TOI:Shilpa Shinde: Bhabhiji was the best thing to happen to me!!

When in Rajasthan, do as Rajasthanis do. So when Shilpa Shinde, who became a household name as Angoori Bhabhi from Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain, was in Jaipur recently, she didn't miss a chance to gorge on her favourite Rajasthani thali. She told us, "I am a hardcore non-vegetarian, but I love the traditional Rajasthani thali. I made the most of this opportunity by ordering my favourite Rajasthani thali that had dal baati churma along with other local delicacies. Back in Mumbai, you don't get the same taste."

Shinde has been to Jaipur earlier with her friends and family. She has also been to Ranthambore where she was lucky enough to spot a few tigers. "I like Jaipur a lot. It's a very cultured and colourful city."

"This time it was a very short trip; I didn't get much time to shop," she said. Shinde, who had a fall out with the producers of Bhabhi Ji..., said that she might not do TV anymore, considering the amount of bitterness she has been through. "The show was the best thing that happened to me; I got so much recognition. But I was not happy with the producer's behaviour. I still haven't received my full payment, which is very unprofessional on their part. I am not interested in TV anymore. I am focusing on films and I am reading a few scripts as well," she said.

Isn't she skeptical that she might not get accepted in films since people still remember her as Bhabhiji? She said, "It's important for an actor to show his/her versatility to avoid getting typecast. Before Bhabhiji..., I have done various other TV shows. But agar aap Dilwale ke Shah Rukh ko Dilwale ke Shah Rukh Khan ki nazar se hi dekhoge, toh kaise kaam chalega? It's important for the audience to accept an actor in other roles too."

When quizzed if she is open to doing reality shows, Shinde said, "No," adding, "I am not a reality show kind of a person. I like to keep my personal life to me only. I was offered Bigg Boss and Jhalak Dhikhhla Jaa, but I said no to them. Reality shows are not my cup of tea."

The show was the best thing that happened to me; I got so much recognition. But I was not happy with the producer's behaviour. I am not interested in TV anymore. I am focusing on films and reading a few scripts as well... It's important for an actor to show his/her versatility to avoid getting typecast. Before Bhabhiji..., I have done various other TV shows as well.