Shriya Saran is now an entrepreneur. Along with her acting pursuits, she has taken the first step towards her dream of opening a chain of spas. She opened the doors of her first outlet at Lokhandwala in Andheri on Thursday.

Puraana fascination

With relaxing at a spa becoming one of the best ways to unwind, Saran hopes that her endeavour bears fruit. "This is something I was planning for a long time.

There was always this fascination to run a spa and I have achieved it. This is a small beginning, " said the Awaarapan and Mission Istaanbul actress, who's also seen in South films.

The socially aware star has employed visually impaired people as her staff. "This is something I had decided months ago.

During my student days in New Delhi, I used to often visit a blind school. I understand how important it is to provide them with livelihood options."

She added, "They are so eager to work. As I have just started, it will take time for things to settle in. They ask me why there aren't many clients as yet. They want work all the time. Their zest to work is to be seen to be believed."

The model-actress has her parents providing support at the spa. "They will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the spa, especially when I am away shooting."

The spa offers body, back, leg and head massages. And Saran was also the first to get a body massage!

Starry spa owners

Shilpa Shetty has been running a spa for the last two years with centres in Khar and Ghatkopar