I’m not popular in Britain: Shilpa Shetty

Sexy, svelte and sizzling hot Shilpa Shetty speaks to Smita Mishra of Spicezee.com about her beauty secrets, wedding plans and new gourmet venture.

Sexy, svelte and sizzling hot Shilpa Shetty doesn’t fail to surprise. Acting, doing exciting dance numbers, reality TV, cricket, yoga and now food - Shilpa’s kitty has a world to offer. Her relationship with long time beau Raj Kundra, which has been an object of curiosity and controversy, is going flower into a wedding soon.

In an exclusive interview to Smita Mishra of Spicezee.com, Shilpa lays bare her beauty secrets, her wedding plans and her new gourmet venture. You and Raj have been friends, business partners for long. How does it feel to think of being his life partner? I’ve been asked this question a thousand times and I don’t know what to say at this point. I will be in a better position to answer this the day I become his life partner. When and where will the ‘most talked about wedding of the year’ take place? Will London be the venue? I’m very humbled at the fact that people are so intrigued and so looking forward to my wedding. But the day I decide and a date is set, the invites will follow. It will definitely be ‘the most talked about wedding’. So have you begun shopping? (Smiles)Do I really have to answer this question? It is said that you are more popular in London than in India. Do you agree? We are a population of a billion people and in comparison Britain’s much smaller – 60 million, so you can assess yourself, where I am more popular. Definitely in India. Acting, reality, business-what is Shilpa best at? I started off with acting. My mantra in life is to give my 100% to whatever I do and I think I’ve successfully managed to do that in everything that I’ve ventured into. Name the actor you thoroughly love working with? I’ve enjoyed working with every actor because I enjoy my work. So even if it is an actor who I hate, I’ve enjoyed it since he’s involved in my work. Share the secret of your diet and beauty regimen? I really believe that maintaining a balanced life keeps you focused and I have done that. Anything done in extreme, you will get bored of. I believe in working out regularly and I have healthy food habits and most importantly living every moment of your life. This is the secret of my happiness and in turn it makes me look beautiful. Tell us about your new gourmet venture. What made you name it after Jade Goody? Contrary to the reports, it`s not a tribute to Jade Goody. It`s purely a business venture, a company which was already existing 13 years ago and we’ve procured a 33% stake in the V8 Gourmet Group. We’ve already dabbled with fine dining, casual dining and airline catering. Our newest venture which I am very excited about is launching in the supermarkets a whole range of Ready Indian meals which will be under the name of Shilpa’s Gourmet Creations. I feel it was a great way to leverage my name and work towards something that excites me. Indian food is very popular in Britain and everyone is looking for healthy food. Indian food is always connected with a preconceived notion of it being fattening. People, who enjoy Indian food, should try our recipes which will be under 10% fat which is our unique selling point. Does Shilpa know cooking? What’s her favourite dish? Yes, I do cook and I love it and I feel it`s extremely creative. I cook everything from chicken curry to Chinese to pastas. I did a cookery course when I was 15. What’s your happiest childhood memory? My happiest childhood memory was when Shamita was put in my lap for the first time when she was born. How do you like to spend your leisure time? I barely have leisure time honestly. But playing poker with the family (Texas Holdem). I really enjoy the game. It`s not gambling, but it is a great incentive at the end of it. We play for fun and you have to use your intelligence and you’re not playing only with your cards, but have to think about the other person’s cards as well. I find it a great pastime. What are your plans after marriage? I don’t ever plan my life. I take things as they come. I live in the moment.