Shibani Dandekar virtually grew up on stage. Proficient in both Western & Indian styles of song & dance, this fiery performer learned the ropes of the industry whilst in the spotlight on Australia’s grandest stages, including the world renowned Sydney Opera House.
Shibani relocated to New York, where she quickly made a name for herself hosting 3 nationally syndicated TV shows – ‘Namaste America’, ‘V Desi’ & ‘AVS’ (Asian Variety Show). In this role, she introduced Bollywood’s biggest stars to American audiences and also hosted ‘An Evening With Shah Rukh Khan in Atlantic City’
Check out her spectacular journey to becoming a Stage Diva, in her interview with Ms. Namita Nayyar, President, Women Fitness Org.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
At the beginning of your career, you relocated to New York, where you hosted 3 nationally syndicated TV shows – ‘Namaste America’, ‘V Desi’ & ‘AVS’ (Asian Variety Show). Soon after you shifted your base to India, and since then have been doing exceptionally great work. Share with us your incredible journey of making a mark in the entertainment industry?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
Wow how long do I have?!! I basically spent my 20’s really struggling to see if I had a career in entertainment .. it is strange, but without sounding negative, I never really thought there was a chance for it.. both my hosting opportunities in America and India happened purely by chance because on both occasions people encouraged me to audition and I resisted a little but then just went for it and here I am today! After the first show in India, the hustler in me kicked in and things went into overdrive and I’ve spent years just trying to do as much as I can and honestly I’ve never been more fulfilled or happy… creating and building a career and watching something grow excites me… it isn’t about the money or fame it is the reward of sheer hard work!
FULL INTERVIEW ON NEXT PAGE!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2017 Women Fitness Org
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Introduce us to a day in your life.
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
When I’m shooting I’m on set at location the whole day so that’s that… on a day off the day begins with a workout always followed by a good breakfast which is always healthy.. meetings, more meetings, work calls, some ideating, figuring out what I want to do next work wise and making it happen and of course social media time as well.. other than that maybe a massage or hair appointment or all those things we need to do to stay looking our best…. then couch and netflix – best!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
Some crossfit usually
- burpees
- wall ball squats
- lunges
- deadlifts
- pull ups
- man makers
- sit ups
- weighted squats
- bench press … the usual
good circuit that caters to everything and mix it up on different days.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Tell us about the food/meal routine that you follow to remain healthy and physically fit?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
I am mainly a meat veg kind of girl with some brown rice and quinoa thrown in… almond and coconut flour is good.. lots of avocado, love berries, salmon and chicken, mixed nuts and lots of water and coconut water and vegan protein.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
How would you explain the role of exercise in leading a fit & healthy lifestyle?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
For me it is imperative…. to work the hours I do I need my body to not just aesthetically look a certain way but also feel great so being healthy isn’t a lifestyle choice for me it IS LIFE.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What is your skincare and haircare routine like? Tell us your Top 5 Favorite Beauty Products.
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
I use all kerastase products in my hair and get regular cuts and spas .. I love using Ouai hair oil on my days off.
I use peter thomas roth cleansers (moor, rose, hydrating) and face masks (aloe, rose, pumpkin, gold) and hydrating serum as well.. they are amazing.
- kora oil
- la mer cream
- kama rose water
- peter thomas mud mask
- papaya ointment dr lucas
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You recently participated as a contestant in Khatron Ke Khiladi. Share with us your experience doing the show?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
Always great to do something that is a once in a lifetime opportunity… I’m an adventure junkie so the journey was exciting and scary at the same time but definitely something I enjoyed doing.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have hosted many shows and events, with your most recent performance in The Stage. What according to you are the most important things to keep in mind while hosting a show?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
Be yourself always … when hosting you aren’t an actor you are yourself so bringing that flava to what you do is important… keep the subject in mind or the genre of the show rather and then work it accordingly but always do you.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Would you like to tell us about the changing scenario of fitness in our country over the years?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
We have a long way to go but it is getting there .. when I travel to London I see so many new forms of exercise on the rise and would love to see more opportunities like that here .. People are definitely starting to take an active interest in their health and fitness so seeing new classes and organic healthy food options in the market is great.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What effect do you think does social media have in our entertainment industry?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
As much as you let it have … I think we blame social media rather than our involvement in it … be a part of it if you want to and learn to disconnect … everything in life is about moderation … social media is another publicity tool in the entertainment industry … use it to your advantage and be mindful when using it that’s all … it isn’t evil! haha
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding anchors and actresses who all are your fans, they shall like to know from you, what they should do for their climb to ladder of success in this field?
Ms. Shibani Dandekar:
Be yourself always, understand what your limits and work on areas that need improvement…know what you have to offer and bring to the table and stay grounded, always work really hard and remember that you are never irreplaceable and finally just put your head down and get the work done and smile through it all .. be grateful for every small step and hurdle along the way … they will teach you so much… always help others especially once you get to a position where you can …I read something really great that Miranda Lambert said – when you reach the top give the woman behind you a hand ….YES
Always be humble …Always!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
What do you wish to say about the website Womenfitness.org and message for our visitors?
MS. Shibani Dandekar:
Keep on inspiring and supporting each other because that’s really all we need … it is really so simple to be kind and caring and a platform that allows us to share and be there for each other is one of the best in my books ❤
Follow her on:
- http://shibanidandekar.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/shibanidandekar/
- https://www.facebook.com/shibanidandekarofficialfanpage/
- https://twitter.com/shibanidandekar
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2017 Women Fitness Org