National, June 26, 2025: Stardom doesn’t age, it evolves. And few embody that evolution like Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who is undeniably one of India’s most enduring stars. Gracing the cover of Femina’s June-July 2025 issue, the actor reflects on three decades of reinvention, on screen, off screen, and everywhere in between.
With an illustrious career spanning over 30 years, the multihyphenate has not only defied being labelled, but has also continually redefined what it means to live with purpose, balance, and unapologetic authenticity. From being the poster girl of the ’90s to now effortlessly juggling OTT stardom, wellness entrepreneurship, and motherhood, Shilpa proves that staying relevant isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about knowing when to pivot and when to pause.
The Cover Story captures the many avatars of Shilpa – the quintessential Bollywood actress, the wellness evangelist, the mother of two, and the ever-evolving woman who refuses to be boxed in. With the kind of clarity that only comes with experience, Shilpa revisits her bold choices in this deeply reflective and refreshingly honest conversation, be it championing yoga before it was cool, embracing motherhood on her own terms, or defying ageism with grace and grit.
From her breakout debut in Baazigar to her latest stint as a cop in Indian Police Force, Shilpa has moved through the decades with clarity and conviction. Her fitness philosophy and yoga advocacy have inspired millions. “I believe in balance,” she says. “That comes from my belief in yoga. Anything done with too much intensity ends up creating pressure. Balance is key.”
She fondly recalls her early years in the industry. “The ’90s were gold,” she says. “People were less judgemental. There wasn’t social media, so we could live a little more. The camaraderie on set with the actors, no monitors, no constant worrying about the camera – all of that helped me be who I was. It gave me the space to make mistakes and still grow.”
Speaking about self-worth, Shilpa states, “We all have that one piece of clothing that has seen the years with us. I am that… that piece of old cloth. I am basically gold.”
In a heartfelt reflection, Shilpa speaks about her evolving priorities after motherhood and the kind of roles she now chooses to embrace. “My priority now is to be fully present, whether I’m at work or just being a mom. I’ve explored so many roles already… I want to do things that excite me as an actor and make it worthwhile for me as a mom to leave my kids behind.” She adds, “I wanted my son to see me as a warrior, not just a mom.”
In her trademark candidness, Shilpa addresses a myth she wishes every Indian woman would unlearn: “That you get old. Enjoy the process of ageing well. It’s not about denying time, but about commanding it – mind and body in concert. It’s always mind over body… It’s your mind that will get your body into shape.”
Explore the many avatars of Shilpa Shetty Kundra – from actor and entrepreneur to wellness advocate and mother – in Femina’s June-July 2025 issue.