‘CHHOTA PARDA, CHHOTI SOCH’
From being a persona non grata in the TV industry to becoming the nation’s favourite, Bigg Boss winner Shilpa Shinde says she isn’t keen on doing TV serials anymore
Last year, I was fighting battles on many fronts and this year, I am janta’s chaheti (audiences’ favourite),” says Shilpa Shinde. Her career and life went through upheavals in the past one year, yet the determined actor stuck to her stance and faced the world. Thrilled with the new career innings, Shilpa talks about her post-victory phase, and her career in television and films.
Have things changed after you won the reality show?
I had never expected such a rush of emotions, which are like that of an actor post giving a blockbuster. Wherever I go, people want to come and meet me. At times, I feel a bit suffocated too, as I am unable to be normal and myself. Today, I am showered with gifts daily. I don’t want to accept them but the fans are sending them with so much love. I am overwhelmed with the love and affection of people. Girls have written letters calling me their inspiration, which has touched my heart.
In a year, things have changed for you drastically. Last year, you were dealing with difficult times on the professional front after your exit from a comedy TV show, and now you are being celebrated...
Life is full of ups and downs. One needs to stay positive in life, no matter what. When I was going through the tough time, people told me to change the vaastu of my house but I never felt that what was happening with me was bad. I just kept moving forward. I was fighting the sexual harassment case last year and this year, I won a popular show. I believe whatever has to happen, will happen, you just need to stand up for yourself.
After a successful career on television, you are apparently now, not keen on doing television serials. Is that true?
I have done enough TV and I don’t think I would be able to do TV serials anymore. There is a lot more that one can do. Sure, TV has made me what I am today, but after a long career on TV, I was cornered and treated [badly] in the TV industry (after exiting from the comedy serial). I don’t think I should do serials anymore. I have a lot of selfrespect. In a TV show, there is a lot of competition about sharing screen space. Chhota parda, chhoti soch, unlike films where you get due credit as per your role. I would like to explore anchoring in reality shows, I have offers for web shows and might also do a Marathi film. I don’t want to be wasted in a film. The banner, star cast and my role has to be good.