Being a mother is closest to me: Shilpa Shetty

She has been a part of showbiz for more than two decades but family still takes precedence for actress Shilpa Shetty. Playing the role of a doting mother to her one-and-a-half-year-old son Viaan is something that the actress-producer enjoys more than any other roles in her life.

Shilpa, who is currently judging celebrity dance reality show "Nach Baliye 6" with filmmaker Sajid Khan and choreographer Terence Lewis, said she constantly thinks about her son even when she is shooting for the show.

"Being a mother is the closest to me. Even when I am on the sets, I am still a mother and I keep checking on my son," Shilpa, who tied the knot with businessman Raj Kundra in 2009, told IANS on the phone from Mumbai.

As the season is nearing its end, the actress is excited to be able to go back to being a "full-time mother" to her son.

"I have my hands full with Viaan. I will get back to being a full-time mother once the season finishes. I will get more time with my son. As much I love 'Nach Baliye', I am looking forward to spending more time with my son," she said.

After acting in films like "Baazigar", "Rishtey", "Dus" and "Life In a...Metro", Shilpa's acting career took a backseat. But she is glad that she is still remembered by her fans who continue to adore her - but is in no hurry to return to the big screen.

"I am still a part of the audiences and am happy that they give me a lot of love. I am really enjoying playing the role of a mother to my son right now. That role is the most important of my life," she said.

With her maiden production "Dishkiyaoon" on the way, the actress said that it does get tiring to manage her expertise in all domains, but she tries to give it her best.

"It is exhausting. Whatever I decide to do, I do it with my heart. Whatever time I get, I give it my all. Be it 'Nach Baliye' or time with my son, when I am there in that moment, I give it my best and enjoy it," she said.

An excellent dancer, Shilpa's dance performances are not missed as she is often seen jiving on "Nach Baliye". But the actress said that no one has ever asked her to dance with her husband on screen.

"Nobody has asked us. The only time we performed together is at our sangeet (wedding function). So I don't know (how it will be). I have never thought about it," she said.

Talking about the current season of 'Nach Baliye', she is eagerly looking forward to the upcoming finale, which will be aired Saturday on Star Plus.

"The finale is going to be really exciting. We as judges also don't know who will win...it will be a surprise. This year we have no idea as the competition is far more fierce," she said.

Not only is she keen to know who the winner is, but she is equally excited about her performance for the finale. She will be doing an aerial performance, which is very challenging for the actress.

"I am trying to make it a little special. I wanted to do things which excited me. I like to challenge myself and do things which I haven't done in the past. I am doing an aerial act despite being petrified of heights," she said.