Name: Reshma Shetty
Age: “Old enough to know not to tell you!”
Occupation: Actress, currently playing Divya on USA’s Royal Pains
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Who’s your favorite New Yorker, living or dead, real or fictional?
Maria Callas. She lived quite an extraordinary and passionate life.
What’s the best meal you’ve eaten in New York?
Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar, in the East Village, one of the most stupendously stunning gastronomical experiences I have ever had! Quite an endorsement, but it was quite a meal!
In one sentence, what do you actually do all day in your job?
I spend the day practicing my craft with talented actors who also happen to be my friends.
Would you still live here on a $35,000 salary?
I have lived here making less than that!
What’s the last thing you saw on Broadway?
Neil LaBute’s Reasons to Be Pretty. It was opening night, and it was brilliant! Raw, full of power, honesty, and sadness. The perfect Broadway emotional blend.
Do you give money to panhandlers?
I tend to give food. To really talented musicians, I do give money. By the by, there is an excellent opera singer at the 53rd Street 6/E stop!
What’s your drink?
Vodka and soda when I am on a diet, and Cosmos when I do not care. :)
How often do you prepare your own meals?
Hmmm. Not often anymore. I am a Whole Foods deli-counter addict!
What’s your favorite medication?
I only take Advil. And multivitamins. Sorry to be boring.
What’s hanging above your sofa?
A Jack Vettriano painting … print, of course.
How much is too much to spend on a haircut?
When I was in college, I spent $9 on my haircuts. I have become a little more high-maintenance lately, but over $200, I think, for a woman’s haircut is a bit much. That’s including tip. And including the New York surcharge!
When’s bedtime?
Depends on my morning call time. Today it’s 9 p.m., as I have to be awake at 4 a.m.
Which do you prefer, the old Times Square or the new Times Square?
Neither. Times Square is a lot of neon lights and then more neon lights.
What do you think of Donald Trump?
I think he is a very successful and intelligent man. He owns quite a lot of New York and the world. I think he is doing something right!
What do you hate most about living in New York?
The continuous construction on the subway lines … most recently the weekend A line. Anyone else agree?
Who is your mortal enemy?
Time.
When’s the last time you drove a car?
Last week. I drove Divya’s Mercedes SUV.
How has the economic downturn affected your life?
It has made me even more frugal and even more thankful for my job!
Times, Post, or Daily News?
I love the Times. The look of the paper in its crisp state at Starbucks in the early morning calls for you to buy it. Oh, and the content is not half bad either. :)
Where do you go to be alone?
I am not a fan of being alone, but I like unique, dimly lit coffee shops.
What makes someone a New Yorker?
A New Yorker is someone who can tell when a taxi driver is taking the longest route to your destination — and calls him out on it!
