Fashionable actor Athiya Shetty offers a peek into her world of selfcare, shopping, the silver screen, and more.

By ANANYA BAHL

When did acting become a dream and then a reality for you?

Growing up, I thought about doing many things. It’s only when I started getting involved in theatre at school that I felt the desire to choose acting as my career. I’m a very instinctive person and that’s guided me when it comes to choosing scripts, as well.

How would you describe your personal style mantra?

I’ve always said that I got my sense of fashion from my nani (maternal grandmother) and mum. They’ve inspired me to adopt a  minimal-chic style. My mom has designed clothes for a really, really long time. So, I would spend a lot of time at her workshop with the karigars (tailors) and go fabric shopping with her. These things helped me develop a keen sartorial sense. Besides, I’m not someone who jumps on fashion trend bandwagons.

A skincare secret you swear by?

I don’t like to complicate it too much. And I also make sure to stick with a product for a while. If you use too many different products, it doesn’t really do anything to your skin. I think less is more.

What was the inspiration behind the theme of your wedding?

I wanted to be free from the idea of ‘perfect’. I had a colour scheme in mind. I am the type of person who wears minimalist and light colours. Basically, that defined my theme, and then the rest just happened. It’s been amazing and I’m so happy to be living with my best friend!

A few of your favourite things?

I love Japanese food and chaat. In Mumbai, The Table is my favourite restaurant. I’m quite a foodie and as long as you give me spicy food, I’m happy! On the flip side, I hate shopping for clothes. People perceive me as fashionable, so they think I must love retail therapy. When I was younger, my dad used to shop for me and always got me the coolest clothes—he still does, in fact! If he likes something, like cargo pants at a store, he will send a picture to my mum and me, and then pick it up for us. For shopping, I need either my mom or Rahul. But yes, I do love grocery shopping!

What kind of traveller are you?

Till recently, I loved a good beach holiday. We used to go to Phuket and Bali a lot. Now, I prefer going to a hill station, or a mountain, or somewhere cool. I also really love London—it’s like a one-stop shop for all things fun!

What’s next?

I prefer going with the flow of life and don’t constantly think about the future as it’s not possible to plan so far ahead. And that’s my life’s mantra right now. But I do have a movie announcement in the pipeline, so make sure to stay tuned for that!

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