Shilpa Shetty might not have been able to move juries with her acting potential but you can’t deny her talent in dance. No wonder after her acting career went into a pause mode, Shilpa became a favourite at dance based reality shows. Soon she will be seen judging electrifying dance performances by kids in Super Dancer on Sony. Being a mother herself, Shilpa is confident that she will be able do the job. In a free flowing conversation, the actor talks about the show, her passion for dance and being selective about choosing films.
Tell us about your passion for dance?
I was always crazy and passionate about dance. My father did not want to take me to weddings because, unable to resist music, I always ended up dancing. My parents supported me to achieve my dream. I trained in Bharatanatyam. In fact, I had no plans of becoming an actor but I always wanted to carve a niche and be recognised as somebody who could dance. With God’s grace, today people associate my name with dance. It is no less than an achievement for me.
What is your job profile as a judge?
The competition will be between children from four to 14. It’s really hard to think how we are going to sift through them. It’s going to be an enriching and scary experience, scary because I have a four-year-old at home. I feel unworthy of judging someone who is way more talented than me. It’s really a different ball game when you are with children as they surprise you with something you can never imagine . I don’t think I would have been able to do justice if I didn't have a child of my own. As a mother, you understand what the parents go through when their child performs on stage.
I will have to explain to parents when they are pushing their child way too much .
After marriage you have stopped acting in films...
I don’t know. Please ask the producers (laughs). I don’t second the thought that marriage terminates an actor’s career. Kajol, Kareena, and many others have not stopped working. Rather, we have become a bit choosy. Secondly, I have been the part of this industry for so long that today I cannot settle for doing any sort of film. I consider myself mature as an actor. Experience teaches you that people are not as forgiving as they used to be. It narrows down your possibilities of signing a film. Hence if I plan a comeback, I need to choose intelligently. Also the industry has had an influx of talented actresses making it a tough for the directors to choose. In our time, the competition was not cut throat.
Is not getting appropriate roles, one of the reasons for choosing television?
Yes, to an extent it is true. Television firstly takes lesser time while allowing me to maintain connection with my audience. Also, it allows me to spend time with my child. It gives me personal time besides allowing me to fulfil my other professional commitments.
How did yoga become a substantial part of your life?
Yoga was recommended for my neck ailment but with the passage of time, I realised that it has countless benefits. What is disheartening is the fact that yoga shares its history with India yet very few people are aware of its importance. I felt it is my responsibility, taking advantage of being recognised and listened to, to put my voice in helping people through yoga. As an actor one gets to endorse many brands but there are very few people who actually endorse what they believe in.
Are you trying your hand at aerial yoga?
The only aerial yoga I am capable of doing is stretching while I am on a flight (chuckles). On a serious note, I don’t think I can risk it. I tried it but it’s not for me, I guess.
With age, you have to be intelligent and conscious. You don’t want broken bones.
Looking back, what do you think was the biggest high – acting in “Baazigar”, “Life In A…Metro” or winning the international show?
I think all these three incidents were milestones in my life. I could not have survived without any of them. If Baazigar lifted by my career, Life In A…Metro happened after a low phase in career. But for me the turning point was the birth of my son because that turned me into a mother. Till then I was footloose and fancy free. Even after marriage Raj and I used to behave as if we were in a relationship. I think the responsibility of a child is the biggest turning point in any human being’s life. You can never switch off. It’s a full-time job.
