Beyond the Mundane
She is a qualified fashion designer and not many people know that she is a fitness enthusiast! Comparison with her sister in the entertainment has never bogged her down. She cherishes the precious lessons that life has taught her and she doesn’t fret about small things. For Shamita Shetty, her best moments in the film industry are yet to come. With her upcoming international project ‘The Tenant’, she is keeping busy and is looking forward to the start of a new web series early next year. Here is a candid conversation with this style icon.
Please tell us about who is ‘Shamita Shetty’ in her personal life?
I am quite an introvert. I am fairly simple. I drive happiness from very simple things like spending time with my family and friends. I am someone who values her relationships in life and I don’t get perturbed by small things. I am a spiritual person and someone who consciously makes an effort to do what I believe is right. I do whatever little I can to make this world a better place in my way, in my little space. Also, I am a fitness freak!
What kind of films you would like to be a part of?
With so many OTT (Over the top) media platforms, people are really coming out and experimenting with something new in terms of subject and character. I am very interested in trying out more in the web space and in the meantime, I have a film releasing next year. It’s called ‘The Tenants.’ I am starting a web series early next year. But it’s too soon to get into details and talk about things right now. In the web space, I am really interested in doing more work.
How do you view your journey so far?
I have been in the industry for 19 years now. I have learned a lot, and there have been a lot of ups and downs but that has only made me a stronger and a more spiritual person. As you grow older, I think you understand life better, which is only natural, because you have more experiences. But I do know I have a long way to go and achieve so much in life. But I look back at my life with utmost gratitude because I know my life has turned out the way it was meant to be. I may not have reached or rather done that much work I wanted to do in the film industry but on the personal front there has been so much in my life that has only made me grow and made me a better human being!
Did you always want to be a part of films?
No, I was not one of those kids who always aspired to be an actor. I came from a business background. So, I always thought I will grow up and help my father with business but I think I was more creatively inclined that’s why I did fashion designing which led me to do an internship with Manish Malhotra. That kind of naturally brought me to the industry because my sister was already a part of the film industry. As I started working, the more I realized how I love being a part of this creative scene. But I never wanted to be an actor. Like I said, I was always an introvert and a very shy child. So, performing in front of a lot of people, I never thought I would have the courage to do.
What are the things that excite you or make you happy?
Spending good quality time with my family, friends, going on a holiday with them, good food and good dessert makes me really happy! If I manage to bring a smile on someone’s face and do something small for them, that makes me very happy. Also, I love going to the gym and workout.
Going back to the time, you received some coveted awards for your debut in Mohabatein. How was the experience?
I never gave any importance to awards as such. It was just a debut award. But it didn’t make such a difference honestly!
Has the entertainment business changed the kind of person you are, over the years?
Like I said, on the personal front there has happened a lot that made me a stronger and better person but in my career there have been many ups and downs. When I entered the industry there was always a comparison, which was a lot of pressure to put on any person. It made very difficult for me to cope with certain situations. But all well because I think they were just the experiences that I had to go through and no harm is done, if it has made me a stronger person. I think it was very small compared to other lessons of life. I don’t fret about the small stuff.
You did a web series too. What prompted you to do it?
I did a web series two years back and well it’s huge now. There is so much more that is offered to actors on these new platforms you are witnessing today. I always wanted to work in the web space.
Who is the biggest influence in your life?
My sister!
Who do you turn to for advice during the low phase in your life?
My family and I have really good friends. I am blessed to have them in my life.
What, according to you, is the best thing about acting?
You get a chance to portray different characters, experiment with different personalities. That is the best thing about acting. And, for a creative person it’s such a beautiful thing to be able to express their creativity. It’s a beautiful feeling.
Tell us about one role you enjoyed working on the most.
My role in ‘Zeher’ and also the new film that’s coming out ‘The Tenants’.
What have you learnt from your failures?
I believe everything in life happens for a reason. You have two choices; either you let it make you weak or a stronger person. Luckily, for me I have always been a strong person, driving strengths from my failures and never wanting to give up. I have a very strong backing in term of my family and friends, who don’t allow me to give up when I am experiencing a really weak moment. I am so grateful for that. There is always life at the end of the tunnel. Experience from your failures and learn what you have to and move on from that situation. You can’t let it pull you down forever and make you give up on life. There is something more to life. You have to keep moving on.
What is love according to you?
Love is like oxygen
A co-star in your wishlist?
Meryl Streep. I think there is so much I would probably learn from her or work at an international platform.
How do you unwind at the end of a long day?
I get into my Pajamas and watch a little bit of TV, Netflix or Amazon Prime. I watch something funny at night that will make me laugh like Big Bang Theory, Friends, The Middle because it so important to sleep at the right frame of mind. Then, you wake up with the same frame of mind. I make an effort to work like that.
Which directors you’d like to work with in future?
Mahesh Bhatt, Aditya Chopra again, Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap, Nitesh Tiwari
Your favourite memory as a child?
Simple moments spent with my family because we don’t get to do much of that. Life was simpler. I miss those moments like going out for an ice cream with my father. I cherish those moments.
What do you love most about yourself?
I think I am someone with integrity and I would not give that for anyone.
Your makeup routine?
I don’t do makeup every day. I just wear lipstick everyday and do my eyebrows a little. That’s about it.
Your workout routine?
I weight train about 3-4 times in the week and a little bit of cardio maybe twice a week.
Favorite scent?
Chance by Chanel
Favourite cuisine
Japanese
Who is your spirit animal?
Cat
Favourite holiday destination
Maldives
The first thing you bought with your own paycheck?
I don’t remember. I just remember giving it to my father who used to take care of all the finances.
What TV shows do you binge watch?
Big Band Theory, The Crown, The Vampire Dairies, Homeland, The Middle, Originals.
One thing you never get tired shopping
Bags and shoes.
Is there any dream left to be achieved?
There are so many. I haven’t achieved my dreams! I would like to do more work in the industry and I would like to give back to the society, make a difference in some way.
What are the things you look for in your significant other?
I look for integrity, honesty, sense of humor, compassion and intelligence.
