=Review: ''Gandhi My Father'' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-gandhi-my-father/story-CoxaWST3I9cAua7hXtojMN.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 August 2007 |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205200/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-gandhi-my-father/story-CoxaWST3I9cAua7hXtojMN.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Roshmila |author1-link=Roshmila Bhattacharya |title=''Gandhi My Father'' (Hindi) |url=http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=16735 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Screen |date=10 August 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201145121/http://www.screenindia.com/fullstory.php?content_id=16735 |archive-date=1 December 2007}}</ref> She was awarded the [[Tokyo International Film Festival#Best Actress Award|Best Actress]] prize at the [[Tokyo International Film Festival]] and the [[Zee Cine Critics Award for Best Actor – Female|Critics Award for Best Actor – Female]] at the [[2008 Zee Cine Awards]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ryall |first1=Julian |title=Tokyo fest listens to 'Band' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/tokyo-fest-listens-band-153612/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=29 October 2007 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205202/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/tokyo-fest-listens-band-153612/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Zee Cine Awards 2008 |url=http://www.zeecineawards.com/2008/videos/awards/ |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=[[Zee Cine Awards]] |publisher=[[Zee Entertainment Enterprises]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214131545/http://www.zeecineawards.com/2008/videos/awards/ |archive-date=14 December 2014}}</ref>

''The Last Lear'' revolves around a [[William Shakespeare|Shakespearean]] theatre actor (played by Amitabh Bachchan).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14758862 |title='The Last Lear's' my best work till date: Shefali Shah|website=[[Sify]] |date=16 September 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081021135358/https://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14758862 |archive-date=21 October 2008}}</ref> Shah played his troubled and irritable caregiver and live-in partner, a role she considered her best yet, alongside [[Preity Zinta]] and [[Divya Dutta]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nag |first1=Kushali |title='It's my best role ever' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/it-s-my-best-role-ever/cid/541593 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=The Telegraph |date=12 September 2008 |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320155511/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/it-s-my-best-role-ever/cid/541593 |url-status=live }}</ref> The film premiered at the [[2007 Toronto International Film Festival]] where it was well-received.{{sfn|Chakravarti|2017|p=117}} [[Rajeev Masand]] of [[IBN Live]] wrote of "the manner she goes from spiteful to soothing" throughout the film, and [[Sukanya Verma]] of [[Rediff.com]] took note of Shah's commanding presence.<ref>{{cite web |author=Masand, Rajeev |website=[[IBN Live]] |title=Masand's Verdict: ''The Last Lear'' is slyly over the top |date=13 September 2008 |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-the-last-lear-is-slyly-over-the-top/73463-8-p1.html |access-date=20 March 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120113072003/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/masands-verdict-the-last-lear-is-slyly-over-the-top/73463-8-p1.html |archive-date=13 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Verma |first1=Sukanya |title=Effectively intriguing |url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/review/lear/20080912.htm |work=Rediff.com |access-date=20 April 2020 |language=en |date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006132618/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/lear/20080912.htm |archive-date=6 October 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The film was named [[National Film Award for Best Feature Film in English|Best Feature Film in English]] at the [[55th National Film Awards]], where Shah won the [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress|Best Supporting Actress]] award for what was cited by the jury as an "aggressive portrayal of a Bengali housewife who in time becomes more tolerant of her aging husband's many eccentric guests".<ref>{{cite web |title=55th National Film Awards 2007 |url=http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/47_55Nfacatalogue-%20.pdf |website=dff.nic.in |publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]] |access-date=19 March 2022 |page=38 |year=2007 |archive-date=25 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725171514/http://dff.nic.in/images/Documents/47_55Nfacatalogue-%20.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Intermittent work on stage and screen (2008–2016)===
{{Quote box|bgcolor=#E0E6F8|width=25em|align=left|quote="Those who have not seen Shefali Shah on stage have missed seeing one of the best live performers in this country. For the entire length of a two-hour play she draws the audience in, making them believe her story is part of their story too, that her pain is something they feel too."|source={{mdash}}Authors [[Sunil Kant Munjal]] and S.K. Rai on Shah's performance in ''Bas Itna Sa Khwab'' (2010){{sfn|Munjal|Rai|2017|ps=: "'Bus Itna Sa Khwab' with Shefali Shah, one of the most talented actors of screen and stage... Those who have not seen Shefali Shah on stage have missed seeing one of the best live performers in this country. For the entire length of a two-hour play she draws the audience in, making them believe her story is part of their story too, that her pain is something they feel too."}}}}
[[Subhash Ghai]]'s crime thriller ''[[Black & White (2008 Hindi film)|Black & White]]'' (2008) stars Shah as Roma Mathur, a Bengali activist and the wife of an Urdu professor ([[Anil Kapoor]]).<ref name="age"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Ritujaay |title=''The Last Lear''{{'}}s my best work till date: Shefali Shah |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-last-lear-s-my-best-work-till-date-shefali-shah/story-IDTLnnFxefTqChXNWVxvtK.html |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 February 2008 |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320203455/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/the-last-lear-s-my-best-work-till-date-shefali-shah/story-IDTLnnFxefTqChXNWVxvtK.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The film follows the couple's acquaintance with a disguised Islamic fundamentalist plotting a [[suicide attack]] at the [[Red Fort]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pandohar |first1=Jaspreet |title=''Black And White'' (2008) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2008/03/03/black_and_white_2008_review.shtml |access-date=20 March 2022 |publisher=BBC |date=26 February 2008 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2008/03/03/black_and_white_2008_review.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="French08">{{cite news |last1=French |first1=Philip |author1-link=Philip French |title=Review: Black & White |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/09/bollywood.drama |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=9 March 2008 |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320162753/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2008/mar/09/bollywood.drama |url-status=live }}</ref> It generated mixed reviews and so did Shah's performance, which Khalid Mohamed found to be "unusually hammy".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Khalid |title=Review: ''Black and White'' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-black-and-white/story-IV8Dfb097rN7sQep9lo8PO.html |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=8 March 2008 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317130109/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/review-black-and-white/story-IV8Dfb097rN7sQep9lo8PO.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Review of ''Black & White'':
* {{cite news |last1=Adarsh |first1=Taran |author1-link=Taran Adarsh |title=''Black & White'': Movie Review by Taran Adarsh |url=http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/13390/index.html |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=7 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080310160220/http://www.indiafm.com/movies/review/13390/index.html |archive-date=10 March 2008 }}
* {{cite news |last1=Sen |first1=Raja |title=''Black & White'' is a relevant watch |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/07black.htm |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=Rediff.com |date=7 March 2008 |archive-date=2 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080802152854/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2008/mar/07black.htm |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |author1-link=Shubhra Gupta |title=Black & White |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/black---white/281994/0 |access-date=20 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=17 September 2012 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205202/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/black---white/281994/0 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Gajjar |first1=Manish |title=''Black n White'' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/articles/2008/03/21/bollywood_reviews_black_n_white_feature.shtml |access-date=20 March 2022 |publisher=BBC |date=7 March 2008 |language=en-gb |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/shropshire/content/articles/2008/03/21/bollywood_reviews_black_n_white_feature.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> Two years later, in view of the lack of substantial film work that would realise her acting potential, Shah's husband Vipul cast her in his Hindi stage production ''Bas Itna Sa Khwab'', directed by [[Chandrakant Kulkarni]].<ref name="Manuel10">{{cite news |last1=Manuel |first1=Mark |title=We're going housefull: Vipul and Shefali Shah |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/were-going-housefull-vipul-and-shefali-shah/articleshow/6719224.cms |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=10 October 2010 |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321211112/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/were-going-housefull-vipul-and-shefali-shah/articleshow/6719224.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Based on Kulkarni's Marathi play ''Dhyanimani'', it marked Shah's return to the stage after a decade and saw her in the role of a middle-class housewife opposite [[Kiran Karmarkar]].<ref name="stage10">{{cite news |last1=Bhattacharya |first1=Roshmila |last2=Mazumder |first2=Jayeeta |author1-link=Roshmila Bhattacharya |title='It's been a liberating experience' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/it-s-been-a-liberating-experience/story-GS75ECWiFaHbWwrb8pWiGJ.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=15 August 2010 |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205202/https://www.hindustantimes.com/art-and-culture/it-s-been-a-liberating-experience/story-GS75ECWiFaHbWwrb8pWiGJ.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="taxing">{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=Rinky |title=Re-living a dream |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/RELIVING-a-dream/663213/ |access-date=26 May 2011 |newspaper=The Indian Express |date=20 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014024259/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/RELIVING-a-dream/663213/ |archive-date=14 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The production travelled from Mumbai's Rangsharda to [[Ludhiana]]'s Sanskritik Samagam, to Dubai.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali gets theatrical |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/city-times/shefali-gets-theatrical |access-date=14 April 2023 |work=[[Khaleej Times]] |agency=City Times |date=21 March 2011 |language=en}}</ref> She spoke of her acting experience on stage, recounting her full involvement with her character: "I have to literally break down every time, then collect the pieces and put them back together again."<ref name="stage10"/> Authors [[Sunil Kant Munjal]] and S.K. Rai, in the book ''All the World is a Stage'', lavished praise on her performance.{{sfn|Munjal|Rai|2017|ps=: "'Bus Itna Sa Khwab' with Shefali Shah, one of the most talented actors of screen and stage... Those who have not seen Shefali Shah on stage have missed seeing one of the best live performers in this country. For the entire length of a two-hour play she draws the audience in, making them believe her story is part of their story too, that her pain is something they feel too."}}

[[File:Shefali Shah.jpg|thumb|upright|Shah in 2012]]

