Helly Shah on her first comic role in 'Chumbak': 'I went on set after surrendering'
Synopsis
Helly Shah walked into the sets of 'Chumbak' terrified — and walked out having discovered she could do comedy. At the trailer launch in Mumbai, she revealed she 'surrendered' entirely to director Atish's vision, marking a sharp departure from the dramatic roles that defined her career. Whether audiences agree is the next chapter.
Key Takeaways
Helly Shah attended the trailer launch of 'Chumbak' in Mumbai on 26 August . 'Chumbak' is Shah's first full-fledged comic role; her earlier appearance in 'Gullak' was drama-leaning.
Shah said she was 'so nervous' and 'surrendered' on set, crediting director Atish 's belief for unlocking her comic side.
The actress described the experience as a personal milestone, saying she got emotional on the last day of the shoot.
A confirmed streaming release date for 'Chumbak' has not yet been announced.
Actress Helly Shah has opened up about the nerves and exhilaration of stepping into full-fledged comedy for the first time, ahead of the release of her upcoming streaming series 'Chumbak'. Shah made the revelation at the trailer launch of the show held in Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 August.
A Comedy Debut Fuelled by Nerves
Shah was candid about her initial anxiety heading into the role. 'Comedy is completely new. This is my first time doing comedy. I have never done comedy before. And I was honestly so nervous, so unsure if I will be able to pull it off or not,' she said at the event.
The actress credited director Atish for coaxing the performance out of her, adding, 'I personally feel it's Atish sir's trust and belief in me that I can do this. And I am just so, so glad that he could see that spark of twinkle in me because I honestly went on the set after surrendering.'
How 'Chumbak' Differs from Her Earlier Work
While Shah had previously appeared in the comedy-drama streaming series 'Gullak', her arc in that show leaned predominantly towards drama. 'Chumbak' marks her first assignment where comedy is the primary register, making it a meaningful departure from the roles that built her reputation on Indian television.
What the Director's Faith Unlocked
Shah described the experience as a journey of self-discovery as a performer. 'I didn't know how it will be, what I will do. But he has helped me explore a part of myself as an actor. Because I didn't know that I could do comedy. I didn't know that something like this could come out of me,' she said.
Reflecting on the final day of the shoot, she added, 'I think I shiver because this is something so close to my heart. And I always get emotional that I have done something new. And he has trusted me with all his heart.'
What to Expect
The trailer launch signals that 'Chumbak' is gearing up for a streaming release in the near future, though a confirmed date has not yet been announced. For Shah — a familiar face from long-running television dramas — the project represents a calculated creative risk, and one she says has already paid off personally, regardless of how audiences respond.
Point of View
Making a genre pivot to comedy genuinely risky rather than merely cosmetic. If 'Chumbak' lands, it could signal that OTT platforms are finally offering television veterans the creative latitude that their primary medium rarely does. The real test, of course, is the audience — not the trailer launch room.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Chumbak' and when does it release?
'Chumbak' is an upcoming streaming series starring Helly Shah in her first full-fledged comic role. A confirmed release date has not yet been announced as of the trailer launch on 26 August.
Is 'Chumbak' Helly Shah's first comedy project?
Yes, 'Chumbak' is Helly Shah's first project where comedy is the primary genre. While she appeared in the streaming series 'Gullak' earlier, her role there was drama-oriented rather than comic.
What did Helly Shah say about working on 'Chumbak'?
Shah said she was 'honestly so nervous' and 'unsure' if she could pull off comedy, and that she went on set 'after surrendering.' She credited director Atish's trust and belief for helping her discover her comic ability.
Who directed 'Chumbak'?
The series is directed by Atish, whose faith in Helly Shah, according to the actress, was the key factor in her decision to take on the challenging comic role.
Where was the 'Chumbak' trailer launched?
The trailer launch was held in Mumbai on Wednesday, 26 August, where Helly Shah spoke publicly about her experience filming the show for the first time.
