Mahesh Babu's relative, hit '90s Bollywood actress, once worked at a beauty salon

Once a familiar face on the big screen during the 1990s, actress Shilpa Shirodkar stepped away from the limelight in the early 2000s. Her life took an entirely different path when she decided to move overseas and begin anew. After enjoying fame through films such as Hum, Aankhen, Khuda Gawah, and Gopi Kishan, Shilpa transitioned into everyday life far removed from the glitter of Bollywood.

A Bold Shift to Simplicity

Shirodkar relocated to New Zealand, where she took up an unconventional route by enrolling in a hairdressing course. The shift was not just about changing careers but about reinventing herself as a person. She chose to pursue a practical skill and worked briefly in a beauty salon, distancing herself from the glamour she had once been part of.

In a candid conversation with actress Gauahar Khan, Shilpa opened up about the motivations behind her decisions. Her desire to stay active and productive was what initially drew her toward hairdressing. The former actress was not hesitant to shed her celebrity image and embrace a simple profession, proving her grounded nature.

Balancing Marriage, Career, and Identity

During her time abroad, Shilpa had to manage a new marriage along with a new career. Her husband worked on weekdays while she found herself working over the weekends. The demanding schedule left little time for the couple to spend together. Shilpa chose to prioritize her relationship and stepped away from her salon job to nurture her marriage. However, idleness wasn’t something she was comfortable with. Eager to continue working in some form, she asked her husband to help her create a resume.

Without hiding any part of her background, Shilpa insisted on keeping her CV honest. Despite not failing her SSC (Secondary School Certificate), she was confident enough to include that, along with her film work. She wanted to see if the world outside showbiz had a space for someone with unconventional qualifications. To her astonishment, the decision paid off—after applying to a few jobs just for fun, she returned home with two job offers in a single day.

Revisiting the Past with Farah Khan

Recently, Shirodkar made a cheerful appearance in director Farah Khan’s YouTube vlog. The duo reminisced about old times, and Shilpa playfully recalled an incident involving the famous Chhaiya Chhaiya song from the film Dil Se. She jokingly reminded Farah that she had once remarked about Shilpa’s weight being a reason for not casting her—a moment both found amusing. Farah, laughing along, acknowledged the past with a hint of regret and lightheartedly promised Shilpa a spot in a hypothetical sequel if it ever came to life.

Beyond the Screen

Though Shilpa made a brief return to television through shows like Ek Mutthi Aasman and Savitri Devi College & Hospital, her journey remains an inspiring example of adaptability and resilience. She demonstrated that life after fame doesn't have to be a downfall — it can be a new beginning. Her sister Namrata Shirodkar, also a former actress, is now married to Tollywood superstar Mahesh Babu, further anchoring the family in both the Hindi and Telugu entertainment industries.