"Shamita has more guts than I do" Says Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who was last seen on the big screen in 2007, has also taken a break from the television (she was judging a dance reality show until 2014). Currently, she says she is busy bringing up her son, Viaan Raj Kundra, and building her fashion line. However, what she is most thrilled about these days is her sister, Shamita Shetty’s performance on a dance reality TV show. “She has managed to get through it all with flying colours,” says the proud older sibling. Here, she tells us why she thinks Shamita is more talented than she is.

Shamita’s performance has been lauded on the TV show. What were your expectations?

I have judged dance shows, and I know being a contestant is really hard. Shamita has broken every part of her body on the show. I hope she wins. It takes gumption to go on stage with a broken nose. Shamita has more guts than I do. I knew she was a good dancer, but I didn’t know she was this good.

She is often compared to you. Some people even say she is a better dance than you are…

I have always said that she is a better dancer. But people feel that I am biased towards my sister. My USP is Indian and Bollywood dance. I can’t do contemporary and other styles, which need a lot of training. I feel she doesn’t get the credit for being someone who is good [in her own right], because, unfortunately, she comes with the baggage of being Shilpa Shetty’s sister. With this show, she is carving her own identity.

Shamita’s film career never took off like yours did. Does she still want that kind of success for herself?

I think her journey has been very difficult. She has chosen to do interior design, and she loves it. But, she loves acting more. I’m happy she is getting a chance [to be in the limelight] with this show. People are seeing a new facet of her personality on TV.

What’s the latest update on your tie-up with fashion designer Victoria Beckham?

There are no concrete plans right now. When there is some news to announce, I surely will do so. Through my brand, I launched a collection of jeans and saris. But, I want to cater to everyone, and not just the rich. I want to make quality-oriented, yet affordable clothes.

Your husband, Raj Kundra, and you were recently offered a travel show together. Why did you turn it down?

We turned the travel show down, as I couldn’t take time out for it. My priority right now is my four-year-old son, Viaan. I have been working on my book on health, which has kept me busy along with my brand. I also have a TV show, which will start in January, but I can’t reveal much about it right now. There’s no time to take on any more work.

Would you consider acting on TV?

I wouldn’t mind it, but it depends on the project. I look up to Anil (Kapoor), who has done a fabulous job, and even Priyanka (Chopra)… thumbs up to her. I am proud of her. Despite being an Indian, she has been able to make that cut abroad. TV is hard, and very few people get the opportunity to do impactful roles on the small screen. You need to be willing to put in a certain kind of commitment.

Your last film was Apne (2007), and later you did cameos in four movies. Is acting going to be on the back-burner for good?

Not at all. I have always been in the show business; maybe not so much in the movie business. TV keeps me busy. I have never been out of people’s hearts. But I have read some scripts, and nothing has excited me much. I am open to acting in films this year, as my son is in school. So, I have some time for myself.

Raj’s book is being adapted into a film. Do you plan to act in it?

That’s a Hollywood film, so I don’t know. I would have to beg Raj for a role. Maybe, I will have to use the casting couch with him (laughs). This interview is getting blasphemous (laughs). But seriously, the makers will take that call.