Actor Tillotama Shome, celebrated for her outstanding performances across both films and web series, recently shared her excitement and profound sense of disbelief about joining the second season of Paatal Lok, the highly anticipated Prime Video series. In an exclusive conversation, she reflected on her admiration for the first season and detailed the surreal experience of being cast in the show. She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be part of a show she had previously been a fan of, making her involvement all the more special.
Tillotama shared that when she first watched the debut season of Paatal Lok, it left a lasting impact on her. “I had not seen anything come out of India that gave me such a strong sense of ‘Wow, what is this world?’” she commented, expressing her astonishment at the show's unique storytelling and world-building. The blend of dark themes, gritty realism, and complex characters stood out to her as something revolutionary for Indian content. She acknowledged the brilliant minds behind the series, including director Avinash Arun, writer Sudeep Sharma, lead actor Jaideep Ahlawat, and others, whose collective efforts ensured that Paatal Lok not only met but exceeded expectations. “It’s not by chance that this show became what it is. Every department, from the music by Naren Chandavarkar and Benedict Taylor to Mukund Gupta’s production design, contributes to its brilliance,” she added, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship that went into creating the show’s immersive world. Her admiration for the show's excellence was evident, as she praised the attention to detail that made it stand out as a landmark in Indian television.
However, when she was first contacted to join the cast of Paatal Lok 2, Tillotama admitted that she had trouble believing it. “My first reaction was disbelief. I kept thinking it was some kind of joke that would eventually turn sour,” she recalled, humorously reflecting on her skepticism. Despite her doubts, she mentioned that deep down, she knew it wasn’t a prank. It wasn’t until she was physically on set, interacting with the cast and crew, that she fully realized she was part of something huge. “I thought, ‘This can’t be real. It’s not funny to prank an actor with something like this!’” she said, offering a light-hearted take on her initial response.
Tillotama vividly recalled her first table read for Paatal Lok 2, an experience that left her in awe and filled her with both excitement and a sense of intimidation. "There was this incredible group of talented people—people whose work I deeply admire—all sitting together,” she remarked, emphasizing how walking into that room was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for her. “I didn’t know them, but their work had already created a sense of intimacy for me as a fan,” she explained, acknowledging the established brilliance of her co-stars. During the table read, she admitted feeling a bit overwhelmed but also incredibly fortunate. "Walking in, I felt a mix of excitement and intimidation. I didn’t know them, but their work had already created a sense of intimacy for me as a fan," she said, recalling how she could hardly breathe during that first reading. Still, she focused on the opportunity at hand and reminded herself that she was new to the world of Paatal Lok, and in time, she would adjust. "It was truly a gift to be part of this project," she added, capturing the essence of how fortunate she felt to be involved in such a prestigious series.
For Tillotama, her experience with Paatal Lok 2 proved to be transformative, a reminder of why she chose acting as her profession. “When you work with a tight script and a filmmaker with a strong vision, the chemistry and alchemy that happen within your body and mind remind you why you chose this profession in the first place,” she shared, drawing parallels between her work on Paatal Lok 2 and her experience in Konkona Sensharma’s Mirror segment from Lust Stories 2. Both projects allowed her to explore deeply layered characters, and both were deeply gratifying creative experiences for her. The synergy of working with a vision that challenged her creatively was something she deeply cherished. “That feeling came back to me while working on Paatal Lok 2,” she explained, underlining how the process rejuvenated her passion for acting.
As a woman in her mid-40s, Tillotama also expressed her appreciation for the increasingly rare opportunity to play complex, nuanced roles that defy stereotypes. “Opportunities like this are rare, and I feel incredibly lucky to be part of something so special,” she said, underscoring her gratitude for the opportunity to explore multi-dimensional characters. In an industry that often underrepresents women of a certain age, Tillotama is fortunate to have received such offers that challenge her as an actor. The experience on Paatal Lok 2 was a reminder of how important it is to continue to push boundaries and embrace projects that offer depth and complexity.
Her involvement in Paatal Lok 2 was not just another career milestone; it was an extraordinary personal journey as well. She felt privileged to join a project she had admired as a fan, and being cast in the second season felt like a natural progression in her own career. “Paatal Lok 2 is a show I’ve been a fan of, and being part of it was an extraordinary experience,” she reflected, emphasizing how special it was for her to join such a revered series.
The much-anticipated second season of Paatal Lok will premiere on January 17, 2025, bringing with it a thrilling continuation of the crime drama’s gripping narrative. Alongside Tillotama, the show stars Jaideep Ahlawat, Gul Panag, Ishwak Singh, and other talented actors. As the series delves further into the dark and complex layers of its characters and the world they inhabit, Tillotama’s addition to the ensemble cast is sure to elevate the show’s already high stakes. Fans of the first season, who have been eagerly awaiting the return of Paatal Lok's intense and gritty storytelling, are in for another captivating ride as the second season promises even more mystery, suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations. Tillotama's role in the show is expected to bring another layer of depth to the story, making Paatal Lok 2 an even more unmissable experience for fans and newcomers alike.
