Kavya Shetty, a fitness advocate and explorer with interests in jewellery and design, is slated to become the face of the next film star ventures. In an exclusive interview with Tycoon Global Magazine, she discusses her journey and speedy advancement.
Q: Please tell us about your days growing up. Where did you study? Your time spent later at your college, and what was your dream career in your childhood days?
I was born and brought up in the city of Mangalore. My schooling and college too were in Mangalore, Victoria Girls Convent and Canara College. Later, I did my engineering in Computer science at NITTE Karkala. My college life (engineering), was more focused on studying as I was a distinction student and less into extracurricular activities. I had always wanted to do my MBA, probably from abroad and have a company life: a 9-5 job. I was placed in my college and worked in a company called Capgemini in Chennai for 2 months.
Q: When and how did the journey towards being an actor happen? Was it a natural progression or was there another reason you made this conscious choice?
I had been planning to take up modelling for a while, to try it post engineering. I contested in Femina Miss India 2011 while I was working in my company in Chennai post-college. I won “Miss Photogenic” in it!!! Then, I started with multiple print shoots, television commercials, and ramp shows. Eventually, there was a natural progression toward movies.
Q: What are your other passions and hobbies? If not an actor, what else would you have considered being?
My hobbies would be travelling, doing yoga, and reading; and my passion would be something to do with clothes, jewellery and fashion. If not an actress, I would have been an MBA graduate, probably working in an IT firm.
Q: How challenging is it to carve out a niche for yourself?
It is definitely challenging, with a lot of competition around in every field. This is a long journey, and you can never stop learning.
Q: You’re very new to the industry. But otherwise, what have been some of the highest points of your journey so far?
My first movie was released in 2014, and it has been an amazing journey so far, with a lot of highs and lows to pin down. Overall it has been fun.
Q: What does family mean to you? How was the lockdown period for you, is it back to being busy now? Also, how do you spend time when you are not working? What is a typical day like for you and is every day different?
Family means everything. My parents have always been supportive and I’m lucky to have them with me in Bangalore. It’s indeed a blessing. Lockdown was more of a- me time, indulging in a lot of books and movies and even when I was not working, I was mostly with friends or watching movies etc. Post-covid, I have been busy shooting for multiple projects, and every day is different when you are working, even off the set.
Q: Were there any apprehensions while entering the field of cinema or was it a cakewalk?
There were a lot of apprehensions, as I come from a family of academic backgrounds. These were regarding the timings of work, the financial limits and also the people you meet at work.
Q: What is your vision and dream in this field that you are in now?
My vision would be to do good roles which will be remembered later on in life and to have overall creative satisfaction with the work done.
Q: How different do you feel you are from the others around and what are the changes you want to bring about?
All of us are similar in some way or the other, and we all have ups and downs. Each one is unique in its own way, and there should be no comparison. I wish there were more meaty roles for girls, frequently.
Q: What kind of bond did you share with your parents and your extended family during your years growing up? How did the bond grow over the years?
My family has always been supportive and was there for me at every step; Be it my parents, relatives or my friends from college. I consider myself lucky in that way and it’s definitely difficult without the support from family.
Q: Are you a home bird or a party goer?
I would consider myself a mixture of both. But lately, I am more of a home bird post-COVID.
Q: How often do you take holidays with family or friends? What are your preferred holiday destinations? Do you like adventure travel or leisure travel and can you tell us about some adventure activities you have done on your travels?
I used to travel once in 6 months, before covid, which was often with my friends. Out of the places I have visited so far, London and Goa would be my favourite places. Undoubtedly, leisure travel is more my kind and I enjoy snorkelling and water sports.
Q: What is your dream man like? Would you prefer to date someone from the industry or from outside?
I would definitely date or marry someone outside of the industry. My dream man would be definitely tall; I also believe that eyes speak the most. Besides that, being humble, honest and grounded is important.
Q: Are you romantic at heart in real life? What is the most romantic thing anyone has done for you?
I am not really a romantic person. Mostly, I would be practical in every sense and relationship.The most romantic thing someone did, would be travelling across the globe to wish me.
Q: Any crazy fan message or incident you’d like to share?
I have received a lot of messages on social media but,fortunately, no such incidents. All are memorable, and I’m glad for the love I get from them.
Q: Any memorable incidents you’d like to share with us during the shoot of your films?
Any Interesting roles and how did you prepare for them? There are a lot of interesting incidents, scary ones too on set. My most difficult role, which I’m yet to play in an upcoming movie (yet to shoot) is where I’m a killer. I am still preparing for it !!
Q: What is your fitness routine like?
Mostly, I do yoga and weight training on a longer run. I try to avoid dairy, dairy products and sugar. Also, diet is more important than a workout for me.
Q: What’s your style mantra? And what is your beauty regime?
Anything that makes me feel the most comfortable is what I follow in styling. When you are comfortable, it shows in your confidence level. Eat healthily- it’s 90% food and 10% exercise. What goes in, shows on your skin. And Less is More, in terms of makeup and also beauty products.
Q: Who are your close friends from the industry?
Most of them are outside the industry and are my engineering friends.
Q: What is your dream role?
It would be something to do with a period film, somewhat similar to Anushka Shetty in Bahubali.
Q: Currently, what are the projects you’re working on? Can you share the details that you have? These are the upcoming projects, that I am working upon.
- Guruthunda seethakalam – (Telugu) (Satyadev Tammana)
- Captain – (Tamil) (with Arya)
- Ravi Boppana (Kannada) (crazy Star Ravichandran)
- Khadaa (Kannada)
- 6c (Kannada)
- Nimmagondu Sihi Siddhu (Kannada) (Web series )
Q: What are your plans for the future?
My plan is to do more work in terms of movies, be it in any language, even television and eventually settle down and have a family.
Q: What message would you give to your younger self?
I would tell her to worry less because everything passed by, and eventually, nothing remains constant.
