From rejection to a powerful breakout performance, Aditi Shetty’s journey into Rana Naidu Season 2 is nothing short of inspiring. And Tasneem is just the beginning
Actress Aditi Shetty is winning hearts as the fierce and fearless Tasneem in Rana Naidu Season 2, a role that has marked a transformative moment in her career. But her journey into the world of action, strength, and powerful screen presence didn’t begin with success—it started with rejection.
“I had auditioned for Rana Naidu Season 1 for the character Mandira, and didn’t get it. So when Season 2 came around, I just wanted to give it a shot without overthinking” Aditi recalls ” I was told this new character is one of the strongest female characters in the show — a young woman who stands up to Rana, has a proper face-off scene with him, and earns his respect by the end. This role intrigued me”
Playing Tasneem wasn’t just about acting—it demanded a complete physical and mental transformation. “Tasneem is a stuntwoman, so my body had to look like that,” Aditi explains. “I’ve always been into fitness but I started strength training intently to build muscle. I also adjusted my diet to gain strength without losing too much weight”
When she first met the directors, Karan Anshuman and Suparn Verma, the vision for the character was immediately clear. “We discussed changes to my look for this character, since Tasneem is a small-town, rough, raw girl who works in a stunt studio full of men. The attire would be tank tops and loose trousers—not the usual girlie clothes. The character would be sporty and fit”
Even her speech and demeanour were reworked. “They told me how to slow down my speech, be dominating and own my space — like a cat. Watch how a cat moves, its awareness, and how it takes its own space. That stayed with me”
Aditi’s first shoot day was meant to be a small entry scene—but the anticipation was overwhelming. “I had just two lines, but I was nervous — the whole cast was there, and I wanted to prove I belonged. I sat in my vanity for 12 hours rehearsing the same two lines in the mirror repeatedly with focus. But that day, the scene didn’t happen due to delays. By the time I shot it the next day, all the nerves had calmed down — and I could deliver with confidence”
One of the biggest moments for Aditi was a confrontation scene with the show’s lead, Rana Daggubati. “Very early on, I had the big scene with Rana — in Episode 7 — where Tasneem questions him for being controlling. I was super nervous because… It’s Mr. Rana Daggubati. But Karan sir patiently rehearsed the scene with me. When we did the final take, I was calm and confident. Later, I got good feedback from Rana and Suparn sir. That appreciation made me happy. That same day, legendary filmmaker Rajamouli was on set. “I didn’t get to meet him, but I remember being on set manifesting — one day, I want to work with him”
For Aditi, the stunt work was entirely new territory. “I had never done stunts before, but for my introduction scene, I had to do a backflip on a harness. I trained with Geeta Tandon, one of Bollywood’s top stuntwomen, who taught me everything. The entire team — from ADs to action directors — was so encouraging. The experience of doing my stunt work—kicks, flips, harnesses—was unforgettable”
Veteran actors Venkatesh Sir and Abhishek often stepped in to guide her. ”They would kindly show me how to do the scenes better and I just followed them. Conversations with Sushant Singh were inspiring—I learnt so much from him. He’s a great human being”
The camaraderie on set was equally memorable. “Everyone had each other’s backs. It was magical. We all used to hang out together. I was nervous at first, but everyone just welcomed me in. We were cracking jokes and spending time. The on-set time was always lively and warm. During the scenes, we would end up pranking each other and having a lot of fun. Everyone on set was a treat to be around — no egos, just good work”
Aditi holds special admiration for the team behind Rana Naidu. ”Karan, Suparn, and Abhay were dream directors for my OTT debut and absolutely the best. They were extremely supportive and motivating. Now that the season is out, I am so grateful for their support and faith in me”
Reflecting on the role, she shares, “Tasneem is so different from me. She’s a strong personality — unhinged. And honestly — this experience, these people, this role — it wasn’t just work. It was a blessing”
As the love pours in from fans, Aditi is more motivated than ever. ”I’ve been getting a lot of love from the audience and I’m honestly grateful and happy for this. Waiting to work harder, deliver more such roles, and explore opportunities”
