As the new year unfolds, actor Shalini Pandey is radiating optimism, with a slate of exciting projects and a profound perspective on life, career, and self-care. In an exclusive conversation, the 32-year-old star, known for her work across Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, opens up about her professional roadmap for 2026, her grounded approach to wellness, and her refreshing take on navigating the film industry.
A Promising 2026: Films, Series, and Canine Love
Shalini Pandey's calendar for the coming year is packed with diverse roles. She is eagerly awaiting the January release of her film 'Rahu Ketu' and the new Amazon series 'Bandwaale'. Furthermore, she is set to commence work on two new film projects, making 2026 a significant year for her filmography. "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," she shared.
Beyond the glitz of promotions and film sets, Pandey finds her greatest joy in the simple comfort of home, spending quality time with her two dogs. "I will happily give them all my time," she admits, highlighting a personal life centred around genuine connections.
On Nepotism, Authenticity, and Finding Her Space
Hailing from Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, and making her way to the screen via theatre, Shalini brings an outsider's viewpoint to the perennial nepotism debate. She acknowledges its existence but firmly believes in the ultimate power of merit. "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," she stated, emphasising that relevance is earned through performance.
Her thoughts on women claiming their space are equally candid. "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," she reflected. She applauds the modern woman's unapologetic stance and stresses the importance of self-worth and championing other women.
The Pillars of Wellness: Balance, Strength, and Mental Peace
When it comes to health and fitness, Shalini Pandey's philosophy is rooted in harmony and listening to her body.
Diet: Nourishment Over Deprivation
She does not follow restrictive diets like intermittent fasting. Instead, she prioritises balance. "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," she explained. Her favourite comfort food remains her mother's dal chawal, though she also enjoys pasta, pizza, and Japanese cuisine.
Fitness: Empowerment Through Strength
Her fitness regimen is a mix of strength training, yoga, and functional workouts. She has shifted her focus from aesthetics to capability. "Honestly, when you look at fitness as something that is about feeling strong, not just looking a certain way, it really changes everything. There's something empowering about feeling capable in your own body," she noted, adding that exercise benefits her mental health profoundly.
Mental Health and Ageing Gracefully
For mental well-being, she practices daily check-ins with herself and values a strong support system. This grounded approach extends to her view on ageing, which she sees as a gift. "Ageing is a privilege. It means you're living, learning, evolving," she said, quoting her mother's advice: "It's best to age with honesty, not anxiety." On cosmetic procedures, she believes it's a personal choice that should stem from self-love, not external pressure.
Inspirations and Life's Simple Glows
Shalini draws inspiration from authentic and resilient women. Her mother tops the list, followed by stalwarts like Shabana Azmi, Nita Ambani for her cultural vision with NMACC, journalist Faye D'Souza, and media executive Jyoti Deshpande.
Her secret to glowing skin is refreshingly simple: "Sleep, hydration and consistency." She also credits peace of mind, which comes from having good people and pets around.
As she strides into 2026, Shalini Pandey embodies a blend of professional ambition and personal contentment. Her journey from a small city to pan-Indian cinema, coupled with her balanced outlook on life's challenges and joys, offers a relatable and inspiring narrative for her fans and aspiring artists alike.
