Parineeti Chopra at UTV STAR WalK of The StarS

A host of Bollywood actresses would be happy doing song-and-dance sequences and running around trees with big stars but Parineeti Chopra says she is not one of them. In an exclusive interview with us, the actor clearly states she does not want to be part of that herd. She talks about why she hasn’t been seen on screen after Ishaqzaade (2012), her upcoming projects, and explains how she has been a busy bee lately.

Reports suggested you didn’t find work after Ishaqzaade?
Not really. I shot Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011) and Ishaqzaade back-to-back, so they released very quickly. After Ishaqzaade, I signed my next films. But it will be a while before they come out. It’s not like I have been in Bollywood for four years and haven’t worked for two. Within five months, I have done two films. So, I don’t think I have been sitting idle at all.

Why didn’t you sign more films ?I don’t want to do it in a hurry. I have been offered so many films and they might be great for an actor commercially, but my personal belief is to invest my time in projects that I will be proud of. I don’t want to do a film that will get me money and has a huge star cast and a big director. I want to do films where I have a lot to do.

And have you found such roles yet?
Yes, Maneesh Sharma’s (director of Band Baaja Baaraat, 2010)  film is one of those projects in which I have an outstanding role. I also have two more films in which I am not just a showpiece.

Was waiting for Maneesh to get well from his back injury a frustrating experience?
Not at all! I am a very patient person. I always knew that I have a great role and a script in hand. I never thought, ‘Oh no, I don’t have anything to do for three months.’ I only saw it as more time to prepare for my part.

How do you choose your roles?I don’t want to do a film in which I only get to dance or do a couple of songs. I really want meaty roles.

Does it hurt when people say you have no work?
It’s unfair to say that I have no work in hand. I have signed five brand endorsements and have been busy shooting for them. I don’t think any newcomer has that as many brands in their kitty. I am the youngest entrant in Bolly-wood after Alia Bhatt. Why is there so much hullabaloo about me having no work?”