She created a buzz with her performance as the vibrant Vyjayanti in Indra Kumar's Rishtey.
Now rumours are circulating about Shilpa Shetty's engagement to Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh
. When brought to her notice, the leggy actress laughs heartily.
In a heart-to-heart chat with Subhash K Jha she discusses the recession in the film industry, the lack of good roles, awards and her alleged link-up with Yuvraj:
You have been keeping a low profile. How come?
There are very few films happening in Bollywood. It is important to concentrate on a few quality films than grab everything that comes my way.
I am working in Puneet Issar's Sanghar -- a cop film -- with Salman Khan. Then, there is the interesting Ram Gopal Varma production, Darna Manaa Hai, where, like everyone else, I have just a week's work. It is an episodic horror film. It is a new genre and I wanted to try it out. There's Mahmud Sipra's international project [Akshay Kumar has been approached for the lead role].
There is a major recession in the industry. Fortunately, Ek Aur Ek Gyarah [also starring Sanjay Dutt and Govinda] has opened well. I love Govinda's work. I have learnt a lot by working with him.
Are you a pivotal part of Sanghar?
I am not part of the police force. But I am no decorative doll either.
I have another film, Dil Churake Chal Diye, with Salman ready for release. They have decided to promote it only when they are sure of the release date. Otherwise, it will meet the same fate as my other film, Junoon, which was promoted but never released.
K Adhiyaman, who made Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam, directs Dil Churake. I loved doing the film, it is so real and funny. Salman is brilliant in it just like he was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Khamoshi and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. But he wasn't nominated for any awards for both these films.
How did you feel about being nominated as a comic actress for your role in Rishtey?
A nomination is a nomination. It does feel good especially when your work has been neglected for 10 years. In fact, I was the only female nominee. But the comic nomination [at the Filmfare Awards] was unfair to the role.
I don't understand the criteria [on which roles are categorised]. It is like calling Sridevi a comic actress in Chaalbaaz. I was asked a day before the awards function what I thought of the nomination. I said it didn't matter to me.
Do you think your body beautiful image has come in your way as an actress?
Not any longer. It to
ok me a long time [to be taken seriously as an actress]. Now, I can feel the change.
Earlier, I was complimented for my dances and my figure. Now I actually get noticed for my performances. I am being acknowledged for my performance in Dharmesh Darshan's Dhadkan even now, four years after [the film's release]! Most of the praise comes from women.
Dhadkan revolved around you.
Yes. But I don't want to do another role like that. Strangely, eight out of 10 roles I am offered are women-oriented. Invariably, I turn them down. At this point I don't have the courage to carry it off.
What is the point in being the central character when no one will see the film? I am being honest.
I would take the risk of doing a woman-oriented role only with a big filmmaker who can control the project like Dharmesh Darshan did. He is working with my sister Shamita in Bewafaa. I know he will present her well.
What are you looking for in your career?
Meaty roles, of course. The emphasis should be on content. It does not matter to me if I am not the central character. I can't keep doing love stories. They would look silly.
I do feel I am looking my best these days. But I can't be playing a teenybopper lovergirl anym
ore. I leave that to my sister.
Congratulations on your engagement to Yuvraj Singh.
Wow, what fun! I wish it were true. There is nothing going on between Yuvraj and me. He is a very dear friend. There cannot be any romantic involvement between us. He is much younger [than me]. I rest my case.
I just hope love happens one fine day. The sooner, the better.