After appearing as a psychiatrist in the thriller ''[[Karthik Calling Karthik]]'' in 2010,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Tejpal |first1=Minty |title=Your Call |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/Your-Call/articleshow/15996290.cms |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=27 February 2010 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331185411/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/Your-Call/articleshow/15996290.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah was cast in the lead part of her husband's production ''[[Kucch Luv Jaisaa]]'' the following year.<ref name="LKJ">{{cite news |title=Finally, I get to play my age |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2011/may/23/finally-i-get-to-play-my-age--255839.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=23 May 2011 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323195411/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2011/may/23/finally-i-get-to-play-my-age--255839.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She played a young housewife who spends a romantic day with a criminal on the run from prison ([[Rahul Bose]]).<ref name="Kotwani">{{cite news |last1=Kotwani |first1=Hiren |title=Shefali Shah goes to jail |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Bollywood/Shefali-Shah-goes-to-jail/Article1-696144.aspx |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=13 May 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120903165636/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Shefali-Shah-goes-to-jail/Article1-696144.aspx |archive-date=3 September 2012}}</ref> To prepare for the part, Shah visited the Thane Jail and interacted with prisoners to attain better understanding of her character's experience.<ref name="Kotwani"/> The film opened to a lukewarm critical response,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |title=''Kuchh Luv Jaisa'' |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kuchh-luv-jaisa/796243/0 |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=27 May 2011 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171830/http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/kuchh-luv-jaisa/796243/0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bamzai |first1=Kaveree |author1-link=Kaveree Bamzai |title=''Kuch Luv Jaisa'' review |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kuch-luv-jaisa-movie-review-134538-2011-05-27 |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=27 May 2011 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171034/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/kuch-luv-jaisa-movie-review-134538-2011-05-27 |url-status=live }}</ref> with critics Subhash K. Jha and Mihir Fadnavis observing that Shah struggles with material that was written with little conviction.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=Subhash K. Jha speaks about ''Kucch Luv Jaisa'' |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-kucch-luv-jaisaa/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=28 May 2011 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331173036/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-kucch-luv-jaisaa/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fadnavis |first1=Mihir |title=''Kuchh Luv Jaisa'' is a worthless trip to the land of idiocy |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-kuchh-luv-jaisa-is-a-worthless-trip-to-the-land-of-idiocy-1548162 |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=DNA India |year=2011 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171943/https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/review-kuchh-luv-jaisa-is-a-worthless-trip-to-the-land-of-idiocy-1548162 |url-status=live }}</ref> Her efforts were better received by [[Mayank Shekhar]], who found her "startlingly expressive" and commended her for exuding "the kind of vulnerability and warmth that's rare to match".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shekhar |first1=Mayank |author1-link=Mayank Shekhar |title=Mayank Shekhar's review: ''Kuch Luv Jaisa'' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/mayank-shekhar-s-review-kuch-luv-jaisa/story-4XzS4yPsBIQ9pDbJ6H0VOM.html |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 May 2011 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331172143/https://www.hindustantimes.com/movie-reviews/mayank-shekhar-s-review-kuch-luv-jaisa/story-4XzS4yPsBIQ9pDbJ6H0VOM.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After three years of absence from the screen, Shah returned as Jyoti, a [[Procuring (prostitution)|brothel madam]] in [[Nagesh Kukunoor]]'s 2014 [[social problem film]] ''[[Lakshmi (2014 film)|Lakshmi]]'', alongside [[Monali Thakur]].<ref name="James16">{{cite journal |last1=James |first1=Nisha |last2=Ranganathan |first2=Shubha |title=From Victimhood to Survivor-Hood: Reflections on Women's Agency in Popular Films on Sex Trafficking in India |journal=Psychological Studies |date=1 March 2016 |volume=61 |issue=1 |pages=76–82 |doi=10.1007/s12646-015-0344-4 |s2cid=55050086 |url=https://raiith.iith.ac.in/2114/7/From-Victimhood.pdf |language=en |issn=0974-9861 |access-date=4 April 2022 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204633/https://raiith.iith.ac.in/2114/7/From-Victimhood.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=Shefali Shah on crossing all frontiers to play brothel 'madame' |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/shefali-shah-on-crossing-all-frontiers-to-play-brothel-madame/ |access-date=4 April 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=25 March 2014 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204631/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/shefali-shah-on-crossing-all-frontiers-to-play-brothel-madame/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Based on the true story of a teenager who is kidnapped and sold into a brothel in [[Hyderabad]],<ref name="James16"/> ''Lakshmi'' released to a positive critical reception for its harshly realistic depiction [[human trafficking]] and [[child prostitution]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ruhani |first1=Faheem |title=Movie Review: ''Lakshmi'' not for the faint hearted |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/lakshmi-movie-review-monali-thakur-nagesh-kukunoor-satish-kaushik-185636-2014-03-21 |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=21 March 2014 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331185411/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/lakshmi-movie-review-monali-thakur-nagesh-kukunoor-satish-kaushik-185636-2014-03-21 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Suparna |title=''Lakshmi'', film review: terrifying, inspiring account of a 14-year-old girl sold into prostitution |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140321/entertainment-movie-review/article/lakshmi |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Deccan Chronicle |date=22 March 2014 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331185411/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/140321/entertainment-movie-review/article/lakshmi |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Sudhish Kamath]] appreciated Shah's performance in a complex role.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kamath |first1=Sudhish |author1-link=Sudhish Kamath |title=''Lakshmi'': Innocence lost |url=https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/lakshmi-innocence-lost/article5818833.ece |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=22 March 2014 |language=en-IN |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331202433/https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/lakshmi-innocence-lost/article5818833.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Sanjukta |title=Film Review: ''Lakshmi'' |url=https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/bcqbiwZQuKZ0jmkvBRP76O/Film-Review--Lakshmi.html |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]] |date=21 March 2014 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331190325/https://www.livemint.com/Leisure/bcqbiwZQuKZ0jmkvBRP76O/Film-Review--Lakshmi.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2015, Shah starred in [[Zoya Akhtar]]'s comedy-drama ''[[Dil Dhadakne Do]]'' alongside Anil Kapoor as her husband, and [[Priyanka Chopra]] and [[Ranveer Singh]] as her children.{{sfn|Bari|2017|pp=3–10}} The story is about a wealthy, dysfunctional family who embark on a cruise to celebrate the 30th wedding anniversary of the parents; Shah played Neelam Mehra, the passive-aggressive matriarch caught in a marriage of convenience and hiding her eating disorder.{{sfn|Bari|2017|pp=3–10}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guha |first1=Kunal |title=Film review: ''Dil Dhadakne Do'' |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/Film-review-Dil-Dhadakne-Do/articleshow_newlogin/47547376.cms |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Mumbai Mirror |date=5 June 2015 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204629/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/Film-review-Dil-Dhadakne-Do/articleshow_newlogin/47547376.cms |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Silence">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Devansh |title=Shefali Shah on playing different shades of an 'everywoman', and using silence as her weapon of choice |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-playing-different-shades-of-an-everywoman-and-using-silence-as-her-weapon-of-choice-6784511.html |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=16 June 2019 |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321044308/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-playing-different-shades-of-an-everywoman-and-using-silence-as-her-weapon-of-choice-6784511.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah loved the script and the character but was initially apprehensive about accepting another part of a middle-aged woman and playing a mother to Chopra and Singh; she eventually relented on her husband's advice.<ref name="DDD">{{cite news |title=Here's why Shefali Shah was apprehensive about doing ''Dil Dhadakne Do'' |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/heres-why-shefali-shah-was-apprehensive-about-doing-dil-dhadakne-do-49641-1.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Filmfare |date=20 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204631/https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/heres-why-shefali-shah-was-apprehensive-about-doing-dil-dhadakne-do-49641-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Dil Dhadakne Do'' was one of the [[List of Bollywood films of 2015|highest-grossing Hindi films of 2015]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Top Worldwide Grossers 2015 |url=https://www.boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2015 |access-date=21 March 2022 |publisher=[[Box Office India]] |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322000150/https://www.boxofficeindia.com/worldwide-total-gross.php?year=2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> A scene where an emotionally collapsing Neelam is seen binging on a cake in front of the mirror was particularly noted by critics.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Masand |first1=Rajeev |author1-link=Rajeev Masand |title=''Dil Dhadakne Do'' review: It's easy and breezy, and packed with terrific actors |url=http://www.ibnlive.com/news/movies/dil-dhadakne-do-review-its-easy-and-breezy-and-packed-with-terrific-actors-1002090.html |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=[[News18]] |date=7 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150607175850/http://www.ibnlive.com/news/movies/dil-dhadakne-do-review-its-easy-and-breezy-and-packed-with-terrific-actors-1002090.html |archive-date=7 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah says she refused ''Kapoor and Sons'' and ''Neerja'', talks of ''Dil Dhadakne Do''{{'}}s iconic scene |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-rejected-kapoor-and-sons-neerja-talks-of-dil-dhadakne-do-7353863/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=11 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322112304/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-rejected-kapoor-and-sons-neerja-talks-of-dil-dhadakne-do-7353863/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Desai |first1=Rahul |title=Top 50 Memorable Bollywood Characters: Neelam Mehra from Dil Dhadakne Do |url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/bollywood-features/top-50-memorable-bollywood-characters-neelam-mehra-dil-dhadakne-do-shefali-shah-rahul-desai/ |website=[[Film Companion]] |access-date=29 September 2023 |language=en |date=30 April 2018}}</ref> Subhash K. Jha found Shah's performance the most effective of the ensemble cast, arguing she "brings to her character an unfussy pitch-perfection rarely seen in mainstream cinema".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Subhash K. |first1=Jha |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=Subhash K Jha speaks about ''Dil Dhadakne Do'' |url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-dil-dhadakne-do/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=5 June 2015 |language=en |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322130757/https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/subhash-k-jha-speaks-about-dil-dhadakne-do/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She received her third Best Supporting Actress Filmfare nomination for the film, and was awarded the [[Stardust Award for Best Supporting Actress]] as well as a [[Screen Awards|Screen Award for Best Ensemble Cast]] along with her co-stars in the film.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Raya |title=Stardust Awards 2016: Complete List of Winners |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/stardust-awards-2016-complete-list-of-winners-1257753 |access-date=22 March 2022 |publisher=NDTV |date=22 December 2015 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227182636/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/stardust-awards-2016-complete-list-of-winners-1257753 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Screen Awards 2016: Complete List of Winners |url=http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/screen-awards-2016-complete-list-of-winners-1263815 |author=Ghosh, Raya |publisher=NDTV |access-date=22 March 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110051251/http://movies.ndtv.com/bollywood/screen-awards-2016-complete-list-of-winners-1263815 |archive-date=10 January 2016}}</ref>

