Actress Emily Shah Talks Fitness & Movies!

Namita Nayyar (WF Team)

5 years ago

Emily Shah, 24-year-old Indian-American actress and daughter of famed Bollywood actor and director Prashant Shah, has made a name for herself as an actress and dancer internationally. A former Miss New Jersey in 2014 she is also the youngest contestant in the state’s history and the first Indian-American and the Miss USA pageant. Next up, Emily is set to star in the Indian film “Jungle Cry” which recently made its international debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Based on a true story, the film follows a young team of rugby players who grow up in the slums of India and made worldwide history after winning the 2007 Rugby Nations Cup in England. Emily plays the team’s physiotherapist and is also an Executive Producer on the film.

Women Fitness joins the stunning actress for an intriguing conversation!

Namita Nayyar:

Being daughter of famed Bollywood actor and director Prashant Shah, you made a name for your own self as an actress and dancer internationally. Your childhood must have played an instrumental role in the same. Share your childhood memory of being on the set and getting inspired?

Emily Shah:

My parents were always very forward thinking in the sense that they knew I wanted to pursue entertainment, and almost follow in my dad’s footsteps. They made a huge effort for me to be on set as much as I could and learn about production firsthand. My dad constantly asked that I sit in on meetings surrounded by people on the creative and business side of film. I remember once getting up for a 7 am meeting when I was 17, which led to getting a job working on the set of Jersey Boys alongside Clint Eastwood. Every meeting and every set I’ve ever been on has inspired the producer side of me as well as the awareness of production as an actor. Both my parents have helped place these important stepping stones in my journey.

Full interview is continued on next page

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Namita Nayyar:

As indicated you have always been passionate about dance and travel and theatre. How has that helped in your career? You all-time favorite movie, actor & actress?

Emily Shah:

Dancing and theatre gave me an adrenaline rush to be on stage and to perform, and I hope one day I have the opportunity to do so again. That experience prepared me mentally to be open to the unexpected while performing, even on camera. It gave me poise and confidence as well.

As for traveling, I have experienced and witnessed so many different people from various cultures and am still grasping how diverse one country or even a city within a country can be from one another. As an actor, traveling helps one understand how unique individuals can be.

Namita Nayyar:

Can you take us through a typical day in your hectic routine?

Emily Shah:

I usually hit the gym first thing in the morning. Whip up a healthy breakfast and then I’m out the door for meetings, auditions, or a shoot. My days in Los Angeles are typically packed so when I get back home in the evening, I like to relax, cook a delicious meal and binge on a show.

Namita Nayyar:

Unfold the exercises that comprise your fitness regime on a daily basis?

Emily Shah:

I love to shock my body with different types of workouts. I’ll throw in kickboxing, Pilates, hot yoga, and cycling every now and then. I work out 5-6 days a week and most of the days consist of strength training with weights and resistant bands and cardio by running or hiking. I love a good HIIT workout. I’ll try to incorporate that at least once or twice a week.

Namita Nayyar:

Healthy eating and nutrition go hand in hand with exercise. Enlist your 5 favorite breakfast picks? Foods you prefer to avoid.

Emily Shah:

My favorite breakfast foods are:

Açaí bowl topped with seeds and fruits
overnight oats topped with berries and nuts
avocado toast
South Indian breakfast – Masala Dosa
Gujarati Indian breakfast – Khakhra or Thepla with almond milk chai

I am a vegetarian. I avoid eggs, bacon, sausage and try to avoid butter.

Namita Nayyar:

With glowing skin and beautiful hair – Share with us your skincare and hair care tips?

Emily Shah:

I have learned that splurging on your skincare is essential but making sure that the products are as clean and pure as can be, is even more important. I try to research the brand before I indulge. Both my hair and skin rely on my diet so I try to avoid sugar, dairy, greasy and fatty foods and eat a bowl of greens/veggies and fruits, as well as healthy fats such as fish, avocados, and olive oil. I never skip my daily vitamins either. I’m also a big fan of masks. I usually do a face mask every day depending on what my skin needs (varies between brightening, moisturizing, enzyme peel, Korean sheet mask or deep pore cleansing). As for my hair, I will do a moisturizing, protein-filled hair mask or an Indian almond oil scalp treatment once a week.

