Shaheer Sheikh Photograph:( Instagram )
Shaheer Sheikh has had a fabulous year as he made his Hindi film industry debut with the Netflix film Do Patti opposite Kriti Sanon.
Do Patti actor Shaheer Sheikh opened up about his recent film with Kriti Sanon. The film had Kriti playing the double role of twin sisters who fall in love with the same guy. Riding high on the success of the Netflix film, Shaheer recently spoke about one on-screen character that changed the course of his career and gave him instant fame.
Shaheer played the role of the legendary Arjun in Mahabharat. Reflecting on the immense responsibility that came with bringing such an iconic character to life, Shaheer revealed how the pressure to meet audience expectations left him in a moment of raw vulnerability. Mahabharat not only showcased Shaheer’s versatility but also solidified his place as one of the most admired actors in Indian television.
His portrayal of Arjun struck a deep chord with audiences, making him synonymous with the character. Shaheer said recently, "The weight of portraying a character like Arjun, someone people know, admire, and respect, was overwhelming.”
“It wasn’t just about acting—it was about becoming the essence of a hero who represents strength, honour, and devotion. The expectations felt so heavy, and on the day of the show’s launch, it all hit me at once. I locked myself in the bathroom, with tears streaming down my face. The emotions were just too much—fear, hope, and the pressure to live up to what Arjun means to everyone,” he explained.
Siddharth Kumar Tewary, the creator and producer of Mahabharat, fondly recalled witnessing Shaheer’s moment of doubt and stepping in to support him. "I could sense the pressure he was under. It was a big role, and he was carrying the weight of expectations from fans across the world," Siddharth shared.
He added, "I went to him, hugged him and assured him that we were in this together. It was our shared journey, a collective responsibility, and I reminded him that he wasn’t alone in this."
A decade later, fans continue to associate Shaheer with the iconic role. Shaheer made his TV debut with Kya Mast Hai Life (2009). He recently made his Bollywood debut in Do Patti (2024).
WION's Zeba Khan writes, "Do Patti is near-perfect in the first half. The pace is great and the film is written well to keep you hooked. I can safely say that the film is not easy to second-guess in the first half. The film starts slugging towards the end though. The makers botch up the film with its climax. The chemistry between Kriti and Shaheer works, Kajol as a cop works and so does Kriti in dual roles. The film’s heart is in the right place and while it doesn’t go all bookish in teaching us against domestic violence, it does lose the zing it had when the film began."