Shamita Shetty
Shamita Shetty (born 2 February 1979) is an Indian Bollywood actress, model and interior designer. She made her Hindi film debut in the musical romance film "Mohabbatein" (2000), which earned her the IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female. She went on to do films including "Bewafaa" (2005) and "Cash" (2007). Following this, she participated in several reality television shows like "Bigg Boss 3" (2009) and "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa" (2015). Later, she was a finalist on the stunt-based show "" (2019) and the game reality series "Bigg Boss OTT" (2021) and "Bigg Boss 15" (2021–2022). Early  life. Shetty was born in a Tulu speaking bunt family, in Mumbai. Her late father Surendra and her mother Sunanda were manufacturers of tamper-proof water caps in the pharmaceutical industry. Shilpa Shetty is her elder sister. She did her schooling from St. Anthony's Girls' High School, Mumbai. After completing her degree in commerce from Sydenham college, Shetty did a fashion designing diploma from SNDT College, Mumbai. After this, she started her internship with fashion designer Manish Malhotra, but Manish saw a spark in her and suggested to prep her for her acting career. In 2011, Shetty decided to  follow her passion in interior design. Her first solo project was Royalty, a club in Mumbai. Later, her love for interior design pushed her to do a diploma from Central Saint Martins and Inchbald School of Design in London. Personal life. Shetty is a fitness and wellness enthusiast who promotes yoga and meditation. Career. Section::::"Mohabbatein" and early success (2000–2013). Shetty made her film debut in 2000 with the Yash Raj Films movie "Mohabbatein", directed by Aditya Chopra. Her portrayal of Ishika earned her the 2001 IIFA Award for Star Debut of the Year – Female. Soon after, she gave hit dance  numbers to Bollywood, including Sharara Sharara in "Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai" (2002), Chori Pe Chori in "Saathiya" (2002) and Mind Blowing Mahiya in "Cash" (2007). She was appreciated for her acting in the film "Zeher" (2005), for which she was nominated for the Stardust Award as Star of the Year Female (2006). Sify said, "Shamita Shetty is a surprise, a revelation. The actress proves that she can deliver if given an opportunity. She looks gorgeous all through, but more than anything else, it's her talent that you notice at the end of the show." She worked with her  sister Shilpa Shetty in the film "Fareb". She also starred in multi-star projects like "Bewafaa" (2005) and "Cash" (2007). In 2009, she participated in the reality television series "Bigg Boss 3". After 42 days, she left the show to attend her sister Shilpa Shetty's wedding. She was the only contestant who wasn't nominated even once during her stay in the "Bigg Boss" house. Focus on interior design and entrepreneurship (2013–2017). Alongside her acting career, Shetty decided to focus on her passion for interior designing. After completing an interior designing course in London and finishing an internship with  an architect's firm, she launched her own interior designing company "Golden Leaf Interiors". Her first interior designing project was Royalty, a club in Mumbai. She designed her sister, Shilpa Shetty's son Viaan's room. She won the Best Interior Design Award at the Asia Spa Awards for designing Chandigarh Iosis Spa. Further work, "Bigg Boss" and recognition (2017–present). In 2017, Shetty appeared on the dancing reality show "Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa". She then starred in Voot's comedy web series "Yo Ke Hua Bro", also co-starring Aparshakti Khurana, Gaurav Pandey and Ridhima Pandit. In 2019, she participated  in Colors TV's stunt reality show "", ending up as the third runner up. In 2020, she starred in the film "The Tenant" as Meera. Shetty then portrayed Kavita Tharoor in ZEE5's thriller film "Black Widows". The Indian Express said that “Shamita Shetty brings a vivaciousness to her role.” In 2021, "The Tenant" was screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. It won the Best Film Award at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2021. In September 2021, she participated in Voot's "Bigg Boss OTT", finishing as the second runner up. In October, she participated in Colors  TV's "Bigg Boss 15". She became the first and the last captain of the season, and the only contestant to become the captain twice. Shetty also won the Style Icon Award. She finished her journey as the third runner up. Philanthropy. In 2012, Shetty walked the ramp for charity fashion show "Caring With Style" to raise money for children suffering from cancer. In 2013, she starred in "Betiyaan", a government initiated social cause music video for the Save The Girl Child campaign. In 2017, Shetty collaborated with an NGO that is dedicated to the cause of providing care for  stray and abandoned cats. She also walked the ramp for Roopa Vohra at the fashion show for a social cause "She Matters". In 2018, she joined hands with Help Age India, an NGO that works for the welfare of the elderly. Shetty took part in a digital literacy initiative and said that familiarising the elderly with latest technology is crucial in keeping them connected. In 2019, Shetty flagged off a walkathon on the International Day for Older Persons, vouching for the government to increase pension for the elderly. Shetty visits an orphanage on her birthday every year and spends time  with the elderly, bringing them packed surprises. Brands, other work and media image. Brands and associations. Shetty has endorsed Pantene with sister Shilpa Shetty for a year. She has been associated with brands and companies like Aldo, Audi and the IIFJAS Jewellery exhibition. Rampwalks. In 2016, Shetty walked the ramp during Lakme Fashion Week for Divya Reddy. In 2017, she walked the India International Jewellery Week ramp for Surya Golds. She also walked the ramp for Swarovski Gemstones at GJC NITE 2019. In 2020, she was the showstopper for designer Priya Machineni's spring collection at Lotus India Fashion Week . Magazine covers. Shetty has featured on covers of magazines like The Lifestyle Journalist, G Magazine, Stuff Magazine, iCraze, Women Fitness Magazine, Femina India and Fitlook Magazine.