Weapon of choice

HELLY SHAH MAKES SOME DIFFICULT DECISIONS

by ASJAD NAZIR

A perfect performance has seen Helly Shah play a double role in Indian drama serial Sufiyana Pyaar Mera.

Her two contrasting characters of Kainat and Saltanat have not only captured the imagination of audiences but also shown off the impressive range of a young actress rapidly on the rise. Playing both positive and negative roles in the same serial means Helly has had to make very different choices for each one.

So, with that in mind, Eastern Eye put the small screen star in the hot seat and got her to make some more very difficult choices.

Handbags or shoes: That is a difficult one for any girl to start with and as I can’t say both, I will opt for handbags. It is not about the bag being designer or expensive, if it is cute and I like it, that is enough.

Quiet night in or party with friends: I have the most amazing friends, but, honestly, after a hard day’s work I just want a quiet night in. What would make that quiet night in better is, if it is spent with good friends.

Ryan Gosling or Ranveer Singh: There is no denying that Ranveer Singh is a great actor and blazing a trail of fire, but I will have to go with Ryan Gosling. (Smiles) I think the ladies reading this will know why.

Shah Rukh Khan or Aamir Khan: Both have done amazing work and helped Hindi cinema grow worldwide. But if you are asking me to choose right now, Aamir Khan has been doing superb work in the past decade and I love how he completely surrenders himself to the part. Dangal was just a great example of this.

Love songs or dance numbers: I am a romantic at heart so will choose slow love songs because they are meaningful and also relaxing. My favourite is Hindi, before you ask me to choose between them and English language songs.

Looks or personality: Looks may temporarily capture the eyes, but a great personality will captivate the heart and have the kind of beauty that will last a lifetime.

Action movie or chick flick: I’m a romantic at heart, but I do love a great action movie. In fact, I would love to star in an action film one day.

Summer or winter: I know most people will perhaps choose summer, but I love the winter months and that is why London is one of my favourite destinations.

Tropical island or scenic countryside: A tropical island would be nice, but I would probably get bored after a while, so a scenic countryside and being at one with nature is my choice.

Cooking or going to a restaurant: (Laughs) If it is my turn to cook then definitely going to a restaurant. But, I do love home cooking.

Indian traditional or western wear: This is an easy one to answer. Indian traditional outfits for sure as they are classy, timeless, beautiful and there are so many varieties to choose from.

High heels or flats: Every girl adores a nice pair of heels, but comfort is a much greater love. So, I am choosing flats.

Books or movies: I did get into reading a lot during my break, but now there isn’t much time to read books, so I am choosing movies because they allow me to relax and just switch off. But, I do want to reconnect with reading more books when there is time.

Makeup or au natural: I love makeup, but I prefer the natural look whenever possible because you can just breathe and be yourself.

Bollywood or Hollywood: Okay, for this one I can’t choose and will say both. Each offers something different and unique. I get entertained by different things as an audience member from each and both industries teach me something different as an actor.

Flowers or chocolates: Don’t tell my personal trainer, but chocolates every time. (Laughs) Now you have got me thinking about chocolate.

Early mornings or late nights: Believe it or not, I am a morning person. I believe in seizing the day and getting that early start, whether it is catching up with work, exercise or just being thankful.

Daredevil or play it safe: Depending on what the definition of it is, then daredevil. I like to go into the unknown professionally, push myself and trying different things like I have done with Sufiyana Pyaar Mera. But would think twice before putting on a parachute and jumping out of a plane.

Your Sufiyana Pyaar Mera characters, Kainat or Saltanat: I have thoroughly enjoyed playing both and am thankful to the producers for giving me two such well-written characters in the same serial. This is an experience that has taught me so much and will stay with me for a very long time, but if I had to choose then Kainaat because she has taken me far out of my comfort zone as an actor. Thank you to all those who have shown so much support.