Ranveer Singh's co-actress recalls dating 'psycho boyfriends', explains why women often stay in bad relationships: 'If you can't treat me well, then...' says Shefali Shah

Actress Shefali Shah is one of the most versatile performers in the Indian film industry. After making a strong impact with her award-winning role in the gritty crime drama Satya, she went on to deliver several powerful and nuanced performances across films and web series. She also earned global recognition as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Netflix's Emmy-winning series Delhi Crime. Known for speaking her mind, Shefali recently opened up about her past relationships, self-worth and why many women find it difficult to leave unhealthy relationships.

Shefali Shah says her protected childhood shaped her relationships

Speaking to Barkha Dutt at We The Women London, Shefali opens up about the experiences that influenced her choices in relationships. Responding to a question about the "psycho boyfriends" she has often joked about, the actress said the issue was less about bad partners and more about how she had grown up.

Shefali shared that she had a very sheltered childhood. As the only child of working parents, she was rarely allowed to make friends because her parents constantly worried about her safety. Looking back now, she said she understands why they were so protective and believes they did the best they could under the circumstances.


However, she admitted that this upbringing left her emotionally inexperienced. She explained that she always believed people were good unless proven otherwise, making her naturally trusting and unaware of warning signs in relationships.

'I didn't have the voice to walk away'

The actress also revealed that many of the relationships she remembers today were not even as significant as they felt at the time. According to Shefali, she had grown up believing every relationship would naturally lead to a happy ending, and that expectation clouded her judgment.

She said that because she was young, vulnerable and inexperienced, she often ignored red flags instead of questioning them. In hindsight, she feels she should have recognised when a relationship was unhealthy and walked away much earlier.

Shefali added that she simply did not have enough confidence or emotional strength to say, "This isn't right. I'm leaving." Instead, she kept trying to adjust, something she believes many women are conditioned to do.

Looking back at those years, the actress said stronger self-belief would have made a big difference. She explained that, "If I was let's say more stronger say more more self assured or at least at least if I you can't treat me well don't treat me badly then I would not have been going through this nonsense it was so ridiculous it was not even worth it"

Shefali Shah's work front

On the professional front, Shefali continues to take on diverse projects. She has built an acclaimed career spanning more than three decades, winning a National Film Award for The Last Lear and multiple Filmfare Critics Awards, most recently for Three of Us. She has also expanded into writing and directing, earning praise for her short film Someday.

The actress will next be seen leading Netflix's period drama Koke, directed by Nupur Asthana and produced by Ektaa Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms. The series will also feature Fardeen Khan, marking their first on-screen collaboration. Filming is currently underway, with the show expected to premiere in 2027.