‘NO INTERESTED IN SHOWBIZ’

SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF SUPERSTAR AMITABH BACHCHAN, BUT SHWETA BACHCHAN NANDA PREFERS TO STAY AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT, INSTEAD SHE HAS CARVED A NICHE FOR HERSELF IN THE WORLD OF HAUTE COUTURE…

Shweta Bachchan Nanda prefers to design couture…

She does not speak much on social media and at red carpet events, but Shweta Bachchan Nanda knows how to make a bold statement with her clothes. She is a journalist, author, host and former model. Her latest clothing venture MxS in collaboration with designer Monisha Jaising has already created a buzz. The collection was debuted at Godrej L’Affaire amidst a ‘by invitation only’ attendance of 1,000odd people. The Paradise Towers author gets candid with us about the experience.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR EXPERIENCE DEBUTING YOUR BRAND MXS AT THE FOURTH EDITION OF GODREJ L’AFFAIRE?

We are so honoured to participate in L’Affaire. It’s such a fantastic institution and the team has been superb. We could not have asked for a better venue. This is the first time MxS is putting up a fashion show.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TRY YOUR HAND AT FASHION?

Well, Monisha and I collaborated on an outfit when I met her at my friend’s birthday and it came out very well. I received innumerable compliments. It is then I told her that we should do a capsule collection, but she thought it would be a waste. We decided to have a proper label, and I agreed instantly. She started teaching me how to design, and that’s how we came up together with MxS. We both love clothes and fashion.

DO YOU LOOK BACK AT YOUR CAREER JOURNEY FONDLY?

I am so very grateful to have been bestowed upon so many opportunities. I hope the opportunities keep coming my way too in the future.

YOUR BOOK PARADISE

TOWERS WAS LAUNCHED IN 2019. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON NEXT?

It has been a year since Paradise Towers and I am yet to write another book. I will surely pen it soon, but right now, I am enjoying designing and styling. Most of my time is invested in this. It would not be too much if I say that MxS is a well-established brand. Writing a book takes a lot of time and concentration.

COULD YOUR NEXT BOOK BE ON FASHION?

In fashion, there is really a lot of hard work. Fashion while designing is not glamorous at all. It’s hard work. So, I need more time, a year with MxS. Also, I need to understand the fashion world well to write about it.

KARAN JOHAR ON HIS TALK SHOW DEEMED YOU THE BEST ACTOR FROM THE BACHCHAN FAMILY. COMMENTS?

I feel he was just making fun and pulling my leg. He always does that. There is no truth in what he says. I love watching something on the screen, but I would not be working on screen myself.

YOU’RE JUST BEING HUMBLE, YOU WERE PERFECTLY CANDID AND FUNNY ON THE SHOW.

That’s because I was with my brother Abhishek Bachchan. He (Karan) is my friend. Undeniably, it was a very familiar environment. The camera intimidates me. I will not be able to work in front of the camera.

HOW DID YOU REINVENT YOURSELF AFTER YOUR KIDS GREW UP?

I don’t know if its reinvention. A lot of women have hopes, dreams to fulfill, ideas and ambitions to follow. Many are afraid of achieving it. Women need to get opportunities. I’m privileged to express myself in both the ways. I am lucky that I found such an incredible partner in Monisha. She has been generous with her time and her teachings.

IS THAT THE REASON YOU SHIED AWAY FROM SHOWBIZ? WILL WE EVER SEE YOU WORKING WITH YOUR FATHER?

Frankly speaking, I have no inclination towards showbiz. As far as working with dad, I have done an advertisement with him. I must say that people who face the cameras all the time have the guts and are brilliant. Cameras intimidate me. I’m very happy with MxS and presently I am enjoying creating beautiful dresses.

WHAT QUALITIES HAVE YOU INHERITED FROM YOUR PARENTS?

I hope, I have inherited the best of it from both of them, but I don’t know what to say (laughs). I just feel you need to keep your head down and work as it has been in the family.

YOUR FATHER ADVISED (BROTHER) ABHISHEK TO IMPROVE ON HIS HANDWRITING AS A KID. WHAT ADVICE DID HE GIVE YOU?

He may have given me the same advice. My handwriting is terrible. Abhishek is a very good listener. He has worked on it and has improved his handwriting. I haven’t, so my writing is still terrible.

WOULD YOU BE OKAY IF YOUR DAUGHTER (NAVYA NAVELI) DECIDES TO JOIN SHOWBIZ?

Currently, she is working in New York. She should do whatever she feels like doing. It’s her life.

IS THERE PRESSURE ON YOU TO PROVE YOURSELF SINCE BOTH YOUR PARENTS ARE FAMOUS?

I would say that pressure is far less compared to privileges.

“I have no inclination towards showbiz. As far as working with dad, I have done an advertisement with him. I must say that people who face the cameras all the time have the guts and are brilliant. Cameras intimidate me.” — SHWETA BACHCHAN NANDA, AUTHOR-MODELDESIGNER