Shilpa Shirodkar, one of the most renowned actresses of the 1990s, made a remarkable impact in Hindi cinema. At the peak of her career, she made a bold decision to leave the industry, marry, and move abroad with her husband. After a long absence from the silver screen, she made her television comeback in 2024 with the show “Bigg Boss 19.” Now, after 25 years, Shilpa has opened up about the reasons behind her return to India and what made her finally come back after such a long time.
Shilpa’s Early Career and Success
Shilpa Shirodkar made her debut in Hindi cinema with the film Bhrashtachar alongside Mithun Chakraborty. She quickly became a familiar face in Bollywood with notable films like Hum, Khuda Gawah, and Aankhen. These movies solidified her place in the industry, and she was on the rise. However, despite the growing success, Shilpa decided to leave the limelight at the height of her career. She chose to focus on her personal life and marry her husband, moving abroad to start a new chapter in her life.
The Decision to Leave and Relocate
Shilpa Shirodkar made a significant decision to leave India at the peak of her career. She spoke about the reasons behind her decision to step away from the industry. Her personal life took precedence over her professional career as she decided to settle down with her husband. Together, they moved abroad, leaving behind the glamour and bustle of Bollywood. This decision meant stepping away from acting and being distanced from the industry for several years.
A Long Absence and Personal Reflections
While living abroad, Shilpa shared her experiences of feeling lonely despite traveling around the world with her husband. She explained that she never felt a sense of peace or belonging in any of the places they visited. In a candid conversation with actress Delnaz Irani, Shilpa admitted that she struggled with the isolation. She said, “It wasn’t about London. I am a social person and in my career, I met so many people. I was used to being busy, and the lack of interaction made me feel disconnected.” Shilpa went on to express how difficult it was for someone like her, who thrived on meeting people, to live in solitude.
The Loneliness That Led to Her Return
Shilpa further elaborated on the emotional toll that loneliness took on her. She explained that after being married for 25 years, she and her husband had never lived in the same country for long. Their constant travels made it challenging for Shilpa to establish a sense of home. She admitted, “We traveled so much that I could not even call any country my home. It was the loneliness that was eating me up.”
She realized that being away from family and loved ones was not sustainable for her anymore. The longing to be close to her family and friends in Mumbai, especially during her daughter’s university years, was one of the key reasons that led her to make the decision to return to India.
A Bold Step: Coming Back to Mumbai
Shilpa Shirodkar’s return to India wasn’t a spontaneous decision. She bought a one-way ticket to Mumbai with the intention of making a comeback in the film industry. At the time, she had no projects lined up. She began calling casting agents to inquire about work opportunities, but the responses she received were less than encouraging. She shared her experience, saying, “I called casting agents for work. They were kind enough to pick up the phone, but nothing happened. They knew I was looking for work, but I wasn’t getting anything.”
Despite her disappointment, Shilpa remained determined to re-establish her career in the industry. She said, “I knew I had to start from scratch, but I’ve built a reputation, and I expected at least to be told what was on offer. I was willing to audition, but they didn’t even tell me what the roles were. The agent was so stubborn that she said, ‘That’s not how things work anymore.’”
The Challenges of Starting Over
Shilpa shared that starting over in the industry after such a long gap wasn’t easy. The world of acting had changed, and so had the dynamics of the industry. Despite her earlier success, she had to face the reality of no longer being a current name in Bollywood. The industry’s focus had shifted, and so had its casting criteria. She admitted that it was challenging to adjust to the new environment but was still hopeful about finding meaningful roles.
Navigating Personal Life and Career
While dealing with the professional challenges, Shilpa also had to balance her personal life. She spoke about how the constant traveling for her husband’s work and her daughter’s studies made her feel lonely. “My husband travels a lot for work, and my daughter, who is 21, has gone to university. So, I am left alone at home. I used to do this when I was young, but I can’t anymore. I need to be around the people I love,” she confessed.
Her desire to reconnect with her roots, be close to her family, and feel more grounded in a place she could call home played a significant role in her decision to return to India. Shilpa’s honesty about the difficulties she faced and the need for emotional fulfillment in her life revealed her vulnerability and strength.
Disappointing Experiences in the Industry
Shilpa also shared her experience with a popular web series casting. Initially, she was offered a role that involved bold scenes, which she politely declined. Later, the agent offered her another role but refused to provide details about it. Shilpa was frustrated with the lack of transparency. “I told the agent that I understand I need to start from scratch, but I’ve built a certain identity. You should at least tell me what you are offering. If I know, I will be ready to audition; if not, there’s no point.”
This incident highlights the difficulties actors often face in the industry, especially when they return after a long break. Shilpa’s candidness about the challenges of dealing with such situations is an eye-opener into the complexities of the entertainment world.
Shilpa Shirodkar’s return to India after 25 years is a story of personal growth, emotional struggle, and professional determination. Her journey reflects the challenges that many people, especially in the entertainment industry, face when they step away from their careers to focus on personal life. The decision to come back wasn’t easy, but it was necessary for her well-being. As she continues her journey back into the world of acting, Shilpa’s story serves as a reminder that the path to personal happiness and professional fulfillment is often complex but worth pursuing.
Shilpa’s return to India marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career. While the road ahead may be filled with challenges, her resilience and determination to reconnect with her roots show her strength and passion for her craft.
