Introspective: ‘It’s important to fear failure’

Athiya Shetty on turbulent Bollywood debut, costars and being a star child

NEW DELHI: After making her Bollywood debut in Salman Khan’s production  Hero, Athiya Shetty has surely learnt a thing or two. The film may not have fared well at the box office but the actor — who will next be sharing screen space with actor and producer Anil Kapoor — now understands the importance of failure and how much it has taught her.

“It would be naive of me to say that I don’t fear failure as it is very important. My father Suniel Shetty has always told me this, even before I entered the industry,” Athiya said. “He said ‘I know you will be able to handle success, but will you be able to handle failure? And you have to do it with dignity. You have to be humble at that time as well’.”

The 23-year-old Athiya went on to say that everybody goes through ups and downs. “It is important to understand and be realistic about that. I am realistic about both my success and failure,” she added.

Asked if there is any struggle for star children, Athiya responded saying that their struggle is different. “We get a platform. Star children have that reach where you get the opportunity to meet people, but that doesn’t mean that we get it easy because once you get a launch, it’s up to you on what you do about it,” she explained. “Once you enter [the industry], you have to kind of prove your worth and talent.”



The budding starlet has recently been linked up to Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor but does not allow such rumours to affect her hard work. “It’s all part and parcel of the industry. With good comes some bad. I think it’s just a part of the industry, so I am aware of the things that come about,” she stated. “So, yes, it’s okay. At the end of the day, it’s your performance that will speak and your hard work will always win,” Athiya added.

The actor will next be seen in Mubarakan, which is being helmed by Anees Bazmee.

Talking about the film, Athiya said, “I think the entire charm of the film is its confusion and craziness. It is just a mad wedding and because the entire country is invited, it’s going to be more special.”

Mubarakan also stars Anil, Arjun and Ileana D’Cruz but Athiya does not fear getting overshadowed by her co-stars at all. “I don’t feel there is a big or small role in the film.

It’s just about how you perform and what you bring to the table,” she said. “Everyone is secure in their own skin and space and I am fortunate to share screen space with Anil, Ileana and Arjun.”

Published in The Express Tribune, October 27^th, 2016.

Like Life & Style on Facebook, follow @ETLifeandStyle on Twitter for the latest in fashion, gossip and entertainment.