In ''[[Brothers (2015 film)|Brothers]]'' (2015), [[Karan Malhotra]]'s remake of the American sports drama ''[[Warrior (2011 film)|Warrior]]'' (2011), Shah had a minor supporting role.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Das |first1=Srijana Mitra |title=Movie ''Brothers'' Review 2015 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/brothers/movie-review/48480933.cms |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=18 December 2015 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204637/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/movie-reviews/brothers/movie-review/48480933.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Her character Maria Fernandes is presented in flashbacks as a woman who accepts the child her adulterous husband had out of wedlock.<ref>{{cite news |last1=McCahill |first1=Mike |title=''Brothers'' review – Akshay Kumar is lead Weeble in feeble ''Warrior'' remake |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/17/brothers-review-akshay-kumar-is-lead-weeble-in-feeble-warrior-remake |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=17 August 2015 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171156/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/17/brothers-review-akshay-kumar-is-lead-weeble-in-feeble-warrior-remake |url-status=live }}</ref> The film generated mixed-to-negative reviews;<ref>{{cite news |title=''Brothers'' ... Blood Against Blood |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brothers_2015 |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=Rotten Tomatoes |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422065121/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/brothers_2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Vishal Menon of ''The Hindu'' thought she had a role which required copious crying but ''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' found her performance heartbreaking.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Vishal |title=Unintentionally nostalgic movie |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/unintentionally-nostalgic-movie/article7548368.ece |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=17 August 2015 |language=en-IN |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331192351/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/unintentionally-nostalgic-movie/article7548368.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Tsering |first1=Lisa |title=''Brothers'': Film Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/brothers-film-review-815601/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=17 August 2015 |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171011/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/brothers-film-review-815601/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah voiced the character of [[Raksha (The Jungle Book)|Raksha]] in the Hindi version of the Disney live-action feature ''[[The Jungle Book (2016 film)|The Jungle Book]]'' (2016).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |author1-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Localization Makes 'Jungle Book' a Hit in India |url=https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/localization-makes-jungle-book-a-hit-in-india-1201758157/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=21 April 2016 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329102450/https://variety.com/2016/film/asia/localization-makes-jungle-book-a-hit-in-india-1201758157/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She next played the fictional part of India's [[Minister of Home Affairs (India)|Minister of Home Affairs]] Leena Chowdhury in the action thriller ''[[Commando 2: The Black Money Trail]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Guha |first1=Kunal |title=''Commando 2'' movie review: Vidyut Jammwal's film offers few thrills |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-review/commando-2-movie-review-vidyut-jammwals-film-offers-few-thrills/articleshow/57448721.cms |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=3 March 2017 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331171217/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/movie-review/commando-2-movie-review-vidyut-jammwals-film-offers-few-thrills/articleshow/57448721.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Critical acclaim in leading roles (2017–present)===
In 2017, Shah acted in ''[[Juice (2017 film)|Juice]]'', a short film about gender inequality in middle-class Indian families. Directed by [[Neeraj Ghaywan]], it stars Shah as Manju Singh, a woman who, after hours spent in the kitchen, acts in defiance of her inconsiderate husband.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Roy |first1=Reema |title=A descriptive study of the Content Orientation of Selected Contemporary Indian Short Films. |journal=Global Media Journal: Indian Edition |date=June 2020 |volume=12 |issue=1 |pages=17–19 |url=http://gmj.manipal.edu/issues/june2020/8%20A%20descriptive%20study%20of%20the%20Content%20Orientation%20of%20Selected%20Contemporary%20Indian%20Short%20Films.pdf |access-date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204631/http://gmj.manipal.edu/issues/june2020/8%20A%20descriptive%20study%20of%20the%20Content%20Orientation%20of%20Selected%20Contemporary%20Indian%20Short%20Films.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The film and Shah's performance received favourable reviews.<ref name="indulge"/><ref name="TOIJoshi">{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Sonam |title=When age is no bar to a good role (for a woman) |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/when-age-is-no-bar-to-a-good-role-for-a-woman/articleshow/71870043.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=3 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329100157/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/sunday-times/when-age-is-no-bar-to-a-good-role-for-a-woman/articleshow/71870043.cms?frmapp=yes&from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref> Critics noted her ability to communicate emotions through gestures and expressions;<ref name="FP">{{cite news |last1=Menon |first1=Pradeep |title=''Juice'' short film review: Shefali Shah anchors Neeraj Ghaywan's story about patriarchy in Indian homes |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/juice-short-film-review-shefali-shah-anchors-neeraj-ghaywans-story-about-patriarchy-in-indian-homes-4226183.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=24 November 2017 |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318015205/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/juice-short-film-review-shefali-shah-anchors-neeraj-ghaywans-story-about-patriarchy-in-indian-homes-4226183.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Quint">{{cite news |last1=Mathew |first1=Suresh |title=''Juice'' Is an Unflinching Stare at Everyday Male Entitlement |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/juice-short-film-neeraj-ghaywan-masaan |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[The Quint]] |date=24 November 2017 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204626/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/juice-short-film-neeraj-ghaywan-masaan |url-status=live }}</ref> Kriti Tulsiani wrote that Shah's "unfazed gazes convey more than words will ever say".<ref name="N18">{{cite news |last1=Tulsiani |first1=Kriti |title=''Juice'' Short Film Review: Watch It Till Shefali Shah's Last Gaze |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/juice-short-film-review-shefali-shahs-steady-gaze-pierces-deep-into-the-normalised-patriarchy-of-indian-middle-class-households-1587007.html |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=[[News18]] |date=25 November 2017 |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318015328/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/juice-short-film-review-shefali-shahs-steady-gaze-pierces-deep-into-the-normalised-patriarchy-of-indian-middle-class-households-1587007.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The film won two [[Filmfare Short Film Awards]] at the [[63rd Filmfare Awards]]: Best Film (fiction) and Best Actress for Shah.<ref>{{cite news |title=Winners of Jio Filmfare Short Film Awards |url=https://www.filmfare.com/awards/short-films-2018/winners |access-date=19 March 2022 |work=Filmfare |language=en |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313081247/https://www.filmfare.com/awards/short-films-2018/winners |url-status=live }}</ref> In years to follow, she credited ''Juice'' as the first of several films that helped propel her career forward.<ref name="indulge"/> In ''[[Once Again (2018 film)|Once Again]]'' (2018), an Indo-German [[Netflix]] romance film, Shah was cast in the lead as a widowed middle-aged restaurateur who falls in love with an ageing film star played by [[Neeraj Kabi]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lohana |first1=Avinash |title=Shefali Shah, Neeraj Kabi to team up for Indo-German love story titled ''Once Again'' |url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-neeraj-kabi-to-team-up-for-indo-german-love-story-titled-once-again/articleshow/65568878.cms |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=[[Mumbai Mirror]] |date=28 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330231844/https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-neeraj-kabi-to-team-up-for-indo-german-love-story-titled-once-again/articleshow/65568878.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah said she had long awaited a film of the sort, describing herself as "an incurable romantic".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dedhia |first1=Sonil |title=Shefali Shah croons Jagjit Singh's nazm for her film ''Once Again'' |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shefali-shah-croons-jagjit-singhs-nazm-for-her-film-once-again-19756174 |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=Mid-Day |date=31 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330231835/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shefali-shah-croons-jagjit-singhs-nazm-for-her-film-once-again-19756174 |url-status=live }}</ref> She received compliments for her performance,<ref name="TOIJoshi"/><ref name="SharmaOAEyes"/> and her chemistry with Kabi drew positive notice.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kharude |first1=Dipti |title=Netflix's ''Once Again'' Is a Love Letter to Shefali Shah |url=https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/netflix-once-again-review#read-more |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=The Quint |date=12 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330231827/https://www.thequint.com/entertainment/hot-on-web/netflix-once-again-review#read-more |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Trisha |title=Old School Romance |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20180924-old-school-romance-1339864-2018-09-15 |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=15 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170955/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20180924-old-school-romance-1339864-2018-09-15 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Deepa Gahlot]] of ''[[Financial Chronicle]]'' appreciated the film's subtlety and took note of Shah's expressive eyes revealing her inner state,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gahlot |first1=Deepa |author1-link=Deepa Gahlot |title=Food For Love |url=http://mydigitalfc.com/fc-supplements/elan/food-love |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=[[Financial Chronicle]] |date=7 September 2018 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204632/http://mydigitalfc.com/fc-supplements/elan/food-love |url-status=live }}</ref> an opinion shared by other critics.<ref name="SharmaOAEyes">{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Devansh |title=''Once Again'' movie review: Shefali Shah, Neeraj Kabi's sweet romance would have been richer with more restraint |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/once-again-movie-review-shefali-shah-neeraj-kabis-sweet-romance-would-have-been-richer-with-more-restraint-5084961.html |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=1 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204659/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/once-again-movie-review-shefali-shah-neeraj-kabis-sweet-romance-would-have-been-richer-with-more-restraint-5084961.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Sampada |title=''Once Again'' review: Watch this only for Shefali Shah and Neeraj Kabi's spellbinding performances |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/once-again-movie-review-shefali-shah-neeraj-kabi-netflix-5338787/ |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=4 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331170917/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/once-again-movie-review-shefali-shah-neeraj-kabi-netflix-5338787/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Quote box
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| quote   = "Each episode [in ''Delhi Crime''] moves along at a lightning fast pace and at the centre of it is the brilliant Shefali Shah, who is like a tornado that blows through every scene and leaves a permanent mark. It needed a great actress to bring the writing to life and Shefali more than delivers in what is one of the finest performances you will see this year."
| source  = {{mdash}}Priya Mulji of ''[[Eastern Eye]]'' on Shah's performance in ''Delhi Crime'' (2019)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mulji |first1=Priya |title=Netflix drama based on real-life crime is very gripping |work=[[Eastern Eye]] |date=21 June 2019 |quote=Each episode moves along at a lightning fast pace and at the centre of it is the brilliant Shefali Shah, who is like a tornado that blows through every scene and leaves a permanent mark. It needed a great actress to bring the writing to life and Shefali more than delivers in what is one of the finest performances you will see this year.}}</ref>
}}
Shah's second collaboration with Netflix took place in the 2019 procedural miniseries ''[[Delhi Crime]]'', which was written and directed by [[Richie Mehta]].<ref name="DCVogue">{{cite news |last1=Mubarak |first1=Salva |title=Shefali Shah talks about getting into the skin of her character on Delhi Crime |url=https://www.vogue.in/culture-and-living/content/shefali-shah-talks-about-getting-into-the-skin-of-her-character-on-delhi-crime-this-has-been-a-learning-curve-for-me |access-date=6 November 2023 |work=[[Vogue India]] |date=2 December 2020 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name="WSJ">{{cite news |last1=Rabinowitz |first1=Dorothy |author1-link=Dorothy Rabinowitz |title=''Delhi Crime'' Review: Hunt for Justice |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/delhi-crime-review-hunt-for-justice-11553205335 |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |date=21 March 2019 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204626/https://www.wsj.com/articles/delhi-crime-review-hunt-for-justice-11553205335 |url-status=live }}</ref> Based on the aftermath of the [[2012 Delhi gang rape and murder|2012 Delhi gang rape]], the show stars Shah as Vartika Chaturvedi, a South Delhi [[Superintendent of police (India)|Deputy Commissioner of Police]] (DCP) who is assigned to investigate a brutal gang rape in Delhi.<ref name="WSJ"/>{{sfn|Bhattacharjee|2021|p=124}} The character was modelled after former Delhi DCP Chhaya Sharma.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pathi |first1=Krutika |last2=Drury |first2=Flora |title=''Delhi Crime'': New drama tells story of bus rape investigation |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47663939 |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=25 March 2019 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316205132/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-47663939 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah found the part "emotionally, physically, mentally" consuming and would often interact with Sharma throughout filming to learn more about the character.<ref name="Week19">{{cite news |last1=Bhadani |first1=Priyanka |title=Shefali Shah was 'shocked' when she first heard script of ''Delhi Crime'' |url=https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2019/03/30/shefali-shah-was-shocked-when-she-first-heard-script-of-delhi-crime.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=[[The Week (Indian magazine)|The Week]] |date=30 March 2019 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204632/https://www.theweek.in/theweek/leisure/2019/03/30/shefali-shah-was-shocked-when-she-first-heard-script-of-delhi-crime.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The series opened to universally positive reviews from critics, and Shah's performance met with widespread acclaim.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Priyanka |title=Shefali Shah is riding the success of ''Delhi Crime'' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-is-riding-the-success-of-delhi-crime/cid/1688350 |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=The Telegraph |date=7 April 2019 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204626/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-is-riding-the-success-of-delhi-crime/cid/1688350 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Juhi |title=People now trust I can carry an entire project |url=https://www.pressreader.com/india/ht-city/20200110/281612422337995 |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=10 January 2020 |quote=Her portrayal of a police officer earned widespread acclaim |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316193328/https://www.pressreader.com/india/ht-city/20200110/281612422337995 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Dorothy Rabinowitz]] of ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' commended Shah for "a movingly understated and complex performance" and [[Namrata Joshi]] of ''The Hindu'' wrote: "Shah is on top of her game, conflicted yet sure of herself, vulnerable but strong, swayed by emotions yet never giving in to them, bristling equally with anger, concern, disappointments and dejection."<ref name="WSJ"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Joshi |first1=Namrata |author1-link=Namrata Joshi |title=Netflix's ''Delhi Crime'': Delving into the 2012 Delhi gang rape |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/delhi-crime-the-festering-wound/article26613111.ece |access-date=4 April 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=22 March 2019 |language=en-IN |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408191426/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/delhi-crime-the-festering-wound/article26613111.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Delhi Crime'' was named [[International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series|Best Drama Series]] at the [[48th International Emmy Awards]], and won four [[Asian Academy Creative Awards]], including Best Drama Series and Best Actress for Shah.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |author1-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=''Delhi Crime'', Glenda Jackson, Billy Barratt Triumph at International Emmy Awards |url=https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/international-emmy-winners-glenda-jackson-delhi-crime-1234838213/ |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=Variety |date=23 November 2020 |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316195201/https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/international-emmy-winners-glenda-jackson-delhi-crime-1234838213/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |title=''Delhi Crime'' Wins Big at Asian Academy Creative Awards |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/asia/delhi-crime-wins-at-asian-academy-creative-awards-1203428215/ |access-date=16 March 2022 |work=Variety |date=7 December 2019 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323083435/https://variety.com/2019/tv/asia/delhi-crime-wins-at-asian-academy-creative-awards-1203428215/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She hailed the show as a turning point in her life,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bamzai |first1=Kaveree |author1-link=Kaveree Bamzai |title=Shefali Shah: The whole point of acting is to be other people |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-the-whole-point-of-acting-is-to-be-other-people |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Khaleej Times |date=31 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322152538/https://www.khaleejtimes.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-the-whole-point-of-acting-is-to-be-other-people |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2020 |title=''Delhi Crime'' a turning point in my life: Shefali Shah |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/delhi-crime-a-turning-point-in-my-life-my-career-shefali-shah-7065710/ |access-date=26 November 2020 |website=The Indian Express |language=en |archive-date=25 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125102320/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/delhi-crime-a-turning-point-in-my-life-my-career-shefali-shah-7065710/ |url-status=live }}</ref> saying it reassured filmmakers to cast her in primary parts and heralded the busiest period of her career.<ref name="lead">{{cite news |last1=Ramasubramanian |first1=Uma |title=Shefali Shah: Makers saw me in lead roles after ''Delhi Crime'' |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shefali-shah-makers-saw-me-in-lead-roles-after-delhi-crime-23218603 |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=Mid-Day |date=16 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317134536/https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/shefali-shah-makers-saw-me-in-lead-roles-after-delhi-crime-23218603 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2020, Shah experimented with writing and directing in two self-starring [[COVID-19]]-based short films, ''[[Someday (2021 film)|Someday]]'' and ''[[Happy Birthday Mummyji]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shah |first1=Shefali |title=Everything I consumed on screen as an escape from 2020 helped me evolve into a filmmaker, writes Shefali Shah |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/everything-i-consumed-on-screen-as-an-escape-from-2020-helped-me-evolve-into-a-filmmaker-writes-shefali-shah-9112811.html |access-date=21 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=17 December 2020 |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321215123/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/everything-i-consumed-on-screen-as-an-escape-from-2020-helped-me-evolve-into-a-filmmaker-writes-shefali-shah-9112811.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HBM">{{cite news |last1=Cyril |first1=Grace |title=Shefali Shah says ''Happy Birthday Mummy Ji'' is inspired by her own life. Interview |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/shefali-shah-says-happy-birthday-mummy-ji-is-inspired-by-her-own-life-interview-1831638-2021-07-23 |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=23 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317222207/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/shefali-shah-says-happy-birthday-mummy-ji-is-inspired-by-her-own-life-interview-1831638-2021-07-23 |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Someday'', which marked her directorial debut, she played a frontline healthcare worker who returns home for a seven-day quarantine due to the pandemic and spends time interacting through a door with her elderly mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease.<ref name="Someday">{{cite news |title=Wasn't sure if I had it in me to direct a film: Shefali Shah on ''Someday'' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/jun/21/wasnt-sure-if-i-had-it-in-me-to-direct-a-film-shefali-shah-on-someday-2319395.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=21 June 2021 |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317222205/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2021/jun/21/wasnt-sure-if-i-had-it-in-me-to-direct-a-film-shefali-shah-on-someday-2319395.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah conceived the story based on memories from her mother who had turned caregiver to her grandmother, and shot the film with a five-member crew at her residence over a period of two days.<ref name="Someday"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Suri |first1=Rishabh |title=Shefali Shah on her debut directorial short film: I shot in my house with a unit of five people |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-on-her-debut-directorial-short-film-i-shot-in-my-house-with-a-unit-of-five-people-101625316837628.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=3 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317222205/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/shefali-shah-on-her-debut-directorial-short-film-i-shot-in-my-house-with-a-unit-of-five-people-101625316837628.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The film premiered at the 51st USA Film Festival and was later screened at the 18th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart in Germany.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roy Chowdhury |first1=Rishita |title=Shefali Shah's directorial debut ''Someday'' selected for 51st USA Film Festival |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shefali-shah-s-directorial-debut-someday-selected-for-51st-usa-film-festival-1788085-2021-04-07 |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=7 April 2021 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317222308/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shefali-shah-s-directorial-debut-someday-selected-for-51st-usa-film-festival-1788085-2021-04-07 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah's directorial debut ''Someday'' to be screened at the 18th Indian Film Festival Stuttgart |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shahs-directorial-debut-someday-to-be-screened-at-the-18th-indian-film-festival-stuttgart-9723101.html |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=16 June 2021 |language=en |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317222205/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shahs-directorial-debut-someday-to-be-screened-at-the-18th-indian-film-festival-stuttgart-9723101.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In ''Happy Birthday Mummyji'', she played Suchi, a housewife whose preparations for her mother-in-law's birthday party are halted by a sudden national curfew, leaving her home alone and decisive to make the most of the rare opportunity to spend time on herself.<ref name="HBMDH">{{cite news |last1=Rajpal |first1=Roktim |title=''Happy Birthday Mummyji'' short film review: A treat for Shefali Shah fans |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dh-talkies/happy-birthday-mummyji-short-film-review-a-treat-for-shefali-shah-fans-1012958.html |access-date=18 September 2022 |work=Deccan Herald |date=26 July 2021 |language=en |archive-date=7 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107132937/https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/dh-talkies/happy-birthday-mummyji-short-film-review-a-treat-for-shefali-shah-fans-1012958.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah wrote the script drawing upon her own life experiences and believed Suchi "represents all the women you know".<ref name="HBM"/> A [[Solo performance|single-character film]],<ref>{{cite news |last1=Majumdar |first1=Mayukh |title=We can pretend that women don't have sexual needs but they do – Shefali Shah |url=https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/we-can-pretend-that-women-dont-have-sexual-needs-but-they-do-shefali-shah-50777-1.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Filmfare |date=21 September 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204629/https://www.filmfare.com/interviews/we-can-pretend-that-women-dont-have-sexual-needs-but-they-do-shefali-shah-50777-1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> it opened to positive reviews and attracted some notice for a masturbation scene played by Shah.<ref name="telegraph21"/><ref name="HBMDH"/><ref>{{cite news |title='Someone asked me if I committed suicide': Shefali Shah on 'masturbation' scene in 'Happy Birthday Mummy Ji' |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/bollywood/someone-asked-me-if-i-committed-suicide-shefali-shah-on-masturbation-scene-in-happy-birthday-mummy-ji |access-date=5 April 2022 |work=Free Press Journal |date=21 September 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204626/https://www.freepressjournal.in/bollywood/someone-asked-me-if-i-committed-suicide-shefali-shah-on-masturbation-scene-in-happy-birthday-mummy-ji |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Shefali2022 (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|alt=Shefali Shah looking at the camera|Shah in 2022]]

