Shilpa Anand set the beginning of the charming character of Riddhima in Star One's ever demanding show Dill Mill Gayye. Her sizzling on screen chemistry is still a topic of discussion among the youth. After a while she left the show, but came back with a bang and retained herself during the last days of the show.

After the show went off air, Shilpa has been busy with meetings and preparations. For what?

Hear it directly from Shilpa...

TellyBuzz had an exclusive conversation with Shilpa wherein she expressed her life in Dill Mill Gayye and her life after the show...

You have been in the industry for so long. How has the journey been?
The journey has been different from what I had expected. I started my career doing films in South after which there was a phase when I did only commercials in Mumbai. Then I went on to do Ikraar By Chance after which I stepped into television with Dill Mill Gayye. And today again I am going to do a film. I have been swapping from one medium to another.

Was it easy for you to make a mark in here?
Frankly speaking, I am yet to make a mark. But comparatively it has been easy doing television and I guess I fitted into the role very easily because of which I got more popular.

Your Bollywood career has not been very fruitful. Do you think you belong here in television?
I am open to all kinds of roles and yes, television has given me the fame and recognition on a larger scale.

What has been the learning phase in your life?
I learn every day and one thing that I always keep in my mind is that whatever be it and however far you reach, maintain your calm in you because within a snap of time your behaviour can affect your relationship.

You have signed for a movie. Can you tell us about your role?
The name of the movie is Alert 24X7 produced under the banner of Pankaj Productions. In the film I am playing the role of an investigative journalist opposite Ruslaan Mumtaz. There are two more projects in the pipeline, but they are in its very initial stage to talk about.

How has life been after the second innings in Dill Mill Gayye?
I am enjoying the break with gymming, hanging around with friends and shopping. I am also handling the family business along with it.

Do you think you could not get as much fame when you compare to the first through this come back?
When I made the comeback, the TRP's had shot up from 0.2 to 0.8, that's what I have come to know. But there was a little confusion after that. But, personally I was happy as I could clear many things with this second innings with the show and the Production house, Cinevistaas.

What have you been busy with after Dill Mill Gayye?
I have been busy with meetings and preparations for projects.

Do you have any regrets for accepting to be part of Dill Mill Gayye again?
Not at all because there have been a lot of fan requests and messages that I have been receiving asking me to come back. And after coming back I have cleared so many things.

Is there any dream role that you would like to play in either television or movies?
I would love to do a Horror film.

What are the criteria you look at when you choose a role?
In television the role should have a substance and there should be an important message that should be sent across to the audience. In movies, I do not think I have reached those heights to be really demanding anything.

Even today, fans of you and Karan Singh Grover want you to be seen in a new show. What do you think was the factor that made you click as a couple?
Seriously even I do not know what made it work because in television your chemistry either clicks well or doesn't work at all. I think I would give all the credit to the creative team for bringing out the chemistry.

What have you thought about the future? When is wedding on cards?
Wedding is still a long way to go, may be another year or so until I get my perfect match.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I can see myself very much connected with the industry by either in acting or direction. I love directing also, but that will have to wait because I may plan to take up a course from New York Film Academy.

Do you think your look and original style restricts you to play only modern roles?
I do not know about that because in most of my movies I have played the simple Indian girl and even in Dill Mill Gayye I played a simple Indian girl. My sister is even more modern looking than me and she has done roles of a village girl really well. So I guess even I can do it.

Do you think you can cope up with the rural looks and role?
Yes, if an offer comes my way I would definitely try. Then again I think the creatives will again have to work hard on it (laughs).

How much have you matured as an actor? What have you learnt from the industry?
I learn something new everyday and one of the most important things that I believe in being patient with the people around me. One should never let anything get into the head and staying very down to earth. Though talent and acting are important in this field, maintaining your calmness is equally important.

Reporter and Author: Saranya Valsarajan