It's been a good few years for Priyanka Chopra. With superhits like ‘Mary Kom’, ‘Barfi’, and ‘Krrish-3’ she's riding on a high wave and doesn't seem to want to come down. And why should she! She spoke to us about the highs and lows of her journey in tinsel town. Some excerpts
You are endorsing so many brands...
Yes. It feels good to be a brand ambassador of so many international prestigious brands. It’s not only the money but the extensive exposure one gets which is very satisfying.
You seem to have had a very rocking year in 2014...
Yes. The success of ‘Mary Kom’ really spurred me and as I had put in meticulous efforts to play the celebrated boxer. It was all the more satisfying that the paying public appreciated my efforts and I am thankful to my fans who also loved me in 'Krrish- 3', though it was a small role.
The trend of ‘women-centric’ films has caught on of late. What's your take on this?
It’s wonderful because earlier it was all-male and the women were mere props. But today, after the success of films like ‘Kahani’, ‘Queen’, ‘Dirty Picture’, ‘Mary Kom’, there has been a paradigm shift in the writing of author-backed women characters in Hindi films. It’s definitely a progressive trend.
What do you feel about the brutal atrocities on women that are making headlines today?
It is indeed sad because women are not just sex-objects; they should be given the respect they deserve . It should come from within and no one can teach anyone how to respect women. The citizens should transform themselves from within. New stringent laws with punitive deterrents should be made to protect women.
What about your personal life?
I am all for my career right now. I am concentrating on my work. I went through a low phase when my Father passed away. But today my mom and I have come more closer. My brother has finished his higher education and we are planning to get him married.
How has your health been? You were recently unwell, how are you now?
Hmm, yes. I had a bout of flu and the doctors had advised me to rest since I was a bit overworked and was tired. I will try to make my work less stressful. Now I am hale and hearty and raring to go.
What do you think of your various cousin-sisters getting into films?
I am happy for the success that Pariniti is getting. She is being well appreciated and I am her guardian angel. My other sister Manara who has just been launched also has made a good impression. I am happy for her. My other cousin sister Meera, who is a big success down South, will soon make her Hindi film debut. I am happy for her and wish her luck.
You are planning to get into production?
Yes, I will soon be starting my ambitious home-production 'Madamjee' directed by Madhur Bhandarkar. It is about an item-girl getting dragged into politics and becoming a top political-leader. I will be playing 'Madamjee' and the rest of the cast will be announced soon.
Are you taking your singing career seriously right now?
Of course. My English song is a chartbuster and I am planning to sing for Hindi films too.
What are your forthcoming films?
I have Zoya Akhtar’s ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ coming up which is set on a cruise liner. it was great fun to work with Zoya and the ensemble cast. I am also shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s historical magnum opus ‘Bajirao Mastani’ which is on the verge of completion. I am in talks with other producers too for a few films. I am happy with the way my career is progressing.
Will you promote your brands in your production?
It’s too early to say. But I am sure I will try to endorse my brands in my film too.
The enterprising Priyanka Chopra seems all set to scale greater heights!