The 2021 Netflix original anthology film ''[[Ajeeb Daastaans]]'', comprising four short stories, featured Shah in the fourth segment "Ankahi", directed by [[Kayoze Irani]]. She played Natasha, an unhappily married woman who struggles with her teenaged daughter's hearing loss and falls in love with a hearing-impaired photographer, played by [[Manav Kaul]].<ref name="SahaniAnkahi">{{cite news |last1=Sahani |first1=Alaka |title=Ankahi: A layered tale of love and lies |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ajeeb-daastaans-ankahi-manav-kaul-shefali-shah-director-kayoze-irani-netflix-7276614/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=16 April 2021 |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329195158/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/ajeeb-daastaans-ankahi-manav-kaul-shefali-shah-director-kayoze-irani-netflix-7276614/ |url-status=live }}</ref> She studied sign language in preparation for the part and revealed to have grown so emotionally invested in the story that it left her heartbroken when filming ended.<ref name="SahaniAnkahi"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vats |first1=Rohit |title=Here's Why Shefali Shah Cried After Finishing the Last Scene of Ajeeb Daastaans |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/heres-why-shefali-shah-cried-after-finishing-the-last-scene-of-ajeeb-daastaans-3654788.html |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=News18 |date=19 April 2021 |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329205302/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/heres-why-shefali-shah-cried-after-finishing-the-last-scene-of-ajeeb-daastaans-3654788.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "Ankahi" was well-received by critics, with particular emphasis placed on Shah and Kaul's performances.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Saibal |authorlink=Saibal Chatterjee |title=Ajeeb Daastaans Review: Netflix's Anthology Is Neatly Crafted And Exquisitely Acted |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ajeeb-daastaans-review-netflixs-anthology-is-neatly-crafted-and-exquisitely-acted-3-stars-2414982 |access-date=29 March 2022 |publisher=NDTV |date=16 April 2021 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329230519/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/ajeeb-daastaans-review-netflixs-anthology-is-neatly-crafted-and-exquisitely-acted-3-stars-2414982 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Naahar |first1=Rohan |title=''Ajeeb Daastaans'' movie review: Neeraj Ghaywan saves Karan Johar's uneven Netflix film from disaster |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ajeeb-daastaans-movie-review-neeraj-ghaywan-saves-karan-johar-s-uneven-netflix-film-from-disaster-101618458789212.html |access-date=18 September 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=16 April 2021 |language=en |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324233229/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/ajeeb-daastaans-movie-review-neeraj-ghaywan-saves-karan-johar-s-uneven-netflix-film-from-disaster-101618458789212.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2022, Shah starred in ''[[Human (TV series)|Human]]'', a medical [[streaming television]] series. Directed by her husband for [[Disney+ Hotstar]], the show explores the nexus between pharmaceutical companies and large private hospitals who conduct human [[Drug test|trials for new drugs]] on lower-class citizens.<ref name="humanht">{{cite news |last1=Ghosh |first1=Devarsi |title=Human review: Shefali Shah gives a vicious performance in series about Big Pharma's crimes |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/human-review-shefali-shah-gives-a-vicious-performance-in-series-about-big-pharma-s-crimes-101642130783673.html |access-date=26 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=14 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326023445/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/human-review-shefali-shah-gives-a-vicious-performance-in-series-about-big-pharma-s-crimes-101642130783673.html |url-status=live }}</ref> She played Dr. Gauri Nath, a powerful and ruthlessly ambitious neurosurgeon with a traumatic childhood who owns Manthan, a self-founded multi-specialty hospital. Shah found the negative character of Gauri to be unlike anyone she had ever known.<ref name="pattern">{{cite news |title=I don't have set acting patterns to fall back on, says Shefali Shah |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/i-dont-have-set-acting-patterns-to-fall-back-on-says-shefali-shah/articleshow/88670432.cms |access-date=24 March 2022 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |date=3 January 2022 |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424204629/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/i-dont-have-set-acting-patterns-to-fall-back-on-says-shefali-shah/articleshow/88670432.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Hindustan Times'' described Gauri as one of the best characters on Indian digital series yet, calling her an "incredibly disturbed sociopath" and "a vicious snake singularly committed to building her business".<ref name="humanht"/> Critics reacted positively to Shah's turn, noting her composed demeanor and hushed tone in the part.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kanabar |first1=Nirali |title=Shefali Shah admits she had a crush on Aamir Khan, sent him a love letter |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/shefali-shah-admits-she-had-a-crush-on-aamir-khan-sent-him-a-love-letter-1928530-2022-03-23 |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=23 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326132352/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/celebrities/story/shefali-shah-admits-she-had-a-crush-on-aamir-khan-sent-him-a-love-letter-1928530-2022-03-23 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>Reviews of ''Human'':
* {{cite news |last1=Sen |first1=Srijita |title=''Human'' Review: Shefali Shah Delivers Spine Chilling Performance in This Traumatizing Medical Drama |url=https://www.news18.com/news/movies/human-review-shefali-shah-delivers-spine-chilling-performance-in-this-traumatizing-medical-drama-4654127.html |access-date=26 March 2022 |work=News18 |date=14 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327000250/https://www.news18.com/news/movies/human-review-shefali-shah-delivers-spine-chilling-performance-in-this-traumatizing-medical-drama-4654127.html |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Sur |first1=Prateek |title=''Human'' Review: Thrilling And Thought-Provoking, Yet Improbable At Junctures |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/human-review-shefali-shah-kirti-kulhari-thrilling-thought-provoking-yet-improbable/409808 |access-date=26 March 2022 |work=Outlook |date=15 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327000252/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/human-review-shefali-shah-kirti-kulhari-thrilling-thought-provoking-yet-improbable/409808 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Keshri |first1=Shweta |title=''Human'' Review: Shefali Shah, Kirti Kulhari are brilliant in series exposing disturbing Pharma crimes |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/human-review-shefali-shah-kirti-kulhari-are-brilliant-in-series-exposing-disturbing-pharma-crimes-1899787-2022-01-14 |access-date=26 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=14 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327000250/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/human-review-shefali-shah-kirti-kulhari-are-brilliant-in-series-exposing-disturbing-pharma-crimes-1899787-2022-01-14 |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Hajirnis |first1=Aparnna |title=Shefali Shah & Kirti Kulhari's Medical Drama ''Human'' Makes For A Touching Yet Compelling Watch |url=https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/human-shefali-shah-and-kirti-kulhari-medical-drama-review-559743.html |access-date=26 March 2022 |work=Times Internet |date=19 January 2022 |language=en-IN |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324154930/https://www.indiatimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/human-shefali-shah-and-kirti-kulhari-medical-drama-review-559743.html |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Jhunjhunwala |first1=Udita |title=''Human'' review: Medical ethics is at the core of well-performed drama |url=https://scroll.in/reel/1014754/human-review-medical-ethics-is-at-the-core-of-well-performed-drama |access-date=26 March 2022 |work=Scroll.in |date=14 January 2022 |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327000254/https://scroll.in/reel/1014754/human-review-medical-ethics-is-at-the-core-of-well-performed-drama |url-status=live }}
* {{cite news |last1=Chatterjee |first1=Saibal |title=''Human'' Review: Shefali Shah-Kirti Kulhari Are The Pounding Heart And Pulsing Veins Of The Series |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/human-review-shefali-shah-kirti-kulhari-are-the-pounding-heart-and-pulsing-veins-of-the-series-4-stars-2707763 |access-date=27 March 2022 |publisher=NDTV |date=14 January 2014 |archive-date=14 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114082334/https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/human-review-shefali-shah-kirti-kulhari-are-the-pounding-heart-and-pulsing-veins-of-the-series-4-stars-2707763 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Later in the year, Shah starred opposite [[Vidya Balan]] in the social thriller ''[[Jalsa (2022 film)|Jalsa]]'', an [[Amazon Prime]] feature film.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |author1-link=Naman Ramachandran |title=Vidya Balan, Shefali Shah Deliver Acting Masterclass in Amazon Film ''Jalsa'' |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/vidya-balan-shefali-shah-amazon-jalsa-1235208882/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329093820/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/vidya-balan-shefali-shah-amazon-jalsa-1235208882/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Her part is that of Rukhsana, a maid whose daughter becomes the victim of a hit-and-run accident. The film opened to a positive response from critics,<ref>{{cite news |title=''Jalsa'' |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jalsa_2022 |access-date=31 March 2022 |work=[[Rotten Tomatoes]] |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205204/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/jalsa_2022 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Shah received rave reviews for her understated performance.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mathur |first1=Kajol |title=''Jalsa'': 5 reasons why you should watch Shefali Shah & Vidya Balan starrer crime drama |url=https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/5-reasons-why-you-should-watch-shefali-shah-and-vidya-balan-starrer-crime-drama-jalsa |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=[[GQ (Indian edition)|GQ India]] |date=23 March 2022 |language=en-IN |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205203/https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/5-reasons-why-you-should-watch-shefali-shah-and-vidya-balan-starrer-crime-drama-jalsa |url-status=live }}</ref> She was named Best Actress at the annual [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Awards 2022 full list of winners: Ranveer Singh and Shefali Shah win big, 83 best film |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/iffm-awards-2022-full-list-of-winners-ranveer-singh-and-shefali-shah-win-big-101660556816330.html |access-date=16 August 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=15 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922205203/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/iffm-awards-2022-full-list-of-winners-ranveer-singh-and-shefali-shah-win-big-101660556816330.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Anuj Kumar of ''The Hindu'' commended Shah and her character: "At the cost of repeating oneself, the depth of Shefali's eyes and the emotions that they could hold continues to bewitch and baffle. Her Rukhsana is that vulnerable maid from the margins who makes an attempt to hold on to a life of dignity."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj |title=''Jalsa'' movie review: Vidya Balan, Shefali Shah shine in this tryst with truth |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jalsa-movie-review-vidya-balan-shefali-shah-shine-in-this-tryst-with-truth/article65237502.ece |access-date=28 March 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=18 March 2022 |language=en-IN |archive-date=28 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220328231301/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/jalsa-movie-review-vidya-balan-shefali-shah-shine-in-this-tryst-with-truth/article65237502.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="HTJalsa">{{cite news |last1=Rawal Kukreja |first1=Monika |title=''Jalsa'' movie review: Vidya Balan and Shefali Shah struggle to engage audience with half-baked characters |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jalsa-movie-review-vidya-balan-and-shefali-shah-struggle-to-engage-audience-with-half-baked-characters-101647541016615.html |access-date=28 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=18 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327210126/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/jalsa-movie-review-vidya-balan-and-shefali-shah-struggle-to-engage-audience-with-half-baked-characters-101647541016615.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In the black comedy ''[[Darlings (film)|Darlings]]'' (2022), produced for Netflix, Shah and [[Alia Bhatt]] star as a mother and daughter who embark on a revenge plan against the latter's abusive husband.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kukreja |first1=Monika Rawal |title=''Darlings'' movie review: Alia Bhatt brings out her quirky best in this dark comedy with questionable story |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/darlings-movie-review-alia-bhatt-brings-out-her-quirky-best-in-this-dark-comedy-101659766747187.html |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=6 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806082127/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/darlings-movie-review-alia-bhatt-brings-out-her-quirky-best-in-this-dark-comedy-101659766747187.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Shefali Shah On Her Kiss Scene With Roshan Mathew In ''Darlings'': That Took Me Completely By Surprise, Ye Kya Ho Gaya |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/shefali-shah-on-her-kiss-scene-with-roshan-mathew-in-darlings-that-took-me-completely-by-surprise-ye-kya-ho-gaya-news-215886 |access-date=13 August 2022 |work=Outlook |date=12 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=13 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813070719/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/shefali-shah-on-her-kiss-scene-with-roshan-mathew-in-darlings-that-took-me-completely-by-surprise-ye-kya-ho-gaya-news-215886 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Shubhra Gupta]] complimented Shah for a "powerful act", and [[Anna M. M. Vetticad]] wrote of Shah's effective blend of comedy and drama in the part.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gupta |first1=Shubhra |title=''Darlings'' movie review: Alia Bhatt raises the bar for movies with meaning |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/darlings-movie-review-alia-bhatt-shefali-shah-vijay-varma-netflix-8072049/ |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=5 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806065053/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/darlings-movie-review-alia-bhatt-shefali-shah-vijay-varma-netflix-8072049/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vetticad |first1=Anna M. M. |author1-link=Anna M. M. Vetticad |title=''Darlings'' movie review: A faltering black comedy on marital violence that tips Alia Bhatt off balance |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/darlings-movie-review-a-faltering-black-comedy-on-marital-violence-that-tips-alia-bhatt-off-balance-11012911.html |access-date=6 August 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=5 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=6 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220806065729/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/darlings-movie-review-a-faltering-black-comedy-on-marital-violence-that-tips-alia-bhatt-off-balance-11012911.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Darlings'' became the highest-viewed non-English Indian original on Netflix.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |title=Really thankful for the success of ''Darlings'', says Alia Bhatt |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/really-thankful-for-the-success-of-darlings-says-alia-bhatt |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=National Herald |date=26 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826170027/https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/india/really-thankful-for-the-success-of-darlings-says-alia-bhatt |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Priyanka |title=Team darlings gets candid about the success of their film |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/team-darlings-gets-candid-about-the-success-of-their-film/cid/1884574 |access-date=19 September 2022 |work=The Telegraph |date=26 August 2022 |archive-date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905023858/https://www.telegraphindia.com/entertainment/team-darlings-gets-candid-about-the-success-of-their-film/cid/1884574 |url-status=live }}</ref> At the [[2023 Filmfare OTT Awards]], Shah received the Best Supporting Actress award in a Web Original Film for her performance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Filmfare OTT Awards 2023: Alia Bhatt in Darlings to Vijay Varma for Dahaad, here's complete list of winners |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/filmfare-ott-awards-2023-full-list-of-alia-bhatt-darlings-vijay-varma-dahaad-scoop-101701059758795.html |access-date=29 November 2023 |work=Hindustan Times |date=27 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref>

