Shalini Pandey on her 2026 career outlook, nepotism, diet, and why ageing is a privilege: ‘My body responds best to balance’

Actor Shalini Pandey, 32, is excited about 2026, as she looks forward to the release of her new films and to doing more meaningful work. “I think one of the biggest learnings for me in 2025 is that life doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. So I just want to focus on my work and give it my best,” Shalini told indianexpress.com in an exclusive interview.

Making her way into theatre and then films from a small city like Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Shalini has worked in the Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi film industries. Shedding light on the ongoing nepotism debate, she expressed how it is all about good work that makes one relevant. “Nepotism may help you get a footing in the door, once maybe twice. But then the work has to speak, for which there is no shortcut. The audience ultimately decides.”

Apart from films and promotions, the Rahu Ketu actor looks forward to spending all her time with her two dogs. Between life and movies, she shares with us her daily routine, lifestyle, diet, and more. Excerpts: Q: What’s keeping you busy these days?

Shalini: Work, mostly, and I’m grateful for it. I have Rahu Ketu up for release in January, and there’s also the Amazon series Bandwaale releasing in the new year. Then I will be starting my two new films. So 2026 is already looking exciting. But honestly, the one thing I love most apart from being on set and promoting the work is being home with my two dogs. I will happily give them all my time.

Q: Tell us about your diet. Do you follow intermittent fasting or any eating patterns?

Shalini: I’ve learned that my body responds best to balance. I eat clean most days, lots of home food, vegetables, and protein. But I don’t deprive myself. Food should nourish you, not stress you out.

Q: What’s your fitness routine?

Shalini: Honestly, when you look at fitness as something that is about feeling strong, not just looking a certain way, it really changes everything. I do a mix of strength training, yoga, and functional workouts. I realised that working out has helped me both physically and mentally. There’s something empowering about feeling capable in your own body.

Q: What’s a typical day in your life like?

Shalini: If I’m shooting, my day starts early and ends late. If not, it’s much slower, and I normally love lazing around at home with my dogs. I try to keep my days grounded, no matter how chaotic work gets.

Q: Is there any rituals you follow to keep your mental health in good shape?

Shalini: I’ve learned the importance of checking in with myself and having a strong support system around me. I personally think mental health isn’t something you fix once, it’s an everyday practice.

Q: If not an actor, you would be… and why?

Shalini: A dog walker (laughing)…  No, but honestly, an actor over and over again. The ability to live and be so many characters is empowering. The ability to bring about the smallest of changes is humbling. I love and enjoy every part of it.

Q: Do you call yourself a foodie?

Shalini: I don’t, but everyone else around seems to call me one. I love good food, especially simple, soulful food.

Q: Tell us about your favourite foods… and one memory associated with each?

Shalini: My mom’s dal chawal any day. It’s comforting. If I have to go all out, then maybe a nice pasta or pizza. I also love Japanese food.

Shalini: Ageing is a privilege. It means you’re living, learning, evolving. My mother always told me, It’s best to age with honesty, not anxiety.

Q: Do you think women today are owning their place in a world dominated by men?

Shalini: I think our first problem is that we keep acknowledging that it is a male-dominated world. We draw lines ourselves, so then we end up having to break them. There’s still a long way to go, but women today are speaking up, setting boundaries, and claiming space unapologetically and that matters. I think self-worth plays a huge role in this. It’s important to take pride in your own work and also champion other women who are putting in their best.

Q: Are you a proponent of cosmetic procedures?

Shalini: It’s a personal choice. No one should be judged either way. What matters is that the decision comes from self-love and not pressure.

Shalini: My mother, for one. Also, women who are authentic, resilient, and kind. Like Shabana Azmi Ma’am, and like Nita Ambani, who had the vision to set up the gorgeous NMACC to give the city a cultural centre. There’s Faye, whom I adore for her journalistic candour, and Jyoti Deshpande, who champions a major film studio that delivers both commercial and artistic works. There are so many such women.

Q: What does love mean to you and why?

Shalini: Funnily enough, I keep revisiting this question. Love for me is being seen, accepted, and supported, especially on the days you don’t have it all together. It is not one colour or emotion.

Q: Are you big time into makeup?

Shalini: On days I have to shoot, yes. I enjoy makeup as a form of expression, but I’m equally comfortable without it.

Q: What’s your secret to glowing skin?

Shalini: Sleep, hydration and consistency. Most importantly, having good people and your pets around you is for peace of mind.

Q: What’s your advice to people who look up to you?

Shalini: Be gentle with yourself, and don’t let comparison steal your joy.

Q: Give us a glimpse into your family… and how do you like to spend time with them?

Shalini: In Mumbai, it’s usually my dogs and me. When a major missing happens, my parents and sister visit me and comfort me. They are my rock. Moments with them recharge me the most.