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Actress Shamin Mannan has a clear-eyed view on the booming popularity of reality shows—and she's not afraid to speak her mind. “Reality shows definitely give you instant fame. Bigg Boss is a great example. The visibility is massive, and that’s why even Bollywood is now engaging with such formats,” she says. However, she also adds a word of caution: “If someone wants to be taken seriously as an actor in films or web series, overexposure through reality TV can sometimes work against you.”

When asked if she’d consider being part of Bigg Boss, Shamin admits she’s conflicted. “The fame is tempting—especially now that social media reach plays a big role in casting. But I worry that too much exposure might make it harder for audiences to see me as a character, instead of just ‘me.’” On the other hand, she’s much more open to a show like Khatron Ke Khiladi . “Yes, I’d totally do that. It’s thrilling and about pushing your limits, not just drama. I’m adventurous in real life, so I’d love the experience.”

With the industry shifting rapidly, Shamin feels it's time to bring back focus to meaningful storytelling . “Content should be the real star. A film like Laapataa Ladies proves you don’t need big names if your story is honest and strong. We need to prioritise talent over just numbers and social media followers.”

As for fiction TV, Shamin’s preference is clear: “If I were to do a daily soap, I’d want to play a realistic, layered character—not another one-dimensional ‘sati-savitri.’ I want to represent today’s women—strong, independent, breaking stereotypes.” It’s this grounded, thoughtful approach that continues to define her evolving journey in the entertainment world.