Athiya Shetty feels blessed to be a star child

Athiya Shetty says Bollywood was “totally new” to her when she debuted in Hero (2015). “I didn’t know anything about Bollywood before I signed my first film. I didn’t have any connection with movies except that my father was an actor. I never went on the sets with him. As time unfolds, I will be able to understand more about myself and the industry.”

The actor says her perception of the industry changed after she started working. “After my first shot, I told my parents that I want to do this for the rest of my life. I felt extremely grateful. I am very critical about myself. So, I feel there is a long way to go. I have seen my father and his journey and how he got his first film. That was a sense of achievement for him. I didn’t get the chance [to be an actor] on a golden platter, but I won’t be naïve and say we [star kids] don’t have it easy. I feel blessed,” she says.

Although Hero wasn’t received as well as expected, the young actor says she “wouldn’t change anything about it”. “I understood that it was part and parcel of life and the industry. The team works hard to make the product, but it doesn’t work sometimes. One learns from such experiences.”

Athiya will be working with Arjun Kapoor and Anil Kapoor in her next film. Ask her about Anil and she says, “I don’t have a personal equation with him. I have “known of ” him. He was warm and encouraging during Hero. Working with seniors like Anil sir and Anees sir (Bazmee, director) will challenge and help me. I have seen how dedicated he is. He still gives everyone a run for their money and is so energetic. Even today, he is eager to learn, which is inspiring.”

Athiya has often been compared to Sonam Kapoor due to her fashion sense. Is she friends with her? “I am not friends with anyone in the industry, as I haven’t grown up around them. But I know people in the industry. Sonam has created a name for herself and is an amazing person,” says Athiya.