August 2022 saw the release of the second season of ''Delhi Crime'', based on the chapter "Moon Gazer" from retired police officer [[Neeraj Kumar (police officer)|Neeraj Kumar]]'s book ''Khaki Files''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jhunjhunwala |first1=Udita |title=''Delhi Crime'' Season 2 review: A sharp look at policing and the class divide |url=https://lifestyle.livemint.com/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/delhi-crime-season-2-review-a-sharp-look-at-policing-and-the-class-divide-111661581958496.html |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=Mint |date=27 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=27 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827113520/https://lifestyle.livemint.com/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/delhi-crime-season-2-review-a-sharp-look-at-policing-and-the-class-divide-111661581958496.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Addressing new themes such as [[class prejudice]], the show opened to positive reviews and Shah again received favourable comments for holding the show together with both power and vulnerability.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mathur |first1=Abhimanyu |title=''Delhi Crime 2'' review: Shefali Shah-starrer is more brutal, graphic yet still one of the best Indian web series around |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/delhi-crime-2-review-netflix-s-shefali-shah-starrer-is-a-masterpiece-that-is-a-worthy-if-flawed-successor-101661499349330.html |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=26 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=17 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220917024703/https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/web-series/delhi-crime-2-review-netflix-s-shefali-shah-starrer-is-a-masterpiece-that-is-a-worthy-if-flawed-successor-101661499349330.html/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kumar |first1=Anuj |title=''Delhi Crime'' Season 2 series review: Chasing the moon's shadow |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/delhi-crime-season-2-series-review-chasing-the-moons-shadow/article65813809.ece |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=26 August 2022 |language=en-IN |archive-date=6 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906063711/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/delhi-crime-season-2-series-review-chasing-the-moons-shadow/article65813809.ece |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vyavahare |first1=Renuka |title=''Delhi Crime'' Season 2 Review: A gritty and immersive police procedural that views crime from a wider lens |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/delhi-crime/season-2/seasonreview/93635625.cms |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=The Times of India |date=26 August 2022 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911111853/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/web-series/reviews/hindi/delhi-crime/season-2/seasonreview/93635625.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> According to ''[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]]''{{'}}s [[Taylor Antrim]], Shah is "tremendous in the role" as she "seizes your attention" in her reprisal of Vartika Chaturvedi, who is "intensely serious; fearsome to her subordinates, who call her 'Madam Sir'; and clearly burdened by her job".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Antrim |first1=Taylor |author1-link=Taylor Antrim |title=Why ''Delhi Crime'' Season 2 Should Be Your Next Netflix Binge |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/delhi-crime-season-two-review |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=[[Vogue (magazine)|Vogue]] |publisher=[[Condé Nast]] |date=26 August 2022 |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908012609/https://www.vogue.com/article/delhi-crime-season-two-review |url-status=live }}</ref> She received a nomination for the [[International Emmy Award for Best Actress]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ramachandran |first1=Naman |title=Billie Piper, 'The Great British Bake Off' Land International Emmy Nominations|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/billie-piper-great-british-bake-off-international-emmy-nominations-1235735660/ |access-date=27 September 2022 |work=Variety |date=26 September 2023 }}</ref> Shah next appeared as a strict physician in the medical comedy ''[[Doctor G]]'', alongside [[Ayushmann Khurrana]] and [[Rakul Preet Singh]], for which she was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Maru|first=Vibha|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/bollywood/story/shefali-shah-to-play-a-doctor-in-ayushmann-khurrana-s-doctor-g-1788959-2021-04-09|title=Shefali Shah to play a doctor in Ayushmann Khurrana's ''Doctor G'' |date=9 April 2021|work=India Today|access-date=30 July 2021}}</ref><ref name="ff23">{{Cite news|date=24 April 2023|title=Nominations for the 68th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2023 with Maharashtra Tourism |url=https://www.filmfare.com/features/nominations-for-the-68th-hyundai-filmfare-awards-2023-with-maharashtra-tourism-58094.html|work=Filmfare |access-date=24 April 2023 }}</ref>

