Too young in the industry to stick to a particular genre: Athiya Shetty

She is one film old in the industry and is excitedly waiting for her next release "Mubarakan" in which she will don a girl-next-door image once again. Actress Athiya Shetty, however, feels that her work demands versatility and that she is too young to stick to a particular genre.

Athiya is in the capital to be the showstopper for designers Shyamal and Bhumika's maiden show at India Couture Week (ICW) 2017, here on Wednesday night.

Asked if she will ever do non-glamorous roles as off screen, she is considered as one of the fashionable stars of B-Town, Athiya told IANS: "Definitely. My work is my passion and it demands versatility. I would love to do roles which get out a different set of skills in me. Presently, I am too young in the industry to decide and stick to a particular genre."

Daughter of veteran actor Suniel Shetty, she made her debut in the 2015 romantic action film "Hero", directed by Nikkhil Advani. The film, a remake of veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai's eponymous 1983 directorial, saw her share screen space with Sooraj Pancholi.

Now in Anees Bazmee's "Mubarakan", she shares the frame with veteran actor Anil Kapoor and actors Arjun Kapoor and Ileana D'Cruz. The film is slated to hit the screens on Friday.

As much as she is excited about the audience's reaction to the movie, Athiya is also upbeat about being on the fashion runway.

"It's a great experience to walk the fashion runway. I have never felt any anxiety or nervousness as such. I have always been myself and associated with designers whose sensibilities and craft I can associate with. This makes it easy and comfortable for everyone involved," she said, while appreciating Shyamal and Bhumika's collection.

Talking about her personal style statement, the 24-year-old says, "Like most girls, I have always been fond of dressing up."

But she has a condition.

"I make sure I only wear things which suit my body type. It is important to be up to date with style but it is more important to be comfortable and be able to carry. Whenever you are able to carry something with the right attitude, the fashion police is on your side," she said.

Asked how she has changed as a person over the years, Athiya said: "I have always been a woman of determination and take things in my stride."

So does that mean she is not affected with bad phases in her life?

"It is as good and as bad as it is for anyone. We do have our lows and highs, but like everyone, we do make through it. Work is never to be compromised on and it is my passion and profession to deliver the best on the silver screen," she said.

(Nivedita can be contacted at nivedita.s@ians.in)

--IANS

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