Shriya Pilgaonkar still has strong feelings for ‘Guilty Minds’ and her character Kashaf Quaze. The legal drama premiered in 2022. However, the series did not return for a second season. The cancellation still affects Shriya Pilgaonkar. She had formed a deep connection with Kashaf Quaze. The actor also believes the character gave her an opportunity that is difficult to find in the industry.Speaking to Hindustan Times, Shriya Pilgaonkar recalled what made ‘Guilty Minds’ particularly special for her. “Guilty Minds is a series that is closest to my heart because that character of Kashaf was so beautifully written. It is so rare to get a part like that,” Shriya says. “I’m so emotional about that show and usually, I’m very strong about everything, but it broke my heart when Season 2 of ‘Guilty Minds’ wasn’t commissioned. I stand by how good that show was, and that open ending.”
Shriya Pilgaonkar says cancellation ‘broke my heart’
The actor acknowledged that saying goodbye to the series was not easy. She had become emotionally attached to both the project and Kashaf Quaze. At the same time, Shriya Pilgaonkar understands that actors have limited control over what happens to a show after its release. She believes performers eventually need to detach from projects and move forward. “Actors have to deal with this sometimes, where we get so attached to something. Eventually, we have to be spiritually understanding and detach and do all this,” she says. “All my girls really love the show and I’m very proud of it.”
What was ‘Guilty Minds’ about?
‘Guilty Minds’ followed Kashaf Quaze and Deepak Rana, who shared a complicated bond after meeting in law school. Their relationship remained emotionally close, but their professional lives often placed them on opposite sides. Deepak Rana was a partner at a major law firm. His work involved representing powerful corporate clients. His ambitions also shaped several of the conflicts in the series. The story took another turn when Shubhangi Khanna joined the firm as Deepak Rana’s junior. Shubhangi Khanna was the firm’s heiress and developed feelings for him.
Shriya Pilgaonkar has multiple September releases
While ‘Guilty Minds’ remains important to Shriya Pilgaonkar, the actor is now preparing for a busy period on the big screen. She has multiple theatrical projects arriving in September. Among them are ‘Mirzapur The Movie’ and ‘Haiwaan’. Shriya Pilgaonkar is hoping audiences support the films in theatres. She also believes that the success of one release could benefit others.“I am seated and all here for September 4 for Mirzapur, and the 11th for Haiwaan,” she says. “And I also feel [there’s a] domino effect. So I’m really hoping that people watch all the films in theatres now in the next two-three months at least. It’s super cool. It’s fun for me.”‘Mirzapur The Movie’ is directed by Gurmmeet Singh and written by Puneet Krishna. The movie is scheduled to release on September 11, 2026. The cast includes Shriya Pilgaonkar, Varun Mitra, Namrata Sheth, Sugandha Garg and Kulbhushan Kharbanda.
The actor opens up about returning to theatres
Shriya Pilgaonkar is also preparing for her return to the big screen after a long gap. Despite having spent years working in the entertainment industry, she still feels nervous when a movie is about to reach theatres. The actor said in the interview that she wants to enjoy every stage of the experience. For her, the journey from signing a project to watching it reach audiences never becomes routine.“I’m just wanting to soak in every moment because it’s something I don’t take for granted at all. I have these theatrical releases after a very long time,” she says. “So I’m nervous and excited about Friday now, and it’s a very big deal for me. I don’t think I’ll ever be casual about it because a lot happens for that one film from the point you sign it, to making it, to it actually seeing the light of day. That feeling will never ever get old.” As Shriya Pilgaonkar looks ahead to her upcoming theatrical projects, ‘Guilty Minds’ continues to occupy a special place in her career.