Parineeti Chopra talked about next three years

It’s not every day that a Bollywood actress gets a special mention at the National Awards, especially when she is a newcomer. But Parineeti Chopra is not your average, everyday actress. She made her debut in an unconventional film, doesn’t look like the current crop of actresses (read stick thin) and is yet to play a femme fatale on screen. No item songs to her credit either. She’d done meaty roles in both her films. A performer, and she has awards to prove it. The newbie emerged from under the shadow of her famous cousin Priyanka Chopra, even before they could register that fact. A realist, Parineeti says, “You are as good as your last film.” Competitive but hard working, here the Ishaqzaade girl talks about her fundas for films, food and being fat!

Two films old and already awarded and applauded. What are you looking forward to now?
I don’t feel that I have achieved anything yet. There’s so much more to look forward to, many more films to be done. Right now I’m not even thinking in terms of accomplishment. I have a long way to go. Maybe two years later...

 

You had an unconventional debut, followed by an equally hatke role in Ishaqzaade. Ever wondered how it worked?

Yes, my debut in Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl wasn’t a leading role. I was told by many that it was a bad role to debut with. But I remember Adi (producer Aditya Chopra) telling me that no matter what the role, giving it your best and getting noticed for it is what makes it work. Even when I got Ishaqzaade, the idea was just to try and do a good job. And I did see myself move forward with it as an actor.

Has the criteria changed now?

No. The script rules. Apart from that I don’t follow any rules. I am even game for the conventional song-and-dance roles. I do try and not repeat what I have done before. I want to do different stuff. I have a really short attention span, so the idea is not to get bored. I haven’t chartered a big career graph for myself.

How much of your success do you attribute to luck and how much of it to hard work?

Every actor’s luck and hard work is always there, but nothing works if your audience doesn’t like you. So I would say, 100 per cent it can be attributed to the audience.

What are your strengths as an actress?

Well, I’m not influenced by anybody so my performances comes across as natural... But really, it’s too soon to think of my strengths. I can probably answer this after 10-15 films. Right now I am still testing waters.  Seeing what works best.

You have been likened to Kajol? In terms of acting, personality and body type. Agree?

Well, both Kajol and Rani are extremely spontaneous actors and more instinctive than rehearsed, so on that front yes I am similar. In fact they both are my absolute favourites.

What about sister, actor Priyanka Chopra?

She’s always family more than an actor. Yes, I love her work and she is undoubtedly one of the best actresses.

Describe yourself in three words...

Enthusiastic, honest and lazy.

Lazy?

Yes, I’m not athletic at all, not the sporting sorts, you know? The moment the pack up is announced, its food and bed for me. I’m damn lazy, and if it weren’t for films, I would be the fattest person around. But I don’t mind doing anything that’s required for a role. That’s my mantra: I’ll do anything for my films.

One person in the world you matters most to you?

It’s hard to name on single person. I mean there are  family, friends… but I am very close to my two younger brothers.

Is being a Yash Raj Films girl, in the long run, an advantage or a liability?

Well, I don’t look at it like that at all. They did launch me, but I am not bound to them. They give a lot of freedom, so I’m also working outside the banner, so there’s no question about it being a liability at all.

If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?

Definitely my metabolism! I wish I could eat as much as I want to and not put on weight like my sister.

What do the next three years look like?

Very busy. There’s Hasee toh Phasee and Shaad Ali’s Kill Dill.

Your take on competition?

Our generation is not competing with each other. Our only aim is only to get better with every role.

Good time for a new actor?

The best! The audience is ready to see new faces, new films. And they are making films with newcomers hits. It’s the best time not only for new actors, but also for directors, writers, and new talent.