Namita Nayyar:

As a teenager, you started working in local pageants, commercials, and print work for Indian American brands until winning Miss New Jersey in 2014. How has this journey been? Was it something that you always planned?

Emily Shah:

I’ll always have a connection to my Indian roots; I love working with Indian brands. I began hustling at a young age. I would take the train into the city at the age of 15 by myself and get to all my auditions after school. I learned to be fearless, independent and street smart. I am still the youngest Miss New Jersey USA to ever win, and I was the youngest at Miss USA, I definitely did not anticipate that.

I was competing against 27-year old’s with masters and doctorate degrees who had been in pageants for years. I’d been in Teen pageants but had never competed in a Miss Pageant. In fact, I didn’t even plan to compete in 2014. At the time I was in NYC, updating my acting headshots with Fadil Berisha (official photographer for the Miss Universe Organization). I had just graduated high school and was moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. It was the week of the pageant and he told me I should compete, which I just laughed off. He ended up submitting my headshot to the directors of the pageant and told me I didn’t have a choice but to compete. I got my evening gown on Tuesday, my swimsuit on Wednesday, my interview dress on Thursday and I competed on Friday. I had zero expectations, but I gave it my best effort and fortunately it paid off!

Namita Nayyar:

With cut-throat competition in the film industry, one has to work really hard to shine in the crowd. What are your 5 best tips for a new upcoming star in this industry?

Emily Shah:

Surround yourself with positive, inspiring people. They are essential, especially on your darker days.
Contribute one thing towards your career a day. Whether it’s working out, reading a script, watching a play, or taking a class. That energy you put out will always benefit.
Watch all films/series/plays. The good and the bad. Learning what you should avoid doing as an artist is as important as knowing what looks good.
Your mental health is so important and in order to have a successful career that lasts, one must have a healthy mindset. Make sure you are genuinely happy. If you’re struggling with that, do your best to dig deep and find what brings you Peace and Joy.
Never lower your standards. No job is important enough to forgo your dignity. Don’t let anyone take that from you.

Namita Nayyar:

You are a UNICEF, Autism Awareness, and Alicia Rose Victorious Foundation ambassador and proudly work with various charities and nonprofit organizations involved with cancer, people with disabilities, and underprivileged individuals. Share an unforgettable experience that left a mark in your life?

Emily Shah:

When I was working with ARVF during my year of Miss New Jersey USA, we threw a prom for the high school kids at a local hospital in NY. I did a few of the girls’ hair and makeup and I remember how special they felt. There was one girl who felt so left out due to her hair loss from chemo, so I gave her my crown to wear for the night. I’ll never forget the look on her face. That’s a memory I will always keep close to my heart.

Namita Nayyar:

Women Fitness works relentlessly with a goal to reach out to women all over the world providing them with best in health, fitness, nutrition, beauty & fashion. What do you wish to say about healthy living and fitness and its importance for women all over the world? Any advice or tips for those that struggle?

Emily Shah:

There are days where I even struggle with motivation to work out or cook a healthy meal, but I try to make a goal and a plan to achieve it. Know that your mind is more powerful than you think and if you remind yourself of these goals constantly, it’s hard to avoid the motivation. Going for a walk, doing a 30-minute workout, stretching/yoga are all ways to get up and move. Start off with some low intensity activities and work your way up. When I haven’t worked out in a while and must build my strength and stamina back up, I pace myself and that’s okay! Doing ONE thing a day is better than not doing anything. You got this!

Namita Nayyar:

When not on the sets were can we find you?

Emily Shah:

At the gym or on a plane, exploring the world. Working out is my therapy and traveling educates me. They are two things I couldn’t live without. On a few occasions, you’ll find me on my sofa, binging on my latest obsession. Life is a game of balance.

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