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Shefali Shah: My Inner Demon is Low Self-Esteem
1 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Shefali Shah experiences imposter syndrome despite a 30-year career.
- She fears she will freeze on set, unable to perform her role.
- This self-doubt ironically fuels her acclaimed performances.
Acclaimed actor Shefali Shah, known for her commanding on-screen presence, admits to struggling with persistent self-doubt and imposter syndrome. After three decades in the industry, Shah confessed in a recent interview that her "inner demon" is low self-esteem, leading her to frequently question her abilities and fear being exposed as inadequate.
Her specific anxieties include the terrifying possibility of being unable to act when a director calls 'action.' This fear of freezing on set is a core manifestation of her imposter syndrome. Shah finds that this feeling of being a novice on every set, rather than overconfidence, is what ultimately drives her to deliver impactful and memorable performances consistently.
Shah's experience resonates with broader trends; a study noted that a majority of individuals report experiencing imposter syndrome. While this condition can be detrimental, Shah views her persistent self-doubt as a crucial element that propels her continuous professional success, turning a personal challenge into a creative catalyst.
