She's smart, she's sexy, she's sassy. Yet, Shamita Shetty has achieved none of the success that her sister Shilpa has. Though she debuted with Mohabbatein, a Yash Raj movie, Shamita has been struggling to make her mark in the film industry even as Shilpa is going places - maybe even to Hollywood - after the Celebrity Big Brother controversy.
After a series of films that failed to boost her career as an actress, the younger Shetty sibling is now dabbling with film production.
A heart-to-heart with Shamita over her tryst with Bollywood and more...
You've been around for quite some time. And yet, you haven't really broken into the big league. Also your films are spaced far apart. Why?
Yes, I agree that there has been a two-and-a-half-year gap between my releases.
It's been two years since "Cash" released. So I guess I will do a film after six months (laughs).
Earlier I did feel a bit upset with these things but as time went by, I became stronger. I feel one gets whatever is in his or her fate. So slowly these things stopped worrying me much.
Finally, I started appreciating things around me. There are a lot of things that I am doing. Now I have even started a production house. I am so busy with my new ventures that I now have no time for myself.
Is there any film you regret refusing?
No, not really. Whatever films I have refused haven't done well and I am happy that they did not add more flops to my kitty.
I don't do films that don't appeal to me. I always want to give my hundred per cent to the roles I do. I am quite happy about the films
I picked. Mahesh Bhatt told me once, "If you give flops, director and producers don't like to cast you." I am satisfied that whatever little work I have done has been all good.
Tell us about your home production...
It's a bit too early to discuss the storyline now. The film is being directed by Manish Jha. We are very focused on this one as it's our first venture and we don't want to make mistakes.
All my energy and efforts are going into my first home production. Since both Shilpa and I belong to the creative field, we both are discussing things before moving ahead with them.
We also have a great technical team in place. Mushtaq Sheikh and Niranjan have a number of innovative ideas. We are tapping the best talent for every aspect of the film.
Shilpa will play the lead role. I am handling things behind the scene. It is our baby so we are being really careful.
Right now, I can't tell you anything more about the project. We will reveal every detail when the time is right.
How far are your parents involved in this project?
My mom has made it very clear that she is now older and doesn't want any kind of stress in her life. She told us to be very careful and meticulous when we make our entry into film production. But whenever Shilpa and I are together with our parents, we do discuss everything with them. My parents are there to show us the right path.
Talking about stress, your family has had its share of controversies...
Yes, we did. We've faced a lot of problems and have learnt our lessons the hard way. Now we take utmost care to avoid making the same mistakes. Actually, we trusted people and ended up being victimised.
Both of you are very close to your mother, aren't you?
Yes. I trust my mom. She told me that I have a bright future and that I will achieve my goals someday. I don't doubt her words at all. I follow every advice that my mother gives me.
So what next from you?
I am doing a promotional song in "Hari Puttar". Besides that, not much in the acting department for now.
I might join the cast in my next home production. I don't know what happened to "Rokda". Maybe it was shelved.
Shilpa hurt over Rakhi Sawant's allegation:
This week has been really tough on actress Shilpa Shetty, who is hosting the second season of "Bigg Boss". First Jade Goody's traumatic adieu and then item girl Rakhi Sawant's allegation that a contestant on the show has been changed because of her manoeuvres.
The show went on air on August 17 on newly launched channel Colors.
When questioned about Rakhi's allegation, Shilpa told IANS: "I don't even want to talk about her. But I was very hurt. I really like Rakhi. Why was she talking this way about me without knowing the facts? How does she know the facts about how contestants were chosen?
"I don't think it's right for anyone to shoot off her mouth in this way. You may have an outspoken image that you're always eager to uphold. But please don't flaunt that image at my cost."
"Rakhi takes the cake. What authority does she have to make such charges against me? I'd have Rakhi know that it's the channel's prerogative to decide the participants. I'm hired by the channel to do a job. My jurisdiction is to go on stage and host the show."
Shilpa was also appalled by her effigies being burnt by the supporters of Ramdas Athavale, Republican Party of India (RPI) leader. Athavale claims he was approached to go into the house but dropped because of her manoeuvres.
"It's the channel's prerogative to select or reject a candidate. Until two days prior to the show I didn't even know who was going to be there. The format doesn't allow the host to know the contestants. Mr. Athavale claims he was dropped on discriminatory grounds because he was a Dalit and Sanjay Nirupam was taken instead."
Amongst the participants this time are politicians Sanjay Nirupam and Rahul Mahajan, son of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Pramod Mahajan, as well as gangster Abu Salem's partner Monica Bedi.
The actress, who won Britain's version of the show titled "Celebrity Big Brother", said she wanted to be left alone.
"Why was I being blamed if a candidate didn't make it into 'Bigg Boss'? Why were they throwing stones at the channel Colors' office and burning my effigy? They went on a dharna in Lonavala in front of the 'Bigg Boss' house.
"Why me? Every time I'm associated with something people try to use my name for their own purposes. Please leave me alone."
"I think I should take all this attention as a compliment. But somewhere it does take its toll on my mental equilibrium. We all need to be more responsible about our duties as a citizen. My phone went ballistic on Tuesday.
"I'm in the midst of a dozen things and then to be badgered like this! I'm human and I don't like my name being constantly used. Don't hit where it hurts the most. I think they should start auctioning my effigies," said Shilpa.
She wanted police action against the practice of burning effigies.
"It's really very sad that known people are subjected to this. It's very degrading."
Indo-Asian News Service
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