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A balancing act

With `Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar', Shilpa Shetty looks for a niche between the commercial and the realistic

PHOTO: K. MURALI KUMAR

THE TRENDSETTER Shilpa Shetty says she doesn't try to manipulate her career

`I am a trendsetter.' The flash of cameras and a scurry of feet announce her arrival. At 5'10" and wearing 2-inch heels, Shilpa Shetty stands head and shoulders above the crowd.

In New Delhi, she talks of her new movie, Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar. More than a decade into Bollywood and the lady has lost none of her sparkle. Or her ability to neatly side-step questions with no easy answers. Incidentally, the film is being released after a long delay and the hero, Salman Khan has not exactly been keen to promote the film directed by K.S. Adhiyaman.

Shilpa though wants to stay away from it all, minding her own business, doing her things. Having cut down her appearances in movies she says, "I am more quality conscious now." Fiddling with the chain around her long, dainty neck Shilpa explains the movie as "a love story in an urban background."

So has she landed a role for her opposite Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt as suggest the grapevine? Tossing her mane, she says,

"That's one rumour which I wish were true!"

A little pause and she gives the customary response that there indeed have been international proposals but nothing has been finalised.

Often the credit of introducing the term, "item number" to Hindi movie jargon goes to Shilpa. Her sizzling dance to "Main Aai Hoon U.P. Bihar Lootne" in Shool is considered the original item number.

Known more for her dancing than her emoting skills, she admits, "Dance is my USP."

However, the lady says she has been trying to diversify. "I do not want to be typecast."

And in the next breath, she states, "I am into entertaining." Contradiction? Maybe, but Shilpa isn't bothered. All her moves and gestures are naturally stylised for an audience and her comment is made evident in the struck poses and a fixed smile.

NANDINI NAIR

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