She owns properties the world over, including palatial homes in Mumbai and Dubai, is a respected actress/producer, has just co-authored a book, and launched a designer label (SSK). If you think all this has turned Shilpa Shetty into a diva, you’d be incredibly wrong.
OK, so she may have sold her two-bedroom luxury apartment in Burj Khalifa because it was too small, but Shilpa Shetty Kundra is still as humble today as she was at the start of her career as a model trying to get noticed. Emirates Woman caught up with the beauty during a recent visit to Dubai to support Danube Home (home interior and retail company) for which she is an ambassador – “When I choose to represent a brand I like to see what it stands for and Danube Home ticks all the boxes. All you have to do is turn up at their offices with a concept and budget in mind and they will help plan it all for you.”
Here she talks motherhood, aspirations and loving the UAE….
At the launch of Danube Home store with HHSheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and Adel Sajan
You’re certainly a jet-setter, splitting time between here, London and Mumbai. How do you make each place a home?
Making a home is a labour of love. I’m really home proud and am constantly buying or designing stuff. I also love empty spaces and that is sadly why we had to give up on our two-bedroom apartment in the Burj Khalifa. With a small child and an entourage, it was too small.
Related Story: Top 10 Places To Live In Dubai
Do you have any plans to venture into home interior designing?
Not at the moment. My role as a wife and mother are paramount. I think my biggest job is as a homemaker. The rest will just come and go.
Mother, Actress, Entrepreneur, what is your order of preference?
Mother, without an iota of doubt. After having a child your priorities in life change. Mine did as well. Viaan, my son, is three-and-a-half. Despite all the help I have, I believe acting and motherhood are two jobs that you have to do yourself. As an actor you can’t have a proxy to act for you and as a mother you can’t be a proxy one. You have to choose and I have made my choice for now.
Related Story: 8 Ways For Mums To Find Time For Themselves
At 40 you look like a woman half your age, what’s your secret?
I feel very blessed and I value my body and my soul. I’m someone who is very positive and that shows on my face. I reveal all my secrets in my book, The Great Indian Diet. I really believe you are what you eat. It is important to live the simple way.
All dolled up for the Danube Home Opening
Related Story: How To Get Fit For Free In Dubai
And what exercise regime do you follow?
I don’t exercise that much at all. I just breathe well. I think all of us are so busy trying to accomplish our dreams that we have forgotten to just breathe deeply and most of us will find it difficult to remember a time when we sat alone for 10 minutes and just took deep breaths.
What is the greatest life lesson you’ve learnt?
I’ve always believed that you have to be positive. Whatever happens in life happens for the best. I am a huge Karma believer and I believe what goes around comes around.
Related Story: 5 Key Benefits Of Yoga
Finally, can you share five quick health tips you believe all women should follow?
Keep things simple. Look after yourself. Don’t wait for things to happen to be disciplined. Breathe deeply for at least 10 minutes daily, and drink lots of water.
Images: Instagram
