Once a familiar face in 90s Bollywood, Shilpa Shirodkar quietly stepped away from the limelight at the height of her career. Best known for films like Hum, Khuda Gawah, and Aankhen, the actress chose family over fame—relocating abroad after marriage. In a recent interview, Shilpa opened up about her decision to leave the industry, the challenges of starting over, and why she never received film offers after tying the knot.
Leaving the industry with no regrets
Reflecting on her decision to leave the film industry at the height of her career, Shilpa Shirodkar told Pinkvilla that she has no regrets. While she does miss the hustle of her acting days, she prioritised building a life with her “sweet, nice, and simple” husband. She added that relocating abroad after marriage made it difficult to continue working, and had she stayed in India, she would have definitely continued her career.
Why she chose to leave Mumbai
Shilpa revealed that she never intended to leave Mumbai or India, especially given her close bond with her parents. However, her perspective shifted after meeting her husband. Despite knowing he would be moving abroad for his studies, she quickly agreed to marry him. She was drawn to his honesty and felt confident in her decision, choosing to follow him overseas. Looking back, she feels everything unfolded naturally and effortlessly.Shilpa also reflected on the stark contrast in educational backgrounds between her and her husband—she being a Class 10 dropout and he, a double MBA and banker. Despite the difference, she shared that she never felt inferior or out of place in his world. She has always been able to hold meaningful conversations with him and his colleagues, and their relationship has never made her feel any less confident.
No offers after marriage
When asked if she received any film offers after marriage, Shilpa explained that the industry back then wasn’t as open to casting married women, and she didn’t consider herself a big enough star for producers to pursue her return. She felt that her absence didn’t make much of a difference, as there were plenty of other actresses to fill the gap. Shilpa also reflected on how moving abroad, adjusting to life without friends, and managing a budget helped shape her into the person she is today.