Isha Sharvani: I call myself a global Gujarati

Isha Sharvani on her Gujarat connection, her passion for dance, Bollywood and more in a chat with AT
Actress-danseuse Isha Sharvani who was in Vadodara to perform at a mega art and culture festival, says, “My mother is a Gujarati and I have very fond memories of Gujarat. My mom used to bring me to Gujarat for a couple of months every year, as she was keen that as a kid, I should not miss out on the joys of living in a joint family atmosphere.Some of my fondest childhood memories are associated with Ahmedabad, where my cousins live. I speak perfect Gujarati, love Gujarati food and call myself a global Gujarati!”
READ: I dance for passion: Isha Sharvani
Excerpts from a chat:
In spite of being launched by Subhash Ghai in Kisna you have mostly stayed away from Bollywood.
It is a very conscious decision. I have taken the road less travelled since childhood and can’t give up on my dance which is my passion. I have done six Hindi films and, more recently, acclaimed Malayalam and Tamil movies too. I am open to doing good films in any language, but my dance should not suffer. At the most, I may do one or two films a year.
Your flexibility as a dancer and fabulous dance moves remain a talking point. What’s the secret?
I decided at an early age that dance was my first love and worked extremely hard. For the first 10 years as a performer, I would practise for about eight hours every day, starting at 5 am. Even today, I practise extensively. Also, my training in martial arts has helped. My mother deserves a lot of credit for where I am today.
Are you open to doing a dance reality show?
I am not sure. Doing Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 was a fantastic experience and it helped showcase my talent to the masses.
You dropped out of school at nine, and had an unconventional upbringing.
It wasn’t easy. But I have no regrets, as I chose this life. Also, I didn’t have to look far for inspiration. My parents allowed me and my brother to take independent decisions, although we were so young.
Why aren’t you active on social networking sites?
I think I am too old-fashioned! Somehow, I haven’t been able to get on to it.
A lot was written about your personal life (her relationship and break-up with Zaheer Khan) in the past. Was it difficult to handle?
A celebrity’s personal life is always under scrutiny, but I felt bad for my family because it wasn’t easy for them to handle that situation. Any plans of tying the knot in the future? No, marriage is definitely not on the cards in the near future.
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