The drama ''[[Three of Us (film)|Three of Us]]'' (2023), directed by [[Avinash Arun]], stars Shah as Shailaja, a woman who, after being diagnosed with [[Early onset dementia|early-stage dementia]], decides to make a trip to revisit her childhood and confront her past.<ref name="ITToU">{{cite news |last1=Patel |first1=Dipali |title=''Three Of Us'' Review: Backed by powerful performances and thought-provoking writing |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/reviews/story/three-of-us-review-backed-by-powerful-performances-and-thought-provoking-writing-2458342-2023-11-05 |access-date=5 November 2023 |work=India Today |date=5 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Shah said she had to fully immerse in the story to play the fragility and vulnerable state of the character, which was a departure from her recent parts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bhagat |first1=Shama |title='I've raised the bar for myself', says actor Shefali Shah |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2023/nov/05/ive-raised-the-bar-for-myself-says-actor-shefali-shah-2629459.html |access-date=5 November 2023 |work=The New Indian Express |date=5 November 2023}}</ref> Co-starring [[Swanand Kirkire]] as her husband and [[Jaideep Ahlawat]] as her childhood sweetheart, the film was noted by critics, who highlighted the performances of the three leads.<ref name="ITToU"/> Prateek Sur of ''[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]]'' described ''Three of Us'' as the best film of the year, calling it "a masterpiece in acting".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sur |first1=Prateek |title=''Three Of Us'' Movie Review: Leave Everything And Go Watch Shefali Shah, Jaideep Ahlawat, Swanand Kirkire's Acting Masterclass |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/-three-of-us-movie-review-leave-everything-and-go-watch-shefali-shah-jaideep-ahlawat-swanand-kirkire-s-acting-masterclass-movie_reviews-328406 |access-date=5 November 2023 |work=Outlook |date=3 November 2023}}</ref> Udita Jhunjhunwala of ''[[Mint (newspaper)|Mint]]'' observed: "Shah opts to play Shailaja with childlike awe and wonder. It’s a curious choice, but the actress owns it."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jhunjhunwala |first1=Udita |title=''Three Of Us'' review: Memories to hold on to |url=https://lifestyle.livemint.com/how-to-lounge/movies-tv/three-of-us-review-shefali-shah-swanand-kirkire-jaideep-ahlawat-avinash-arun-111699035010469.html |access-date=5 November 2023 |work=Mint |date=4 November 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Her performance earned her a second Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (shared with [[Rani Mukerji]] for ''[[Mrs. Chatterjee vs Norway]]'').<ref>{{Cite web|date=29 January 2024|title=Filmfare Critics Awards 2024: Vikrant Massey Wins Best Actor, Rani Mukerji, Shefali Shah Tied for Best Actress|url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/filmfare-critics-awards-2024-vikrant-massey-wins-best-actor-rani-mukerji-shefali-shah-tied-for-best-actress-article-107207670|access-date=29 January 2024|website=Times Now}}</ref>

