Shamita on comparisons with Shilpa Shetty, missed opportunities: ‘I never asked Shilpa to call anyone’

Shamita Shetty has always lived under the shadow of constant comparisons with her sister Shilpa Shetty. In a recent interview, the actor opened up about why she finds such comparisons “stupid,” the string of films that never released, and why she never leaned on her sister to make calls to filmmakers on her behalf.For Shamita, the most asked question has always been about being compared to Shilpa. “All I will say is it’s so stupid to compare two human beings. Every personality is different. It’s not just about two siblings—even two people in the same household can be exact opposites. That is exactly Shilpa and me. We have our own individual forte, and to be unapologetic about that comes with time,” she shared with Pinkvilla.When asked if she ever felt truly recognized for her work, Shamita admitted, “I don’t really think I’ve reached that stage of being seen and noticed as a good actor, because I haven’t had too many chances to prove myself. I’m hoping that changes in time.”She revealed how luck hasn’t always been on her side. “My first film after Mohabbatein was with Sanjay Dutt and Chandrachur Singh. It was made, ready, but never released. I had three other films—including one with Madhavan—that didn’t release either. Even The Tenant, my last film, came and went. So maybe luck didn’t favor me at many moments.”Despite the setbacks, Shamita refuses to complain. “I don’t want to be that person who sits and cribs. Life has given me a lot of positives too, and I choose to see that. Whatever I’ve gone through has made me stronger, and I have so much to be grateful for.”She also emphasized the need for creative outlets. “I studied interior design, I paint, I do events. But I also still meet producers, directors, and casting directors and tell them, ‘I’m here, I want to work’. There’s no shame in that, at any age.”While star connections often open doors, Shamita insists she never relied on her sister. “I don’t think I’ve ever asked my sister to pick up the phone and call a producer or director for me. I would never put her in that position. Even Mohabbatein happened because I auditioned many times and Adi [Aditya Chopra] thought I fit the character,” she explained.For her, sustainability in the industry depends on talent and luck. “You can’t survive only because you’re someone’s sister, daughter, or brother. If you have talent, you’ll sustain—but luck plays a huge role too.”Shamita admitted that long breaks in her filmography have hurt her chances. “When casting happens today, my name will probably be low on the list because the ones currently working are high up—even if they’re not better than me. To get that chance is still difficult. But I’ll keep trying. If it’s destined, it’ll happen; otherwise, something else will come my way.”