Shubhaavi Choksey is one of the most popular faces on Indian television currently. Having started her career 19 years ago with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the actress has come a long way. Bouncing back to work after 5 years of maternity break, Shubhaavi displayed her acting prowess in daily soaps like Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain 2. As she continues entertaining her fans, PeepingMoon spoke to her about her 2-decade-long career, and more.

Talking to us exclusively, the actress went on to share the meaning behind her name and what made her parents come up with the name Shubhaavi, which is a rare and unique one. "My parents couldn’t convince me for 8 years and when they did, my father started doing very well in his career. The first word he said after holding me was 'Shubh' (lucky). He wanted to keep a name with the term 'Shubh' and he made up my name. There was no person with the name Shubhavi. However, my mama who loved me immensely kept his daughter's name Shubhaavi. When I came on Instagram, I got my username easily because nobody else has it," she explained.

Opening up about completely 2 decades in the industry next year, Shubhaavi said, "Though I worked only for a few years, the journey has been good. I started Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi when I was single and now, I have my own family. I got to do some amazing projects and learnt a lot too."

Did the industry change her as a person? She answered, "More than the industry, I believe life has changed me for the better if not good. I have been fortunate to meet people who were very nice to me. Motherhood has made me a better person. At 22-23 when I started my career, I lost my father so my emotional quotient was low. I felt the need to earn money for the family and settle down myself. Since I was the elder one, I felt a sense of responsibility towards my mother and brother. I would say motherhood changed me because it slowed me down. After being home with my child for 5 and a half years, I have started looking and feeling younger. There were a lot of changes and good ones."  

Recalling her first audition and her first paycheque, Shubhaavi told, "It was for an ad film. Back then, my pocket money was Rs. 3000 and when I got to know they were paying Rs.5000, I did it. I remember it was summertime and I was in college. With no intention of modelling, I went for an audition with a friend who was called for a test. Post-college, when we went there, I was asked whether I wanted to test. I was a tomboy and didn't have any interest in doing it. But since I was being offered Rs. 5000, I agreed. Since I didn't know how to do makeup, they even arranged that for me. In those days, makeup, hair and costumes were available on the sets. For the first time, I purchased a salwar kameez for that audition. I got through it and did the ad. Vidya Balan was along with me and I saw her giving a test video."

When asked whether Shubhaavi had to say no to a project even when she wasn’t convinced completely, the actress shared, "No, never. Even when I didn’t have money, I didn’t do that. For me, the people associated with the show are important. If the vibe is good, I am okay doing it. The first important thing is the character and then money. You need a happy space to work in. You cannot spend 12-13 hours on a set where the vibe isn’t positive. I hate when people complain about what is not right and what is not there."

Before signing off, Shubhaavi expressed her desire to explore the OTT space and a variety of genres on different mediums. "Not only television, I wish to explore many genres even on the OTT. I wish to do every bit of entertainment on every platform that’s available. I would love to do stunts, and dance as I have been a dancer in school and college. I desire to romance on-screen, and play a demure character as I have always done roles of strong-headed women.