Shilpa Shetty Kundra’s Twitter bio sums her up perfectly, full-time mother and part-time actor and entrepreneur. Not only is she an actor and mother, she co-owns the Indian Premier League cricket team Rajasthan Royals. She has also ventured into designing jewellery, and successfully launched her Satyug Gold store in Mumbai earlier this week, reports the Times of India.
On the occasion of the launch, the 30-year-old said, “Everyone wants to buy gold because it’s important for them and brings happiness and prosperity, and this business is very important for me because I will be able to fulfill people’s dreams.”
The actor was also recently in Ahmedabad, Gujrat, as all Rajasthan Royals matches will be played there, and had nothing but good things to say about the city. “Ahmedabad is now my home ground and that makes this place special for me. I am looking forward to this association with the city already and looking forward to visiting Gujarat more often. I have always had fun coming to Gujarat as the people here have the hearts of gold and they are extremely warm and welcoming people.”
When asked how she juggles between being a mother and a public figure, Shetty answers with a smile, “It’s not easy to handle so many things at a time, but women are multi-taskers and they can do a lot if they decide to.” Talking about the increasing number of female entrepreneurs in India, she says “I don’t know why there is discrimination between male and female entrepreneurs. Those who are doing their job should just be seen as professionals, and not women or men. I have huge respect for women who go out of their homes and have the courage to make their own destiny. And let me tell you, Indian women are doing a great job. There are those who work because they have no option but to earn, and then there are those who do it because they have the right talent. I respect both.”
Shilpa herself has been involved in more than just acting. The multi-faceted personality also tried her hand at producing with Dishkiyaaon. The crime-action film was released just last month, and stars Sunny Deol and Harman Baweja. When asked about her experience as a producer, and she quips, “It is definitely more difficult than acting because you have to be far more involved as a producer than you are as an actor. From the beginning of the film, till the fate it meets at the BO, you are there to take it all. Even though I am not happy that my film didn’t do too well at box office, I am not disappointed. You learn from every mistake you make and ensure that you don’t repeat it in the future. I think I also have learnt important lessons from my experiences and next time I will be better prepared.”
Will all off her current commitments, Shetty has been missing in front of the camera for quite some time now. When asked why, she replied, “I have consciously chosen to stay away from acting. Right now I am only concentrating on my son Vihaan and I am enjoying motherhood. As and when I get time, I will think of acting.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2014.
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