Shrima Rai, Aishwarya Rai's sister-in-law reported to www.pinkvilla.com that she and her husband Aditya Rai are expecting their first baby this November. She recently had a godh bharai ceremony.
Pinkvilla wishes Shrima a safe and happy delivery!
Here is an exclusive interview with her:
Pinkvilla.com: Where did you grow up? How would you describe your childhood?
Shrima:I was born in Mangalore India but we moved near Philadelphia ( USA) when I was about 5. I had a very normal childhood..both my parents were working and had wonderful careers in the field of Medical Science. My brother and I were always very close and there was a lot of fun family memories. My parents encouraged us to take in the American Lifestyle but never let us forget our Indian Roots. I studied in an all girls Catholic school for my early edu., literally taught by nuns and attended church but at the same time I spent Sundays studying the Bhagvad Gita! lol..so ..it was a very know you are at all times but open your mind to the world type of upbringing. :) Life was very comfortable and my parents supported my ambitions in whatever I did whether it was playing sports for the high school or studying Bharathnatyam. I would say I am def. a product of my environment.
Pinkvilla.com:How did you meet your husband Aditya Rai?
Shrima:Aditya and I met through mutual relatives of relatives. We met at a party and couldn't stop talking for hours ..we took a few months to know eachother..a year long engagement and then the grand traditional marriage. He's def. the one for me and has supported me through out.
Pinkvilla.com: How would you describe the Rai household?
Shrima: People assume it to be this very glamorous, filmy" type of atmosphere but it's the very opposite. It's your typical normal household with the usual comedy, drama and romance..
Pinkvilla.com: How would you describe your mother in law Vrinda rai?
Shrima:She's a very reserved but strong woman.
Pinkvilla.com: When your father-in-law Krishnaraj Rai was diagnosed with cancer how did the Rais cope with it?
Shrima:At the end of the day, people have to understand that we are all human and we all cope with something like an illness in the family the same way the rest of the world does. We pray, we stay strong and positive...
Pinkvilla.com:What prompted you to foray into the Mrs India pageant given that you are an investment banker?
Shrima: All though I am an Investment Banker a lot of my early years was spent in performing arts. So it was never a new" side of me that I was showcasing. I wanted to put my education to good use and meanwhile, after settling into my new life in Mumbai and adjusting to this new life..i just wanted to go back to doing what I loved. I found that because I was married I couldn't enter a lot of contests which was surprising. So I went on to enter the only contest in India for a married woman and gave it my best.
Pinkvilla.com:How has the Mrs India Pagent changed your life?
Shrima:It was an amazing experience and I had a wonderful time. I'm getting a little more attention than usual and I'm able to represent today's married woman who want to be in the glamour world in India. It was an honor to represent India in the Mrs. World contest and to bag the "most beautiful face" award as well.
Pinkvilla.com: Have you got any movie offers?
Shrima:I have but none that were very sound.
Pinkvilla.com:Who is your favorite bollywood actor and actress[excluding Aishwarya and the Bachchans]?
Shrima:I grew up watching and mimicking Madhuri Dixit and falling in love with Shah Rukh.
Pinkvilla.com:Are you open to doing movies in the south?
Shrima:Yes, of course. I have immense respect for the southern film industry and would love to work there.
Pinkvilla.com: What can one find in your makeup bag?
Shrima: Generally, I keep makeup to the minimum..Small tube of Clinque Oily skin Face wash, Anti-bacterial gel, Oil of Olay w/ sunscreen, Lancome Hypnose Mascara, Lancome Juicy Tube for lips. But if your going out then..MAC studio fix and Eyeliner too. And always a blush that doubles up as an eyeshadow!
Pinkvilla.com:One skin care tip you swear by?
Shrima:Fresh Veg Juice in the morning..spinach, cucumber..all greens. or All reds like carrot , beetroot, tomatoe. Trust me it doesn't taste as bad as it sounds. Just add a lil lime and ginger.
Pinkvilla.com:What's next in store for Shrima Rai?
Shrima:Honestly, i don't know! I'm just pursuing what makes me happy day by day
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