Shilpa, uncensored
She may have debuted opposite Shah Rukh Khan in YRF’s Chak De — but Shilpa Shukla was part of an ensemble cast. So with her new film, B.A. Pass, it feels like the talented actress has truly “arrived” in B’town.
In B.A. Pass, Shilpa plays Sarika, a rich, married woman who teaches a younger boy “the art of sex”.
“After reading the script, I asked my mom if she would disown me if I accepted the role!” says Shilpa. “When she reacted positively, I asked my father, who told me that you succeed only if you take risks.”
Armed with her family’s approval, the actress says she derived “great joy” from enacting Sarika’s part: “I have unhesitatingly played Sarika, who portrays sex in a very real and authentic manner.”
Shilpa knew that with B.A. Pass, audiences would see her in a very different avatar indeed on screen — but she felt no inhibitions. “I felt it was my karma,” she tells us. “Portraying this bold character helped me understand the importance of performing — no matter what the character — with depth.”
In the time between her films, Shilpa hasn’t just grown as an actor —she has also grown as an individual. She’s dealt with the restlessness she initially felt by embracing Buddhism. “My inner strength has doubled… I understand life better,” she says.
Her new understanding has led her to believe that she has to make the most of what God has granted her, and channel more of herself into helping others. “What I earn from my films goes into food, shelter and education for (underprivileged) girls. I’ve understood that I can do good (deeds) through my film career,” Shilpa says.
With B.A. Pass garnering plenty of appreciation at international film festivals, this is Shilpa’s time to bask in the appreciation. She tells us, “I have no regrets about the way my career has shaped up and feel lucky to have not gone through the bedroom of any technician to get a role. My journey in this industry has been fruitful. There is no disillusionment with the glitz and the glamour.”
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