Look who's back. Yes, it is Shilpa Shirodkar. It wasn't easy for this actor to just sit at home for 11 years keeping house after working every single day since her eighth standard. But the Angna Mein Baba, Duaare Pe Maa belle used her long sabbatical to learn new skills, which helped her grow as a person. Shilpa, who's now eager to re-surface as an actor, talks to CS about her break, motherhood and future plans:


Who: Shilpa Shirodkar
What: Talking about her long sabbatical
Where: At her Santacruz residence

Hair and there
Taking a break from films wasn't a conscious decision per se. But when I married Apresh (Ranjit), he was a student pursuing his Masters in Netherlands. So, I had to shift there to live with him. Thereafter, we lived in Auckland, New Zealand and then the UK.

I didn't miss my star status as much as I missed being busy. But, I completely rediscovered myself during my stint abroad. I met new people, made friends, learnt new skills and overcame my fears. I took up a hairdressing course in Auckland as I felt that it would help me in my line of work. Now, I know how our hard our hairdressers have to slog (smiles). I gave it up after a year as I was planning to start a family. Then after sitting idle for a couple of months, I decided to take up a job again. I sent my CVs to corporate offices, and landed up as a Debt Checker at Dun and Bradstreet, a financial services firm. Juggling between a full-time job and home was exhausting but fun. In fact, I would call it the best year of my life.

A homemaker's lifeu00a0
I shifted to the UK after Anushka my daughter was born. I was a full-time mom for many years, as I'm pretty protective about my daughter. But I started getting bored once Anushka started her schooling. So, I took up driving lessons. I was used to chauffer driven cars in India, and never imagined myself driving a car. Though I was scared, I took up the challenge. Living abroad taught me to live like a common woman who does everything on her own. Madhuri (Dixit) rightly says, "It's only in India where I wear an actor's hat, otherwise in Denver, I am a wife and mother."

A second inningsu00a0
Now, my daughter is old enough and can manage herself. I haven't planned my comeback, and want to take each day as it comes. Family will always be my first priority. Mumbai too has changed drastically in the past decade. I'm sure I'll find some work to my liking. I would love to act, as it's my passion. The kind of cinema we see today is very exciting. And I would like to be a part of it.u00a0