For singer-turned- actor Shirley Setia, coming to Mumbai to explore a career in showbiz was difficult, as she didn’t just leave a well-placed life in New Zealand but also did it without her parents’ stamp of approval.

“My parents were never okay with me living here by myself. But [that changed] when they saw so many people love me, especially after my mom attended a concert of mine… it motivated them ki try karne dete hain kuch time tak. Agar hua toh theek hai, nahi toh wapas bula lenge,” Setia tells us, adding that while her parents were always aware of her popularity in the virtual world — and the trolling that comes with it — it was the real-life experience that put them at ease.

And the moment when they would’ve called her back home never came. Setia gained popularity with her cover versions of songs such as Tum Hi Ho (Aashiqui 2, 2013), Sanam Re (Sanam Re) and Bol Do Na Zara (Azhar, both 2016). She’s now all charged up to make her Bollywood debut with Nikamma, co-starring Shilpa Shetty Kundra.

“Considering that I’m not even from Mumbai, and nobody knows me from the industry, they’ve accepted me with open arms,” says the 26-year-old, who’ll also be seen in a Telugu film opposite Naga Shaurya.

As far as trolling is concerned, Setia prefers to focus on the good things in life. “Not everyone is going to like everything you put out. But, you’re doing it for yourself and for all the people who support you. Agar mere fans nahin hote toh main apne dreams achieve kar pati?” she asks, calling them the “most important” part of her life.