Outfit by Gauri & Nainika ; Jewellery by Diosa
It’s a bustling Monday afternoon and the rain gods are being a tad bit too generous on this day. Amidst the chaos and madness of a shoot, Athiya Shetty walks in wearing an oversized F.R.I.E.N.D.S sweatshirt with boyfriend jeans and flip-flops. And yet there’s a certain charisma she exudes; beneath her casual avatar, there’s a superstar somewhere. Athiya is calm in her demeanour, I wait for her star-kid persona to take over, only to experience the contrary. A few interactions in, I realise Athiya does not take her privilege for granted. Being the daughter of one of Bollywood’s most iconic actors, Athiya holds her own, knows what she wants and is patient about the journey. In a candid conversation, Athiya Shetty talks about her love for acting and the challenges it comes with.
Why do you do what you do?
I feel happy waking up and going to work in the morning. I’ve been extremely passionate about acting and playing different characters. I’ve done drama since I was in school and I think I am most confident in front of the camera.
What is your earliest memory of the movies?
My earliest memory was when I went to watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai when I was five years old. I remember how excited I was to watch it on the big screen, post which every Friday was movie night whether at home or at the cinemas. It’s just something that I’ve held very close to my heart. I still look forward to Fridays, because that’s when I can experience new stories and characters come alive!
Outfit by Rohit Gandhi & Rahul Khanna ; Earrings by Diosa
Was there a moment when you realised that acting was your calling?
I’ve also grown up taking a lot of interest in arts. Whether it was painting, singing in the choir or drama, I was always enthusiastic about anything creative. Even as a child, I knew I wanted to be involved in performing arts.
How has the whole process of entering the industry been for you?
My experience of entering the world of Bollywood has been extremely special. We all have our ups and downs; the lows are as important as the highs and you learn so much about yourself.
“I feel like I ‘ve become a much more confident person, more aware of myself and what I want to do as an actor. Now that I am finishing my third film, I ‘ve seen myself evolve and make mistakes while learning from them as I go along.”
What is the one character that you would love to slip into?
I love the process of preparation. I’d love to slip into a character that challenges me. I love workshops, readings and any form of prep; physical, mental or emotional. A character that would allow me to break out of the mould basically.
Outfit by Gauri & Nainika ; Ring by Golden Gazelle
Does following in your father’s footsteps into an industry he’s well-known in, come with its own sets of pressure?
Yes, it does, but over the years I’ve realised that if you put pressure on yourself and take the outside world and people’s validation very seriously, that’s when you start questioning things. Of course, he is a very successful actor and has been able to prove himself time and again, however that inspires me to do the same. So the real way to deal with it is to enjoy what I’m doing at the moment and make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.
“The Indian film industry is the only one that has
such a diversity vis-à-vis language, ethnicity,
dance forms as well as various genres of cinema.
So I am really proud to be a part of the Indian film
fraternity which is so versatile and beautiful.”
Outfit by Mahima Mahajan ; Necklaces by Aster ; Footwear by Papa Don’t Preach
If you are not an actor who do you think you would be?
If I wasn’t an actor, I’d definitely do something creative; I totally wanted to work at a magazine especially after watching The Devil Wears Prada. So, definitely, something to do with fashion for sure.
What kind of cinema engages you and you would like to associate yourself with?
There isn’t a specific genre I’d like to associate with. Anything that engages me as an actor and brings out the best in me is what I would do. Personally, I love realism, stories about real characters and people who connect with me on an emotional level.
Outfit by Gauri & Nainika ; Ring by Golden Gazelle
As a child, I’d love doing the Stanislavski’s twelve questions, where you make up the character’s hobbies or favourite colour just to get into the skin of the character. I love the challenge of transforming into the character.
Lastly, what are you currently working on?
I just finished a film with Nawazzudin Siddique and it was the most fun experience I’ve had as I got to learn so much. It’s called Motichoor Chaknachoor and should be out early next year. I am really excited about it as I am playing a character from Bhopal where I am speaking Bundelkhandi and it was challenging to speak and emote in a completely
different language.
Photographed by Rahul Jhangiani
Styled by Shirin Salwan
Assisted by Simran Malhotra
Makeup and Hair by Loveleen Ramchandani