Shah will next reteam with Jaideep Ahlawat in the thriller ''Hisaab'', produced by her husband.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhatia|first=Aiyana|date=16 July 2024|title=How Shefali Shah and Jaideep Ahlawat surprised the crew of Vipul Shah's Hisaab|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/entertainment/movies/how-shefali-shah-and-jaideep-ahlawat-surprised-the-crew-of-vipul-shahs-hisaab-article-12770336.html|access-date=22 July 2024|website=Money Control}}</ref>

==Artistry and reception==
{{Quote box|bgcolor=#E0E6F8|width=25em|align=left|quote="I genuinely feel that, if I can say something in four words, I won't use eight; If I can say something in two words, I won't use four; and if I can say it without using a word, I will do it."|source={{mdash}} Shah explaining her approach to film acting and her preference for minimal use of words<ref>{{cite AV media | host=Subramanian, Rahul | date=31 December 2019 | title=The Brand New Show | trans-title = Shefali Shah Interview | type=Talk show | location=India| publisher=[[Netflix|Netflix India]]}}</ref>}}

Shah has been described by critics and the media as one of India's finest actresses.<ref name="telegraph21"/>{{sfn|Munjal|Rai|2017|ps=: "'Bus Itna Sa Khwab' with Shefali Shah, one of the most talented actors of screen and stage... Those who have not seen Shefali Shah on stage have missed seeing one of the best live performers in this country. For the entire length of a two-hour play she draws the audience in, making them believe her story is part of their story too, that her pain is something they feel too."}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nullwala |first1=Murtuza |title=Shefali Shah's ''Someday'' to be screened at Indian Film Festival Stuttgart |url=https://www.easterneye.biz/shefali-shahs-someday-to-be-screened-at-indian-film-festival-stuttgart/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |work=Eastern Eye |date=16 June 2021 |archive-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804000558/https://www.easterneye.biz/shefali-shahs-someday-to-be-screened-at-indian-film-festival-stuttgart/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Describing herself as an instinctive actor, she has confessed to not approaching acting as a craft but rather becoming a person and living each character's struggle, which often proves taxing.<ref name="stage10"/><ref name="taxing"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Rathi |first1=Vasundhara |title=Acting gives me a tremendous high, says Shefali Shah of ''Delhi Crime'' fame |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/acting-gives-me-a-tremendous-high/article26935073.ece |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=The Hindu |date=24 April 2019 |language=en-IN |archive-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317044013/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/acting-gives-me-a-tremendous-high/article26935073.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> She explained her technique: "Every role takes away a part of me. It's exhausting, it drains me completely, and then enriches me. It's a cycle, but I don't know any other way".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Datar |first1=Saraswati |title=Shefali Shah's best is yet to be: Now Stree-ming |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/shefali-shah-best-is-yet-to-be-now-stree-ming-7317228/ |access-date=17 September 2022 |work=The Indian Express |date=16 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516104032/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/web-series/shefali-shah-best-is-yet-to-be-now-stree-ming-7317228/ |archive-date=16 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref> Known for her understated acting style, Shah has been noted for her big, expressive eyes and her ability to emote through minimal facial expressions and gestures, and often through silence.<ref name="Ghosh20"/><ref name="Once"/><ref name="IE99INT"/> Devansh Sharma described Shah's use of silence as "a leitmotif in all her performances", and Sneha Bengani commented: "Shah has always thrived in silences. Through them, she communicates with easy effortlessness what words almost always fail to."<ref name="Silence"/><ref name="Bengani22">{{cite news |last1=Bengani |first1=Sneha |title=Let's Talk About Women {{!}} Shefali Shah is unstoppable, ''Darlings'' proves it again |url=https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/lets-talk-about-women-shefali-shah-is-unstoppable-darlings-proves-it-again-11061611.html |access-date=16 August 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=16 August 2022 |language=en |archive-date=16 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220816094318/https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/lets-talk-about-women-shefali-shah-is-unstoppable-darlings-proves-it-again-11061611.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In view of her preference for minimalism, she has gained a reputation for asking directors to cut her lines and scenes. Shah explains that cinema being a powerful visual medium which captures actors' faces, sometimes not much spoken text is required and is often redundant.<ref name="Ghosh20"/><ref name="Silence"/> Due to her eagerness to be thoroughly versed in details about her scripts and parts, Shah often keeps badgering her directors with questions during filming.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Suhani |title=Shefali Shah: Delighting in the detail |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20220124-shefali-shah-delighting-in-the-detail-1900069-2022-01-14 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=14 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323145451/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/leisure/story/20220124-shefali-shah-delighting-in-the-detail-1900069-2022-01-14 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sinha |first1=Seema |title=Shefali Shah on working with Vidya Balan in ''Jalsa'': 'She is an incredible actor, I don't see myself in her league' |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-working-with-vidya-balan-in-jalsa-she-is-an-incredible-actor-i-dont-see-myself-in-her-league-10463251.html |access-date=29 March 2022 |work=Firstpost |date=17 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329095513/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-working-with-vidya-balan-in-jalsa-she-is-an-incredible-actor-i-dont-see-myself-in-her-league-10463251.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Highly selective about her roles and unwilling to compromise her artistic integrity,<ref name="Juhi18">{{cite news |last1=Chakraborty |first1=Juhi |title=The work that I want to do doesn't come every day and I have come to terms with it: Shefali Shah |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/the-work-that-i-want-to-do-doesn-t-come-every-day-and-i-have-come-to-terms-with-it-shefali-shah/story-8JaDn48xOKxPDLJiJniNQL.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Hindustan Times |date=31 August 2018 |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320213659/https://www.hindustantimes.com/bollywood/the-work-that-i-want-to-do-doesn-t-come-every-day-and-i-have-come-to-terms-with-it-shefali-shah/story-8JaDn48xOKxPDLJiJniNQL.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="RoyOutlook">{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Lachmi Deb |title=I Am Euphoric, Ecstatic And All Superlatives You Can Find: Shefali Shah |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/entertainment-news-i-am-euphoric-ecstatic-and-all-superlatives-you-can-find-shefali-shah/365331 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Outlook |date=14 February 2022 |language=en |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316002920/https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/entertainment-news-i-am-euphoric-ecstatic-and-all-superlatives-you-can-find-shefali-shah/365331 |url-status=live }}</ref> Shah chooses parts by instinct and maintains that unless completely consumed by a project, she will not commit to it.<ref name="Sahani19"/><ref name="Week19"/><ref name="Mona">{{cite news |author1=Mona |title=Shefali Shah, who will soon be seen in the show ''Jalsa'' on Amazon Prime Video, says OTT is a very powerful medium |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/i-go-by-my-instinct-378240 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=The Tribune |date=16 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323213826/https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/lifestyle/i-go-by-my-instinct-378240 |url-status=live }}</ref> She does not give importance to the length of a role, but more "the mettle, the potency and the relevance" it has in the film.<ref name="Juhi18"/> Some of Shah's characters throughout her career were of women older than herself.<ref name="indulge"/><ref name="LKJ"/> Her first roles on television when she was in her early twenties, including Savy, the mother of a teenager in ''Hasratein'', made several filmmakers offer her parts of women that far surpassed her actual age.<ref name="IE99"/><ref name="indulge"/> She admitted that ''Hasratein'' had damaged her career in this regard.<ref name="earshot"/><ref name="Hindu15"/> On one occasion, she had almost played the role of a mother to Amitabh Bachchan, who was twice her age, before she left the project.<ref name="IE99"/> Although she was initially excited about the acting challenge in playing mature women, she decided to stop accepting such parts, especially after playing the middle-aged part of Bachchan's wife and Akshay Kumar's mother in ''Waqt'' (2005), because filmmakers sought to typecast her in similar parts.<ref name="indulge"/> She explained her choice of ''Gandhi, My Father'' (2007) was different as she played Kasturba Gandhi from the character's early adulthood into her later years.<ref name="indulge"/> ''Dil Dhadakne Do'' (2015) was another exception where she was so impressed with the character she could not refuse it.<ref name="DDD"/>

