In another place, at another time, model-writer-actress and one-time MTV veejay Shenaz Treasurywala would have been a successful photographer.
“But since there was more money in veejaying,” she stuck to her second love for a while and later moved on to hosting shows, travel writing and acting in films. “Whenever I find time I assist glamour photographer Dabboo Ratnani,” Shenaz said. With her infectious, baby girlish smile, Shenaz is also a compulsive traveller, bungee jumper, scuba diver and much more. Here are excerpts from an interview I did with her many moons ago.
What are you doing now?
Many things. Aside from hosting MTV shows, I am into photography and writing travel pieces for magazines like Man’s World. Everybody wants my articles on travel, but they don’t pay for it.
But then, you said you liked photography better.
Yes. Nature photography and photojournalism is something I love to do. But there’s not much scope for photography in India. And it does not pay much. Veejaying is still my bread and butter.
How long is your contract with MTV?
It gets renewed every year.
You are also a stylist, right?
Not really although I styled Malaika’s (Arora) funky look for Club MTV.
So what’s in and what’s out currently?
I don’t believe in all that. I think it’s all to do with aesthetics. You should wear something that you are comfortable in.
So who is Shenaz?
She is a Cancerian, a romantic and a gypsy who loves to travel all over the globe.
Which is your favourite destination?
Rome. It’s the most beautiful and romantic place.
And the romantic partner?
Not found one yet. Unfortunately.
What do you seek in your life partner?
He should be understanding, trustworthy and a friend you can lean your shoulder on. Opposites may attract, but at the end of it, you need somebody who shares the same interests and values.
What’s your age?
I will knock you on the head. It’s bad manners.
Okay, okay. Have people made fun of your nickname Treasuryvala?
Yes. They still ask what are my treasures; do I have lots of money and my standard line has been, ‘It was all over before I was born.’
I understand, you are a loner.
I’m not an introvert. But at times, I prefer to stay alone. In fact, I have traveled alone for months and months all around Europe. I am like a hippie. I don’t like crowds, which is contrary to what I do on MTV. But then, I have my moods when I don’t feel like speaking to anybody.
You like canoeing.
Yes. Specially in the backwaters of Kerala to get away from the crowds. But how do you know all this about me?
Journos know everything.
Good work.
So how do you like Bangalore?
I like the people and climate over here. It’s clean, green, young and smiling. I like the whole vibe of the place.
Given a chance, would you settle down in Bangalore?
I would like to. But then, I don’t think so. My gypsy nature doesn’t allow me to stay in a place for long. That’s why I left Singapore (she was then a production assistant with MTV) and came to Mumbai for work.
What’s your favourite drink?
I love red wine. Whenever I am in France, I am drunk on that.