Shilpa Shetty ‘Bole To’

“If I weren’t an actress, I wouldn’t be making any money in my other businesses either”

Q You’re fast emerging as a hard-core businesswoman having now branched out into the beauty market with a spa. What propelled you to join hands with an Indian spa chain and not an international one, given your immense popularity abroad?

A The reasons why I joined hands with Kiran Bawa of Iosis is that first, when you get into a partnership with someone, you have to trust the person, and I trust Kiran with her expertise and knowledge in the field. She is also a very dear friend who I have known for the last 17 years. Second, I’ve been a client of Iosis long before I decided to become an equal partner in the enterprise. I’ve always been synonymous with wellness and fitness. Getting into the spa business is just an extension of my personality and not simply another money-spinning project. I was offered the brand ambassadorship of an international spa chain that is coming to India but I declined it since at Iosis Medispa, I am not only the brand ambassador, but also an equal business partner. Our long-term vision is Wellness India.

Q Do you think you’re more famous and successful in other businesses like film production, perfumes, IPL cricket and promoting yoga, than as an actress today?

A The reason I am dabbling in varied businesses today is because my claim to fame is my films. I’m an actor first, be it my involvement with the IPL, my production house, yoga and now, Iosis Medispa. I love doing movies, and as an actor, you get equal and ample opportunities to make money. In fact, if I weren’t an actress, I wouldn’t be making any money in my other businesses either!

Q What stresses you out? The endless rumours and controversies or are you immune to mudslinging now?

A Well, I’m a normal human, so yes, I do get stressed. When I’m overworked, the best way to unwind is with a spa treatment. I am a huge spa junkie and my favourite treatments are Thai and deep tissue massages. Yoga is another thing that de-stresses me totally.

Q What next in terms of films?

A I’m working in two films—The Man directed by Sunny Deol and an Indo-Chinese film titled Desire.

Q How happy are you since you got together with Raj Kundra?

A Very! Raj has just added more happiness to my life!