Destiny made Namrata actor
From Noreen Aslam

BOMBAY—Like many of her colleagues , former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar also wanted to pursue a profession other than acting in films. She wished to become an airhostess. But , the destiny made her an actress , and she attributes this to her mother who has been a model herself, and her sister, a dancer in films.
Later, Namrata left the film world of Mumbai to marry with Mahesh, the super star of the south India, and settled down in Hyderabad. Her marriage has proved a bliss in her life, yet she doesn’t outright reject returning to movies. However, that would depend on the offer she gets.

Excerpts of a chat with Namrata:
Was acting your cherished dream?
No. In fact, I wished to be an airhostess as I had a friend in that profession. I liked traveling and wearing good clothes.
How did you join films?
My mother was in modeling and my sister in films. My mom wanted me to pursue my sister’s profession. I give all credit to my mother for introducing me to films. She has made me what I am today. To begin with, I had a photo session with top photographer Gautam Rajadhyaksh, and the rest followed.
How did you come across Mahesh?
I met with him for the first time at the sets of a Telugu movie. He is great indeed! Though he is a very big artiste, yet he hasn’t broken his link with his roots. He is still simple.
Did you change after marrying a super star?
No, he hasn’t ever asked me to look different. However, I do try to meet the expectations of his fans. I am very happy that he has accepted me.
Don’t you miss Mumbai’s fast life in Hyderabad?
No, I don’t because I never went out at night in Mumbai. So, I don’t miss anything. Yes, I miss my parents and friends.
Are you happy with your marriage?
I am very happy to have a break. However, I cannot say that I shall never return to acting. I shall accept if I get a good offer. But I shall have to balance both — films and married life. Marriage does bring a change, it makes one responsible.
What about your tomboy childhood?
Yes, I was elder to my sister Shilpa. So, I had to take care of our home.
Didn’t your dancer sister influence you?
Oh yes, my sister Shilpa was a good dancer . Everyone compared my dance with hers. Saroj Khan pointed out my mistakes and asked me to follow her . She showed me Shilpa’s cassettes too.
When did you pick up dancing?
I think I began liking my work after doing two movies -’Pukaar’ and ‘Vastav’. Then I picked up dancing too
Any more dreams?
Yes, I wish my first movie ‘Purab Ki Laila, Paschim Ka Chhaila’ to release soon as it has been lying canned for long . I feel it is a good movie. It has a good script and an equally nice cast.