Interview with Sheila Shah

Sheila Shah is set to appear in the new CBS comedy “How to Be a Gentleman” with Kevin Dillon, Dave Foley and David Hornsby.  She is also in two upcoming films “Mafia” opposite Ving Rhames and “Crossroads”. Media Mikes had a chance to chat with Sheila about her work and also performing her own stunts.

Mike Gencarelli: Tell us about your role as the bartender in the new CBS comedy series “How to be a Gentleman”?
Sheila Shah: I had gone in for an audition which was on a Tuesday. I got a call on Wednesday that I got the part and was on set the very next day. I was just playing the hot bartender [laughs].

MG: Is this going to be a recurring role for you on the show?
SS: A lot depends on the how the ratings of the show go if I will end up being a reoccurring character. Be sure to twitter that you liked my character and hopefully the will be bringing me back.  The show does need a bartender [laughs].

MG: How was it working with Kevin Dillon, Dave Foley and David Hornsby?
SS: Everyone on set was really nice. I got to work one scene with Kevin and the David’s. They had really good energy and were fun to watch. It was my first time being on a TV set so it was great. It was really fun to be the hot bartender and do some sensual moves with the martini glasses.

MG: How does playing Special Agent Cowan in “Saw V” compare to your other work?
SS: The shoots for television are much faster. When you are on a movie set you get a lot more time to spend with the other actors because you are shooting for a longer period. When you go on a show as a guest spot you shoot for a day or two and that’s it. Things just move a lot faster especially when you are doing a comedy. I would love to do more television in the future.

MG: Tell us about your experience in “Mafia”, opposite Ving Rhames, Pam Grier and Robert Patrick?
SS: That movie is going to be amazing and it is currently in post production. My first and last scenes were with Pam Grier which was great being with such a talented actor. Ving Rhames is a very talented actor and getting to be his right hand man in the film was great. I really learned a lot.

MG: Tell us about your role in “Crossroads” and about how you also performed your own stunts?
SS: Because of my role in “Mafia” I took up boxing in an effort to look a bit tougher. I also got to learn how to shoot guns and things so for “Crossroads” I was all set to do my own stunts. There were some really talented actors involved on the project and I was honored to be a part of that production.

MG: What do you look for in a role when you approach a project?
SS: Actions and thrillers are fun to do but I would like to get into a role that is more in depth so I can really get in there. I also want to do some more television work as well.

Official Website: http://www.sheilashah.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sheilashah2