'Did several movies to entertain men, but one show changed my life '

Actress Shakeela, the yesteryear heartthrob who thrived in B-grade movies, has now opened up about her fall in popularity over the years. Shakeela said her story was in total contrast to former adult performer Sunny Leone, who still commands acceptance and star value in public.

“During my time in B-grade movies, there was no social media. Nobody knew me in real and my private life remained untapped by the media. Today, people are aware of Sunny Leone, her family, work, future projects and even her posh apartment in Mumbai and her childhood in Canada. She is thus celebrated, and there is no wrong in it. This is due to the wide range of social media access.

My movies were simply a relief and entertainment for men. Recently, I did a reality show, ‘Cook with Comali’ in Tamil. It changed the perception that the public had of me. Now everywhere I go, people address me as ‘Amma’ and ‘Mummy’. That is the love I get from the public now. Earlier, it was not the same.

I had several affairs in my life. When in love, I will be sincere and will focus only on that person. However, relationships were not toxic in my life. If my partner and I think it is over, we split with mutual consent. My ex-boyfriends and their wives often visit my house.”