“I am limitless, confident, romantic, sensitive and everything that a woman can be! And at the same time, I am brutally honest.” This is how Bollywood actress Shefali Shah defines herself while relishing a Vada Pav at her home in Mumbai, after a frenzied day. There is a lilt in her voice, as she accepts the many compliments for her body of work by the team of TMM. In a tasteful conversation, she talks about her incurable personality, unique style of writing and one thing that is hard for her to give up on life.
Your personal blog quotes “I am anything, everything and nothing’. Explain.
I am anything and everything that a woman can be. Anyone’s perception about me can change, but I am not limited to my age, career or profession. I am a limitless individual who has a distinct voice with a pinch of sarcasm and wittiness. This identity of mine was observed by my near and dear ones and they thought that I should start writing and one fine day it just happened. To be frank, I am glad it happened, as it satisfies and completes me as an individual at a personal level.
One advice you would like to give the teenage Shefali and why?
Do not let other people decide who you are. It is very important to love the way you are and be proud of it. As a young one, I gave too much importance to people and their perspective towards my existence. It is a matter of fact that some people will love you and some will hate. All this should never define who you are. To be precise, “If someone makes you feel shit about yourself, just get out of it!”
You write about everything unconventional on your blog. How and when writing happens to you. Any plans to write a book or screenplay in the future?
I was traveling from Bandra and during my drive, two characters came in my mind and I thought of writing a screenplay and within two days I did it. It is basically a love story that revolves around these two characters. As far as books are concerned, I would love to write a book but haven’t thought of the subject till date.
What inspires you to write these blog pieces?
As a person, I am very observant and sensitive. The moment something touches me, I feel like expressing it in words and that’s how all my blog posts shape up. There are days when I read or see something and it itches me to share my point of view to a particular moment and I do it. There are days when I feel like writing, but my work keeps me engaged and I have to skip it.
Shefali Shah, One of your blog posts says “The napkins perfectly rolled, towels ironed and spotless walls won’t get us a Padma Shree.” How do you sketch the new-age woman?
In my view, the new-age woman knows what she wants from her life and is efficient enough to make it happen. She is confident, fearless, caring and strong enough to fight for her existence and whatever role she picks to perform, she does that with conviction.
One pick-up line that can make you say ‘Yes’ to a man and why?
I am not a pick-up line person and if someone ever does that to me I will politely decline. I simply don’t connect with it.
Shefali Shah, Your blog also has a few poetry pieces. What is your favourite subject in terms of poetry and otherwise?
For me, it has to be about romance and emotions. I can’t write informative pieces. Writing for me is all about a piece of me that I share in the public domain and it has to have my emotions and perspective to the subject, else why would I write?
Shefali Shah, You ever had a secret crush on a Bollywood/Hollywood celebrity?
Of course! After watching Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, I was deeply in love with Aamir Khan. I also wrote a love letter and posted it to his address along with a photo. When I look back at those memories today, it makes me smile (winks).
Shefali Shah, 4 things people must know about you.
(Laughs). I am hardcore romantic, can’t act in real life, extremely goofy and can really laugh very hard at myself.
The decriminalisation of Section 377 is a landmark in the history of Indian judiciary. What do you have to say?
I write and express and that’s my right to expression, similarly, people have their right to love and to be loved. I believe in equality and respect and I think this move by the Indian judiciary has helped people understand its value. In terms of acceptance of the LGBTQ community in the mainstream, we all know that it will take time and we need to be optimistic about it.
Shefali Shah, What makes you feel proud as an actor and a woman too?
As an actor, I am proud of all the projects I have done till date. When I look back, it gives me a sense of satisfaction that I have done something that people will look up to and will remember me always. It simply makes me happy and proud. My identity as a woman itself makes me feel proud and I don’t think I need to add anything extra to it.
What would be the harShefali Shahdest thing for you to give up on life?
My relationships! I am very fearful of losing people I love and are close to my heart. Life is a journey and these relationships are your support system. The thought of losing my relationships make me sleepless and restless.
Rapid Fire
One night stand for you: Whatever
If left on an isolated island: OMG! No way
Your biggest problem in life: Brutally honest
If you had been an outfit, it would be: Kaftan
If you have to romance a girl on screen: Ah nice!
You are jealous of Nobody Midnight drive or bedroom: Definitely midnight drive
Life in a metro or small town: A small town If the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, the way to a woman’s heart is through
Stomach If you were a dish, you would be: Bombil Fry
Your blondest moment: As a child having streaks in my hair
What comes to your mind when we say botox: Why not!
What if a woman were to hit on you: I will politely decline
One thing you’d love to learn from your husband: His sense of calm
Credits:-
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