After ‘Proud’, the actress disappeared from the big screen as she relocated to New York and took on new roles as a wife, a businesswoman, and later a mother of two daughters. As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, ETimes had a quick chat with the actress who is now ready to make a comeback against all odds.
how are you doing your preparation Bollywood return back? Are you looking forward to reuniting with Salman Khan?
I am working very hard, trying to do my best to be in good health and shape and look good. I am doing some workshops and catching up on all the shows that I have missed.
Working with Salman in ‘Proud’ was really the best thing that I experienced and working with him again is going to be another boon. I have deep admiration for him and I respect him very much.
Bollywood has changed a lot since your last film ‘Garv’. Are you scared of expectations?
There has been a big change and I think that change is great. Things have become a lot more professional and a lot more streamlined. There are so many platforms out there and so much work going on today that I’m just really excited to be back. I look forward to doing some great quality content.
From an actor to a business woman to a mother of two, how was it for you? Do you think it is very difficult for women to make their place in the industry?
It has been a beautiful journey – being an actor, starting a business from scratch, being a daughter, a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls – these experiences of playing all these roles really touched me in many ways. have helped. It helps me to adapt myself to any character easily. There is no better way than to access your life experiences on the screen. I think today women are equal to men and the industry has changed and has come a long way.
You left your acting career behind and started a family. Why did you think it was the right time to return? How has your family reacted to this?
I left Mumbai and lived in New York for seven years, after that I was in Delhi and finally came back to my hometown, Mumbai, this year. Acting is in my blood and it is something I am most passionate about, but because I had responsibilities and I didn’t live in Mumbai, I couldn’t pursue it. Now that my kids are big enough and independent, knowing how passionate I am about working, they’ve told me to do what I want for myself without feeling guilty. I think we women get so emotional and feel guilty for doing something for ourselves that we forget our identities. My decision to move back to Mumbai, the support of my parents, husband and kids has inspired me to get back into the industry.
What are your views on sexism in Bollywood?
I think the industry has evolved a lot. There used to be a time when men and women were treated differently. Men were given better and more prominent roles and were paid more, but now I think there is a change. Today women are given equal respect and treated with equality.
Behind every successful woman there is another strong woman. how would you describe my bond with you Shilpa Shetty And Shamita?
There are no words to describe my bond with Shilpa and Shamita. We are soul sisters in the true sense and I cannot begin to think of life without them. They are both very different people and my bond with each of them is really special. We are each other’s strength and we can do anything for each other.
Shilpa’s strength is her outlook in life, her positivity and her expression of the best. No matter what phase she is going through, there is always a peace and smile on her face. She always sees the positive in the negative as well, and this is something I really want to try and implement in my life.
On the other hand, Shamita has qualities that none of us have. He is brave, strong, independent, fierce and practical. With that, there is no gray, it is either black or white. In short, I am blessed to have these two people.