Actress Shubhangi Atre says that when it comes to knowing herself, she is very confident in her skin. She describes herself as a simple person with a clear understanding of what she wants.
“I would say my biggest USPs are my simplicity, childlike nature, and cheerfulness. I’m very straightforward, always curious, and a very positive, optimistic, and genuine person. It’s easy for me because I know myself very well. I don’t get confused; I know who I am and I stay true to that. I’m the same person I was when I first entered the industry: simple, a bit naive, and quick to trust people. I believe these are great qualities. My mother always told me, ‘Be strong, but don’t deceive anyone.’ So, even if someone tries to fool me, I stay straightforward. It doesn’t mean I let people take advantage of me all the time, but if someone wrongs me, it’s their loss. I just keep walking my honest and clear path. And it’s easy for me because I know myself very well,” she says.
She notes that she is guarded in some situations. “I am a private person. I definitely keep a filter on how much I share and where. Not everyone knows me well, and people might have their own perceptions, but I can’t open up to everyone. I have a very close circle, and I can only be very free with them,” she says.
She adds, “My close friends know how crazy and fun-loving I am. From a distance, it might not be obvious. Many people tell me I’m like a mirror—if I’m angry, happy, sad, upset, or irritated, it shows on my face. I don’t need to do anything alone to express these feelings. However, if I’m crying, I go into hibernation mode. When I cry, I completely isolate myself; that’s my very private time, and I can’t cry in front of others or show it off.”
Talking about seeking validation, she says, “I always ask my sisters, my mom, and my daughter Aashi for their opinions because they are my biggest critics. Their validation means a lot to me and has always had a positive impact on me. Besides that, I always follow my heart and never make decisions with just my head. I always listen to my heart.”
The actress adds that being in your comfort zone is important. “Our life is very long, so it’s not necessary to always keep struggling and avoiding your comfort zone. Life comes in phases. Sometimes you really need to be in your comfort zone to gather your energy. At times, stepping out of your comfort zone can make you very tired and mentally drained. It’s important to return to your comfort zone occasionally to recharge and rejuvenate. I think it depends on the phases of our life. Sometimes you should experiment and explore, and sometimes it’s okay to stay in your comfort zone.”
She continues, “There have been many incidents in my life where I stepped out of my comfort zone. The biggest one was when I moved from Pune to Mumbai. My daughter Aashi was just 11 months old, and leaving her behind was really tough. I used to stay at home and take care of Aashi, but suddenly, I entered this industry, and overnight, everything changed. Of course, stepping out of your comfort zone helps. If you want to achieve something, you have to leave your comfort zone. You should work hard, be ambitious, optimistic, and positive. Consistency is key.”
