Actress Shilpa Shetty Kundra is going to be seen on the silver screen once again with the film ‘Sukhi’. She calls this film the story of every woman. It is for this reason that she agreed to join this film. Highlights of the conversation with Urmila Kori on her film, career and personal life.
Hindi films one after the other are doing well at the box office. How hopeful is this making you for your film?
A very good time has come. We were waiting for our time to come. Finally our time has come. The industry was going through a very low phase after Covid. Now a positive atmosphere has been created again. My film ‘Sukhi’ was supposed to release six months ago, but I broke my leg. Something was left to shoot. Because of this the film is releasing now, which is a very good time.
You are playing the title role in the film ‘Sukhi’. Was it easy to say ‘yes’ to the film because of this?
To be honest, when I was offered this film, I was going through a difficult phase. I felt that right now I should focus on myself and my children. I had refused the film. Full credit for convincing me goes to the producer of this film, Vikram. He clearly said that if I make this film, I will make it with you. I don’t think any girl can become ‘happy’, because this is the story of a girl whose age will be shown on screen between twenty to forty years and only you can be seen on screen. He waited for my ‘yes’ for six months. The script was kept at home. Raj read, I was out somewhere at that time. He was laughing while telling a scene, what a good scene it was. When he reached the climax of the film, he called me again and said that you should do this film.
For some time now you have been connected with fans through social media and TV. Do you think the time has come to focus on acting?
I don’t think my time was ever wasted. I have been receiving film offers continuously, but it was my choice to do less work. Self preservation is also a thing. I started working from a young age. Then when I had children, my priorities changed. Now I want my children to see me in this avatar. The work that I was taking like India’s Got Talent, Super Dancer, I do this for my children. They can see how much talent there is. What does their mother do? Now they will see that I also do films. Samisha is very young. He hasn’t seen any of my work yet. I have shown this film to my son Vihaan along with my entire family. I wanted to see his reaction. It was a pleasure to see his reaction as an artist.
There is a line in the trailer, fearless, careless, shameless. When were you in this phase in real life?
I think when you become an artist, you have to be shameless, otherwise you are not a true artist. Sometimes when you are dancing or acting in front of such a crowd, people are judging you. It seems strange. One has to be fearless, careless and shameless.
It often comes to light that celebrities want to keep their children away from films and limelight. Don’t you want?
The industry has given us so much love and respect, why should I show disrespect by doing this. We are just a medium to give them life. They have brought their destiny and this journey is theirs. As parents we will teach them life skills, after that they will be on their own. We have to give them a strong foundation. They have to decide the future.
In the film, you are taking a break from family and household responsibilities and taking time out for yourself. What is your me time for you in real life?
My priority is my family, but our work is also very hectic. That’s why I often plan holidays with my family. On Raj’s birthday, we are going out after taking a break of three to four days. When my children have holidays during Christmas, we go to London. During that time I get cut off from everyone. My focus is only on my family.
Women are always told to be multitaskers. Does this not act as pressure on women?
This is how we middle class people are brought up. That is why we all think that we can do everything. I also have middle class values. I myself take care of what is prepared for breakfast, lunch and dinner at home. I decide what goes in the children’s tiffin. I teach my children to value things. I tell them how in my childhood I had to wait for Diwali to buy expensive new clothes. Along with taking care of children, I also want to impart values of life, which I consider as the USP of women.
College life has been explored in the film. Have you missed those things?
During the film ‘Sukhi’, I realized that I have missed many moments of my life or have forgotten them somewhere. During the shooting of the film, I became so emotional that one day I went to my school in Chembur. From there I called my best friend from school. She now lives in Bangalore and has also become a big entrepreneur. We talked for a long time on the phone about what we used to eat. Remembered many pranks in school. I felt very happy that day.
Your life has been full of ups and downs recently, but you always meet everyone in a positive manner? At the same time, Raj always stays away through the mask. Is there any reason for this?
I make sure that whenever I meet people, I always give them my positivity. No matter how troubled I am inside, I always meet everyone with a smile. Even if it is paparazzi. As far as the secret is concerned, its reason will be revealed soon. Will have to wait till then.
Your marriage is one of the successful marriages in the industry. What advice would you like to give to the youth? What are your upcoming projects?
Befriend your partner. Be honest. Never fight with your partner in front of your children. This is what my parents taught me. While growing up, I never saw them argue or fight. I’m sure they had their fights, but they never did in front of us. I try to do the same in front of my children. Try to resolve whatever problem arises through discussion on the same day. As far as the upcoming projects are concerned, currently there is Rohit Shetty’s web series ‘Indian Police Force’ and also a film.