Bharati Dubey (DNA; September 21, 2017)

Shamita Shetty is back to acting after a decade, this time in a web series called Yo Ke Hua Bro. 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 age.

Karan Johar talks about why he chose to present the magnum opus Baahubali in Hindi
Harshada Rege (DNA; July 13, 2015)


How did you come to collaborate on Baahubali?
It was Rana (Daggubati) who called me. I loved the parts that I saw back then. I feel honoured that they chose to associate with us.

Why associate with a movie at the later stage when the movie has not been greenlit by you?
I am a huge Rajamouli fan. I have seen most of his earlier movies like Eega. I was excited to bring Baahubali to the rest of the territories. I believe that every audience must get to view and experience this masterpiece. We’ve never had a movie made with this kind of technology, visuals and scale. We have had movie like Mughal-E-Azam made on that kind of scale, but those are hardly made these days. Rajamouli is a great filmmaker and we at Dharma are proud to be associated with a movie like Baahubali.

You presented The Lunchbox, which was a Hindi movie and a small budget one compared to this. Comment.
I know that language can be a barrier, but I also believe that a great film must be seen by everyone. Whether it’s The Lunchbox or Baahubali, it’s about movies with great content. And that’s my goal; to present good content to the audience. People often say that The Lunchbox was a movie that belonged to the parallel cinema category, but to me it was a great love story. Similarly, Baahubali is a great cinematic experience. Why should we restrict ourselves? We should see a movie for what it has to offer. People who like good cinema are going to like a movie irrespective of its language. And the kind of reaction and appreciation Baahubali has received is a great sign.

Baahubali will have a sequel?
Yes, people have been asking me to what happens next. It’s almost like a season break of a show where everyone is waiting to know what happens next. Those who have seen the movie can’t wait to see the rest of it. That’s the genius of Rajamouli.

Will you be associated with that as well?
I sincerely hope so.

On the telly front, buzz is that you will be taking over Comedy Nights With Kapil. True?
No. I don’t know where this rumour started from. It’s absolutely untrue. I can’t replace Kapil Sharma. I am not that stupid.

And there won’t be another season of Koffee with Karan this year?
After my current TV commitments, I will only be able to look at my work on television next year after I finish shooting Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

Shahid Kapoor and you are judging Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa together, but you haven’t really worked with him despite being in the industry for these many years....
We have Shandaar together, which Dharma is co-producing. Shahid is a superb actor and gifted dancer. He is someone who is absolutely qualified to be a judge on a dance show. Working with him has been a lot of fun. I think he made the right decision to come on board as judge for Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. People will now get to know him as a person even better. He has a great vibe and energy.

Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; July 5, 2015)

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; June 29, 2015)

If sources are to be believed, Shahid Kapoor who is making his TV debut as a judge on dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, kept the makers waiting inordinately for the promo shoot last week.

A source says, “He was supposed to reach the set by 11 am, give a few shots alone and then film another portion with fellow judge Karan Johar. But he reached only around 2 pm.”

Sources suggest the actor finally came in front of the camera nearly five hours after reporting to the set. “We tried to shoot some part of the promo with rest of the celebs. As we were running behind schedule, we had no option but to finish the shoot on the same day. We packed up very late,” informs a unit source.

Shahid’s spokesperson, however, rubbishes the buzz, saying: “There is no truth to the story. Shahid reached the set at the designated time and the shoot also started on time.”

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; June 23, 2015)

If sources are to be believed, Shahid Kapoor might not take too long a break for his wedding next month. Apparently, he will tie the knot with Delhi girl Mira Rajput on July 8 in New Delhi and the festivities will begin two days prior to the D-day. The actor may then host a reception for the Bollywood fraternity in Mumbai on July 12 and resume work from the very next day.

A source says, “Shahid recently shot for the promos of dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa on which he will be seen as a judge. He has spoken to the production house about taking a break for his marriage around next month. He has already completed filming his portion for the promos with fellow judge Karan Johar and will start shooting for the show by this month-end.”

Another source close to the production house reveals that his absence for a week won’t affect the show’s schedule. “We normally shoot two episodes at a time on Tuesdays. So we won’t face any major hindrance if he decides to take an extended break. We need only a day from him and can always reschedule our shoot as per his availability,” adds the insider.

Shahid remained unavailable for comment.

Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; June 12, 2015)

Neha Maheshwri Bhagat (BOMBAY TIMES; May 2, 2015)

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 27, 2015)


So what’s keeping Mads busy? Currently, she is promoting the dance workshop — Jugnee — organised by Terence Lewis to commemorate World Dance Day. When quizzed about her plans to return on the dance show, she teases with a smile, “I don’t want to spoil the surprise. Sometimes, suspense is good.”

A source close to the actress, however, says, “For the last four seasons, people have tuned in to watch Madhuri on Jhalak. She has become the face of the show. Colors and Madhuri share a great work relationship and if things work out, Madhuri will take the judge’s seat yet again.”

A leading daily reported that Shilpa Shetty Kundra has been approached for the show, but there’s no truth to it. Confirms our insider, “The story about Shilpa being approached for Jhalak is untrue. Things are currently been worked out between Madhuri’s team and Colors team. If it does not fall in place, then the channel will take a call on who to get on board.”

Apparently, Shilpa Shetty has opted out of 'Nach Baliye' to be part of 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' for a whopping Rs 14 crore
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 12, 2015)

Shilpa Shetty, who judged two back-to-back seasons of 'Nach Baliye', is unlikely to be part of the celeb dance show's upcoming season. Sources claim the actress is in talks with another channel for their dance-based reality show.

A source says, "Shilpa has opted out of the show this year after a rival channel approached her to judge their dance show, 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa', with the promise to pay her double of what she had been getting for 'Nach Baliye'."

The actress was being paid nearly Rs 7 crore for a season, reveal insiders. It is said that the actress wasn't willing to travel to and from the show's set so she chose to be part of another show. The source adds, "So she liked the idea of filming for Jhalak entirely in Mumbai so that she can spend maximum time with her little son."

A source close to the 'Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa' team says, "They are in the process of approaching people for participation and will eventually reveal names. As far as judges are concerned, there might be a few changes. It all depends on the celebs' date availability."

Shilpa and the channel spokesperson were unavailable for comment.