Shah was one of the leading actresses of Indian television before she left it as she was dissatisfied with the content.<ref name="TVqueen">{{cite news |last1=Sur |first1=Prateek |title=Shefali Shah: I Don't Think I Would Go Back To Television |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/shefali-shah-i-don-t-think-i-would-go-back-to-television-because-i-don-t-enjoy-that-kind-of-work-news-34785 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Outlook |date=19 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323174254/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/shefali-shah-i-don-t-think-i-would-go-back-to-television-because-i-don-t-enjoy-that-kind-of-work-news-34785 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="OTTRoy">{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Arghyo |title=OTT has changed my career graph: Shefali Shah |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2022/jan/30/ott-has-changed-my-career-graph-shefali-shah-2412079.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=The New Indian Express |date=30 January 2022 |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323192800/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/hindi/2022/jan/30/ott-has-changed-my-career-graph-shefali-shah-2412079.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the positive reaction to her performance in ''Satya'' in 1998, she expected more film work coming her way whereas the offers she received at the time comprised mostly small character parts.<ref name="IE99"/> While initially bothered by the limited work available to her in Hindi films, Shah has over years come to terms with the realisation that satisfactory roles would come to her every once in a while.<ref name="Sahani19"/><ref name="Juhi18"/> This resulted in numerous gaps between her film appearances.<ref name="Juhi18"/> The rise of digital streaming platforms, however, rejuvenated Shah's career,<ref name="TVqueen"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mruthyunjaya |first1=Vijay |title=Shefali Shah, the undisputed OTT star |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/shefali-shah-the-undisputed-ott-star-1149892.html |access-date=3 October 2022 |work=Deccan Herald |date=1 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref> with parts not otherwise available in films and often written specially for her.<ref name="Mona"/><ref name="OTTRoy"/> ''Delhi Crime'' proved to be a major turning point in her career, as it brought an influx of film offers, mostly of leading roles which would seldom come her way before.<ref name="lead"/> Consequently, she embarked on the busiest period of her professional life, working on six projects throughout 2020 in films and roles the kind of which she had longed for.<ref name="Bengani22"/><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kanabar |first1=Nirali |title=Shefali Shah says 'did 6 projects in 2021, haven't done so much work in my career' |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/shefali-shah-says-did-6-projects-in-2021-haven-t-done-so-much-work-in-my-career-1899653-2022-01-13 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=India Today |date=13 January 2022 |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323192759/https://www.indiatoday.in/binge-watch/story/shefali-shah-says-did-6-projects-in-2021-haven-t-done-so-much-work-in-my-career-1899653-2022-01-13 |url-status=live }}</ref> She credited digital platforms with giving her opportunity to invest more in her parts: "The web-series format gives me hours to experiment, explore and indulge and understand my character's nuances."<ref name="OTTRoy"/>

The reception to Shah's performances has been positive from her initial television work. Her early screen persona on television was that of a woman who, according to Chatura Poojari, is "homely, chatty but with a sensible head firmly screwed onto her shoulders—a regular Indian woman who deals with life by wearing a velvet glove over an iron hand".<ref name="IE99"/> Shah believes her middle-class background has helped her shape a personality which makes her characters relatable.<ref name="Silence"/> A 1999 article by ''The Indian Express'' said that she "pulls off each and every character with absolute ease".<ref name="IE99INT"/> Subhash K. Jha describes her as "an impossibly skilled actress" and, on another occasion, "an actress who forces you to watch her".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=''Jalsa'': Powerful, probing look at suburban class structure |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/films/jalsa-powerful-probing-look-at-suburban-class-structure |access-date=30 March 2022 |work=[[National Herald]] |date=18 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=31 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331172105/https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/films/jalsa-powerful-probing-look-at-suburban-class-structure |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jha |first1=Subhash K. |author1-link=Subhash K. Jha |title=Subhash K. Jha speaks about ''The Last Lear'' |url=http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/09/11/4281/index.html |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Bollywood Hungama |date=11 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080915062358/http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/09/11/4281/index.html |archive-date=15 September 2008}}</ref> Speaking of her eyes, Devansh Sharma wrote in a review of ''Once Again'' (2018), "Her loquacious eyes express rage with as much ease as they do love."<ref name="SharmaOAEyes"/> Reviewing ''Jalsa'' (2022), Monika Rawal Kukreja was highly impressed with Shah's use of just her eyes and expressions to emote.<ref name="HTJalsa"/> Author and journalist Aparna Pednekar wrote, "Shah's ''au naturale'' performances come from an instinctive, savage space, with an abundance of layers simmering beneath a placid smile and soft-spoken personality".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pednekar |first1=Aparna |date=4 December 2017 |title=Shefali Shah on being part of Neeraj Ghaywan's short film ''Juice'' and her artistic inclinations |language=en |work=Firstpost |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-being-part-of-neeraj-ghaywans-short-film-juice-and-her-artistic-inclinations-4237493.html |url-status=live |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323213946/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/shefali-shah-on-being-part-of-neeraj-ghaywans-short-film-juice-and-her-artistic-inclinations-4237493.html |archive-date=23 March 2022}}</ref>
<!-- ==Accolades==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Shefali Shah}}

Shah won a [[National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress]] for her performance in ''The Last Lear''. She has won two [[Filmfare Awards]]: Best Actress (Critics) for ''Satya'' (1998) and Best Actress (Short) for ''Juice'' (2017), and was thrice nominated for the Best Supporting Actress, for ''Satya'', ''Waqt'', and ''Dil Dhadakne Do''. Additional Indian accolades include two [[Screen Awards]], two [[Stardust Awards]], and a [[Zee Cine Awards|Zee Cine Award]]. Moreover, her work has garnered her international recognition, including Best Actress prizes at the Tokyo International Film Festival (for ''Gandhi, My Father'', 2007), Asian Academy Creative Awards (for ''Delhi Crime'', 2019), and Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (for ''Jalsa'', 2022) -->

==Notes and references==
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
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{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Bollywood Hungama person}}
* [https://www.instagram.com/shefalishahofficial/?hl=en Shefali Shah] on [[Instagram]] 

{{Navboxes|title=Awards for Shefali Shah
| list =
{{Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Actress in a Leading Role}}
{{NationalFilmAwardBestSupportingActress}}
{{FilmfareCriticsAwardBestActress}}
{{ScreenAwardBestSupportingActress}}
{{Tokyo International Film Festival – Best Actress}}
{{ZeeCineAwardBestActorFemale}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shah, Shefali}}
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Indian television actresses]]
[[Category:1973 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Actresses from Mumbai]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi cinema]]
[[Category:Best Supporting Actress National Film Award winners]]
[[Category:Filmfare Awards winners]]
[[Category:Screen Awards winners]]
[[Category:Zee Cine Awards winners]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses in Hindi television]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]