‘A lot of times, people are not genuine about spirituality, meditation or dance’
Actor Shama Sikander, who recently had a classical dance performance in Jaipur, cannot stop raving about the atmosphere she experienced in the city. “Jaipur had a lovely vibe, and so the vibe of classical matched with it so well. You don’t get to see a lot of classical dance performances nowadays because most of it is taken over by Bollywood or TikTok. I have learned Kathak and was performing on Mohe Rang Do Laal (Bajirao Mastani, 2015).”
While on the subject of social media, the 42-year-old, who rarely posts things about her personal hobbies and interests, feels that sometimes those in the public domain do it merely for publicity. “A lot of times, people are not genuine about spirituality, meditation or dance. Those who are actually into an art form or are practising it won’t be bothered to talk about it or post anything on social media. When you are performing it, you are so into it, that you won’t bother to flaunt
Those who are actually into form an art or are practising it won’t be bothered talk to about it or post anything on social media. SHAMA SIKANDER, Actor
it,” says Sikander, adding that growing and spending time with herself has steered her away from social media.
It isn’t just social media — superficial attributes, such as one’s looks, often decide people’s perception of you, notes Sikander. “At the auditions (for her debut TV show Yeh Meri Life Hai in 2003), people thought I was too sexy for the role. But my producer Vipul D Shah knew about my simplicity and intelligence. Then they deglamourised me and everyone said I was a girlnext-door, I can’t do sexy roles. So, it’s just a matter of perception,” she recalls.
The actor adds that she found being called “sexy” offensive when she started out. “I wasn’t sure about my sexuality or my own self. Even when I grew up, my father used to take my calls. All I wanted was to make money and take care of my family. Only after I came out of my father’s shadow, I learned and realised that I am sexy,” she wraps up.