Mumbai: Bollywood actress and television personality Shilpa Shetty has opened up about the women who have deeply influenced her life and career, while also paying an emotional tribute to her own mother for being her guiding force.
Currently seen as a judge on the dance reality show Super Dancer Chapter 5, Shilpa revealed that three legendary actresses – Helen, Rekha and Madhuri Dixit – have been enduring sources of inspiration throughout her artistic journey.
“There have always been three women in my life who have inspired me — Helen Ji, Rekha Ji, and Madhuri Dixit Ji,” Shilpa shared on the show.
Reflecting on their individual brilliance, Shilpa described Helen as an icon of elegance. “No matter what she wore or did, it never looked inappropriate. There was grace in everything about her,” she said.
On Rekha’s influence, Shilpa noted, “She could speak volumes just with her eyes. Her expressions and lip-sync were simply phenomenal.”
As for Madhuri Dixit, the actress credits her for shaping her love for dance. “I actually learned to dance by watching her videos. Every performance of hers has a touch of class. These three women have truly shaped my understanding of expression and performance,” she added.
Beyond her professional idols, Shilpa offered a heartfelt homage to her mother, Sunanda Shetty, for being her rock during the most formative years of her life.
“When I was 17, I was very naïve and didn’t know much. My mother travelled with me and supported me for nearly 10 years. She made my life her priority,” Shilpa recounted. “She was my mom-manager, my advisor, and my biggest critic. Whatever I am today is because of my mother.”
The actress, a mother herself, has also revealed that the new season of Super Dancer will spotlight the often-overlooked sacrifices and journeys of contestants’ mothers — a novel concept in dance reality television.
“Being a mother, I understand that while we women embrace multiple roles — as a wife, daughter, and sister — it is motherhood that truly defines our core. Our children become the very centre of our world,” she expressed.
She went on to say, “We often applaud the kids for their achievements, but their mothers deserve equal credit. On behalf of all children, I want to thank every mother out there, kyunki maa hi hoti hain bacchon ki safalta ke peeche ka asli sitara.”
With Shilpa Shetty, choreographer Geeta Kapoor, and dance master Marzi Pestonji returning to the judging panel, Super Dancer Chapter airs on Sony Entertainment Television and streams on SonyLIV.
