38 and single but Shamita Shetty won't settle for just anyone, here's why

Shamita Shetty is back to acting after a decade, this time in a web series. The actress admits she had been longing to return in front of the camera, irrespective of the medium. On, the personal front, she is very much single. In a candid chat, Shamita talks about her career, sister Shilpa Shetty Kundra, parents and marriage. Read on...

What’s your web series about?

It is a story of two boys, who think they are too smart and are given a reality check by two girls. The character that I play is of a sweet and simple Indian girl, who later transforms into a strong, confident girl, who is aware of her sexuality. I have never played something like that — she is rough around the edges.

Why did you choose to do a web series?

It doesn’t really matter what the medium is. On the web, people are experimenting with something new in terms of characters and stories. It is exciting for actors, as we get a chance to do something new. Post Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, I started getting a few TV offers, but I was waiting for something better and this show came along.

Do you consult Shilpa?

Anything I take up or do, I have to consult Shilpa. From what I wear to who I am dating, I make her a part of everything as I have faith in her judgment. But when this came along, I had already made up my mind and told her about it. She was happy because she knew that I wanted to get back to acting. I don’t think I really got a chance to do enough of that.

Do you think comparisons with your sister worked against you?

I don’t know about that. I do know one thing — while success has a lot to do with hard work, luck also plays an important role. Maybe luck didn’t favour me. I look at having a sister, who was already established in the industry, in a positive way. Having her backing always helped. When Shilpa came into the industry, she had to learn from her own mistakes. I, on the other hand, luckily could see and learn from those.

What is the kind of cinema you want to be part of?

I would like to do something like crossover films. I understand the industry has changed today — there is an influx of new talent. I know they may not come to me to play the lead role. But I do feel lucky that for actors like me, there’s digital medium and crossover films. There is so much inside me that I have not been able to explore. There were a lot of people who’d look at me and say I don’t see you fitting into that character. And I would say, ‘I am an actor,  let me audition for you. If I fail even after that, it is different, but don’t assume that I can’t do it, I just feel I have not been given that chance.’ There is something that keeps bringing me back to acting.

How have you been coping with life after your father’s demise?

I was very close to my Dad as I grew up with him more than mom as she was travelling with my sister. Nothing prepares you for something like that in life. Death is inevitable, people have to eventually go, but you are never prepared. It was hard for me, but I am a little better now.

What about marriage? 

After Dad passed away, all the focus shifted on me. My mom said I want you to find a partner and settle down. Unfortunately, what I see of marriages worries me  —it’s not the same anymore. People don’t respect each other and let go so easily, so till I find someone whom I  really connect with, I won’t settle down. I don’t care when that happens — even if it’s at the age of 40 or 50. I don’t want  to get someone in my life who is going to hamper my state of mind. I do believe there is someone out there for everyone.  I don’t know what is taking him so long, he needs to find his way to me, it is about time. I do miss having a companion in life, and that’s what you want after a certain