Shilpa explores new horizons...

There's a storm after the lull. If Shilpa Shetty appeared to have been lying low for some time, she has bounced back with a bang. For, this Bollywood beauty has not one, but two films — Karz and Rishtey —running at the theatres. But if life has come full circle for Shilpa, it is because she has reinvented herself. Or so she claims.''Failure teaches one a lot,'' explains Shilpa, ''I learnt a lot during my low phase; most importantly, I learnt the importance of continuing to work hard while at a professional low. This is a lesson which helps one to value success when it comes.'' And now that success has come, Shilpa credits her directors for helping her to rediscover herself: ''I changed my wardrobe, changed my make-up. In fact, I underwent a complete makeover of sorts. And the the credit for this goes to my directors.'' But even as Shilpa attempts to make the transition from being typecast in glamorous roles to playing characters of substance, she aspires for an altogether different platform. ''Of course, I definitely want to be recognised for my acting skills... but I also attach utmost value to being a nice human being,'' she offers on a philosophical note.The shy school girl who suffered from stage-fright has indeed come a long way. Now, the romance with the camera is spontaneous. ''Although I have always been an extrovert, as a child, I was scared of taking the stage. I had never dreamt of living life in the limelight,'' she recalls, ''But once Baazigar happened, and I was able to carry off my role, I knew I was here to stay.''The rest, as they say, is history. After treading the highs and lows of showbiz, Shilpa has finally found a firm hold on tinsel town's terra firma. ''The good part is that I didn't have to run from pillar to post and roles started coming in of their own accord,'' says Shilpa, ''Yes, to a certain extent, I got everything on a platter. Along the way, there has been money and recognition —what more could I ask for?'' The professional front has received a facelift and things are looking up for Shilpa. Perhaps, this is why she is in no hurry to jump into marital territory: ''I am open to getting married and having kids. I do want to settle down eventually, but it will be with a person who is preferably not from the film industry. I am a pragmatic person — I will know when the time for marriage has come.'' As for the present, Shilpa feels that it is best to let destiny follow its own course. ''I am thrilled and, at the same time, numb! I am keeping my fingers crossed and hoping for the best.'' There is nervous excitement in the voice. ''All that I am concentrating on is my work.'' Shilpa Shetty is in love with films. Period. Tomorrow, of course, is another day. sanghitasingh@indiatimes.com