Talktime | Athiya Shetty
Though she is only one film old, Athiya Shetty is preparing to be a superstar and is leaving no stone unturned to prove her mettle. The debutante tells Sangeeta Yadav about how her life has changed after her first film Hero, the advantage of coming from a filmy background and being the showstopper for Namrata Joshipura
How has life changed after your debut movie, HeroIJ
It was a great stepping stone for me. This movie impacted me more as a person than as an actor. I feel more independent and confident and ready to take up the responsibility of stronger roles. There are so many memories attached to my first film and it’s always going to be very close to my heart. As an actor, I learnt a lot, be it understanding the character, facing the camera, dialogue delivery, transition between the scenes, workshops and much more. I still have a long way to go. When it comes to this profession, there is not a single film that makes you feel you know everything. Throughout my career as an actor, I want to be a student.
Are you preparing yourself for something more challengingIJ
I still have to sign my second film. I’m busy at present with my dance practice, acting workshops, fitness routine, Hindi diction training. This will help me to become a better actor. I am just keeping myself busy right now; I am treating this phase as a learning phase and experimenting with a lot of things.
How are you coping up with the celebrity statusIJ
I don’t think that I have become that popular. I’m very happy with people still treating me as they did before. I don’t think that the treatment will ever change, whether it’s at work or at home. What’s more important for me is to remain humble and grounded, no matter how famous you become.
Anything that you have become cautious about as an actorIJ
I never say never to anything because you don’t know what fate has in store for you. I don’t have a dos and don’ts list. I will always do what my heart tells me to do and what makes me comfortable. At the end of the day, I want to be content with myself and the kind of work that I am doing; that is important for me. Everything comes with its own set of pressures and I’m not afraid to experience that as well and perform my best.
When you are stuck at something, do your parents Sunil and Mana Shetty step in to help you outIJ
They both are my best friends and I can tell them anything. They always help me to get clarity about things in life and at work but they never take a decision for me. Instead, they let me take the final call and that’s what leads to your own growth. If you make a mistake, that’s alright, you learn and move on in life. I have a lot of respect for my parents for making me the person I am today.
Do you think it’s your last name that has given you an edge over other debutantsIJ
Honestly, being an actor’s son or daughter, you definitely do get a platform and a sense of recognition in the industry. But post that, it’s your talent and merit that takes you forward. If you can’t act and you don’t have the passion, nobody can make you anything in this industry even if your parent has been a star in the industry.
Are you willing to go de-glam for a roleIJ
I would love to shed my make-up for my roles. I don’t think going de-glam is anything to do with being a star. You become a star through your performance and not by how pretty you look. Different roles require different treatment to the performance and appearances. One has to be ready for everything. Be it spontaneous or methodical, I’m still trying to figure out my approach towards acting.
Any film of your dad’s that you really likedIJ
I loved three of my dad’s films which I can watch again and again. One is Kuch Khatti Kuch Meethi with my favourite actress Kajol. And then Hera Phere andDhadkan.
You were recently the showstopper for Namrata Joshipura at the Amazon India Fashion Week. How was your experienceIJ
I get butterflies in my stomach when I have to step onto the ramp. But that only helps me to give my best and pushes me to experience the unexpected. It’s very exciting to be a showstopper. Namrata’s collection is very young and inspired by the Maybelline woman who is contemporary and a go-getter.