SHILPA BANKING ON ‘KHAMOSH’

Tete-a-Tete Shilpa Shetty's filmi career had come to a stay for some time following the case of Praful sareewala alleging demand of extortion money from it by her parents. Industry pundits had declared almost an end to her career. Incidentally, however, Shilpa Shetty happened to meet Dipak Tijori during the shooting of his movie 'Khamosh'. There meeting indicated that both of them were happy with each other.

Shilpa started her career with fresh enthusiasm. She looked more fascinating than before. She was slimmer than noticed earlier. Everybody praised her, and she was glad though feeling shy. During our chat with her she confessed that she has not been doing very well since 'Dhadkan'. But she was confident of doing better in the near future. Excerpts of her recent tete-e-tete:

Why have your movies not been hits since 'Dhadkan'?
Yes, you are right. I have not had any hit after 'Dhadkan'.

How do you feel now?
I am very confident as I am acting only in selected movies like 'Khamosh' now.

What's your role in 'Khamosh'?
It's a very strong role. I play the character of a high society girl named Sonia. She knows what to do in life. This movie is going to be a milestone in my filmi career, I suppose.

What are your forthcoming movies?
I am doing Punit Issar directed 'Garv'. I am also playing the role of a girl named Zannat. The movie is based on policing system. Salman is opposite me. I am also doing another movie opposite Salman Khan, which is titled 'Marigold'. This movie is being made in cooperation with Hollywood.

Which are your present assignments?
These are 'Dil Churake Chal Diye', 'Phir Milenge' and 'Tamanna'. In 'Tamanna' I am appearing on the screen without any make up.

Who advised you to go in for selected movies?
After 'Dhardkar' my mother asked me to be choosy while accepting film offers. So I declined many offers, which did not suit me. However, my critics spread rumors that I don't have many offers. So I am shifting to South for films. Interestingly, I got three good projects from the directors in the South. And I did three Tamil and one Telugu movie, which became super hits.

Do you want to shift to South now?
No. I do not intend to move to South. However, my priority is that the movie offers should have good subjects, irrespective of the language of a movie.

What's your status among today's heroines like Kareena, Bipasha, Priyanka, and Lara?
I do not want to be compared with any one. Every actor has his or her own place. Every actress has her own image or identity. Hence any comparison of an artiste with another is unfair. Why is your sister Shamita not finding her place in the industry? Shamita is more talented than I am. But she has not got any strong role to play so far. Now, she has several films, which have strong characters too. Therefore, I am sure she would soon make her own place in the industry. Do you find Shamita fully secure in Bollywood? I have been in this industry for a long time, and have learnt that if one is nice then the others behave nicely too. No body can touch you without your consent. Shamita is fully aware of it. She knows she can distinguish between the good and the evil.