Veteran actress Shilpa Shirodkar, who charmed audiences in the late ’80s and ’90s with films like Hum, Kishen Kanhaiya, and Khuda Gawah, has opened up about her unexpected but inspiring life journey — from stardom to starting afresh in a foreign land. In a candid conversation on Gauahar Khan’s podcast “MaaaNoranjan”, Shilpa shared her life’s rollercoaster ride from the limelight to hairdressing, and eventually, to the corporate world in New Zealand.
In This Article:
From Silver Screen to Salon Chairs
After marrying banker Aparesh Ranjit, Shilpa moved first to the Netherlands and then to New Zealand, where she sought a sense of purpose beyond acting.
“To keep myself busy, I did a hairdressing course in New Zealand. It felt connected to acting — with makeup and beauty and all that,”
she revealed.
- She worked at a salon for two months
- Quit due to long hours that clashed with her early marital life
This chapter, though brief, became a stepping stone for what came next.
Entering the Corporate World — Without a Degree
Despite having no formal education beyond SSC (10th grade) or corporate experience, Shilpa made a brave pivot.
“I told my husband, ‘Make my resume.’ I just said — don’t lie. Just put I’m an SSC fail and include my film work.”
- Her honesty worked — she landed two job offers in a day
- Took up a job as a Credit Controller at Dun & Bradstreet
Her move into the corporate sector was both bold and unorthodox — and incredibly successful.
A Life-Changing Pregnancy
Soon after settling into her new job, Shilpa discovered she was pregnant, after feeling unusually fatigued.
- Faced complications requiring insulin injections
- Struggled with weight gain and health issues
- Gave birth to her daughter Anushka, which shifted her life focus entirely to motherhood
A Triumphant Return with Bigg Boss 18
After years away from the spotlight, Shilpa returned on Bigg Boss 18, where she appeared alongside:
- Vivian Dsena
- Karan Veer Mehra
- Nyra Banerjee
- Chum Darang
- Muskan Bamne
- Alice Kaushik
The show reintroduced her to a new generation, proving that comebacks are always possible — on one’s own terms.
Final Word
Shilpa Shirodkar’s life story is not just about changing careers — it’s about the courage to reinvent oneself with grace, honesty, and resilience. From hair salons to spreadsheets, and then reality TV — her journey reflects the ever-evolving roles of women, beyond what the public sees.
By – Nikita