Interview: Shilpa Shetty forays into gold business

After trying your hand in wellness and fitness business (Iosis Medi Spa), cricket (Rajasthan Royals co-owner), film production (Dishkiyaaoon) and real estate (grouphomebuyer.com), you are now into gold business. How do you handle the pressure?

Well, business is a part of life. I am enjoying this phase of my life when I am resting the actress in me and foraying into different businesses. I have always been very passionate about everything and hence I have done those things.

What made you foray into the gold business?

Gold is very important in our lives and it will always be because it brings the two most sought after things in life –sukh (happiness) and samriddhi (prosperity). Everyone wants to buy gold because as it’s a sign of status, prosperity and being able to afford such a valuable metal. So if you see from that angle, then this business, for me, is very important. On one hand, I am dealing in gold and at the same time, I will be fulfilling the dreams of many people too because as per our purchase plan for the next five years, you will get gold from us at a discount of 37%. I can confidently say that this kind of plan has never been offered so far. On spot also we are offering gold at good prices.

What is that one thing that makes your jewellery line special?

The fact that I have personally sat down and designed those pieces … The jewellery pieces are young and cool for the women of today.

You launched Satyug Gold in three cities (Bandra in Mumbai, Pune and Ahmedabad) simultaneously on the same day. What made you come up with the idea?

I was running out of time. So Raj came up with the idea. We wanted to utilize the day to the fullest. Also, I am always in a hurry to get back home to my baby (Viaan).

What are your expansion plans?

I am not going to leave any place in the country by this year-end. Everywhere there will be a Satyug Gold showroom.

What are your plans with your jewellery line?

I am doing a range exclusively for the housewives. There will be bangles and earrings at very affordable prices.

Do you really think gold only brings happiness?

Honestly, there are certain malpractices in the society which involves gold. For example, when a girl is married off, there is a huge exchange of gold. I personally feel that this is not in favour of the girl. Even if the parents want to gift their daughter gold jewelley during her marriage, they should be bought in the name of the girl. Buy it for the girl’s security and not to fill in the lockers of her in-laws.

What is your style mantra?

Style has to be innate and it is not something that can be contrived. However, it can be developed, as in my case. I always wanted to dress up well. I was from a middle-class family. But when I  joined films, travelled extensively, I learned so much about style.

How do you maintain your ‘wow’ figure?

I firmly believe in being fit. People think I don’t eat anything. But it’s not the case. I can’t diet. However I tend not to overeat. If I am hungry, I eat. But then, I don’t snack in-between. And yes, I work out regularly.