From her early years to her successful career in the Telugu media industry, celebrated anchor Shilpa Chakraborty, in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, opens up about her profound connection to Hyderabad, how Hyderabad has shaped her journey, offering warmth, opportunities and more
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Hyderabad is a city that effortlessly blends tradition and modernity, making it a place like no other. Its rich cultural heritage, reflected in the majestic Charminar and sprawling Chowmahalla Palace, coexists with its thriving IT hubs and bustling urban lifestyle. What makes Hyderabad truly special, however, is its people—their warmth, hospitality and resilience create an atmosphere of belonging for anyone who steps into the city. The aroma of iconic biryani wafting through old bazaars, the serene beauty of Hussain Sagar Lake and the vibrant festivals celebrated with unity add to its undeniable charm. Hyderabad isn’t just a city; it’s an emotion—a harmonious blend of history, culture and progress that invites you to fall in love with it every day.
For the celebrated anchor Shilpa Chakraborty, Hyderabad is not just a city; it is home, a sanctuary of love, warmth and opportunities. In a candid conversation, she delves into her journey of embracing Hyderabad as her own, the transformations she has witnessed over the years and the deep connection she feels with the people, culture and charm of the city.
Shilpa’s association with Hyderabad began during her formative years. Her parents, both working in the Indian Railways, were frequently transferred, and Hyderabad became their final destination when Shilpa was in the 6th standard. She recalls the moment vividly. “My father was transferred here first, followed by my mother. At that time, my brother was preparing for his board exams, so settling down here made sense for the family,” she shares. Since the early 1990s, Hyderabad has been her permanent home.
Though originally from Kolkata, Shilpa doesn’t identify as a Bengali and feels more connected to Hyderabad than her native city. “Whenever I visit Kolkata, I love being with my people and my house there. But the warmth and hospitality I receive in Hyderabad are unmatched,” she reflects. For Shilpa, Hyderabad is not just where she lives—it is where she thrives.
The sense of belonging Shilpa has cultivated in Hyderabad stems from her close connections with the city’s people. “Being around people who know you and like you makes all the difference. I have built lifelong friendships here, especially since I’ve been here since my schooling days. My deepest relationships and strongest bonds are from Hyderabad,” she says with pride.
When asked about the differences between Hyderabad and Kolkata, Shilpa points to the city’s cleanliness and its evolving cosmopolitan vibe. “Hyderabad is very clean compared to Kolkata. Over the years, it has developed a metropolitan culture with people from different states making it their home. This change has brought a sense of dynamism to the city,” she notes. Despite this, her love for Hyderabad has only grown stronger.
She acknowledges the changes Hyderabad has undergone over the years. She fondly remembers the peaceful roads and pleasant weather of the 1990s. “The roads were much less crowded and the climate was consistently pleasant throughout the year. Now, traffic is everywhere, and the city is much busier,” she observes. Despite these challenges, she believes Hyderabad still retains its charm.
Professionally, Hyderabad played a pivotal role in Shilpa’s career as she transitioned into the Telugu media industry as a Bengali. Learning Telugu was one of the biggest challenges she faced, but the city and its people were incredibly supportive. “Hyderabadis were very helpful. They taught me the language, corrected my mistakes and accepted me with all my flaws,” she recounts. Today, she speaks fluent Telugu and attributes her success to the encouragement she received from the community.
Her love for Hyderabad is also deeply personal. It is where she found her life partner, a Telugu and where she embraced the local culture wholeheartedly. “I adore Telugu cuisine. Being married into a Telugu family, I’ve learned to cook traditional dishes and appreciate the unique flavours of South Indian food. Beyond that, I admire the people here. They may fight or argue, but they move on quickly and maintain their relationships. That’s a beautiful attitude,” she shares.
However, there are aspects of the city she finds challenging, particularly the traffic congestion. “The traffic demotivates me to step out at times, especially during working hours,” she admits. Despite this, her love for Hyderabad remains unwavering.
For Shilpa, Hyderabad is much more than a city—it is the foundation of her life. “I had opportunities to move to the US or settle in Kolkata, but I refused. Hyderabad is my home. I had my children here, built my career here, and created a life I love. This city means everything to me,” she says with conviction.
As she reflects on her journey, her deep bond with Hyderabad shines through. It is a city that welcomed her with open arms, nurtured her dreams, and gave her a sense of belonging that no other place could. For her, Hyderabad is not just a place on the map—it is a testament to a life well-lived, full of love, warmth and endless possibilities.
