Exclusive : Parineeti Chopra | English Version

Rabu, 14 Agustus 2019 13:45:38 WIB Selebriti

To be able to work in Saina is my biggest achievement

Bolly.id - Parineeti Chopra has always carried the onus of being the most responsible, solid and dependable actress. Despite being the cousin sister of Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti followed a distinctly different path for herself-starting out with movies that were not the regular ones. Picking characters that challenged her and gave her the opportunity to pick offbeat roles in order to surprise her fans.

Till date, Parineeti has maintained such a strong presence of hers that she has never been compared with Priyanka. Both the sisters have done completely different movies, ads and have enjoyed an equal amount of attention.  No one ever heard about any news of catfight between them. Parineeti started out with more challenging roles in small-budget movies opposite actors who were not too big. In movies such as Ishaqzade, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl and Shudh Desi Romance and more, she came across as the girl-next-door far from the glamorous image adopted by the new age actresses trying to make a mark.  

But much to the surprise of naysayers, the presence of  Parineeti Chopra enthralled the audience with her unrehearsed ease in front of the camera. Ishaqzaade and Shuddh Desi Romance further positioned her as an actress with a new age vibe and an old-world sensibility. This interesting contrast made her the most favourite girl, which also helped her a distinct identity for herself.

After Meri Pyari Bindu, Parineeti withdrew herself a bit owing to her persistent depression. She made appearances in movies such as Golmaal Again, Namaste England and Kesari. These films could not make a mark in the market and Parineeti’s role was not touted as one of the best. She was not working throughout 2016. People wrote her off claiming that her career was finished. But, Parineeti bounced back despite her nagging mental issue. She got up and spoke about the problem which has been attacking several people, but not many come out in open to talk about the depression that she suffered from.

As she prepares to work in several movies now that holds promise. She will be seen in movies such as Jabariya Jodi opposite Siddharth Malhotra, Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar opposite Arjun Kapoor, Saina biopic on Saina Nehwal, Bhuj: The Pride of India and another interesting project with is based on Hollywood hit ‘A Girl On The Train’.  Looks like Parineeti is back in action and is ready to belt out movies that will bring her back in the new league.

Here is what she has to say about the kind of movies she wants to work in, her equation with cousin Priyanka, and her battle with depression.

Hi Parineeti, let’s begin with your emotional side. You did speak about your depression, and how did you work on it?

Yes, it was for one long year, I battled depression. My spirits were low, and I was completely down emotionally. The reasons were not known, but that was definitely the phase which was not working for me. My family, particularly my brother supported me hugely and worked hard on my temper. He knows me so well that he has a certain calming factor that he makes me wear. It was his efforts that made me sail through.

I decided to talk about it publically was because I want people to learn the real reasons for depression and why one should look at seeking clinical help. There were many students who are suffering from this problem but are not ready to take medical help. My advice to them is that they should come out to talk about the problem which needs medical help.

Besides your brother, did you have your industry friends helping you in fighting the depression?

During that phase, I couldn't think positively. I was also not connecting with anyone from the outside world. I needed only those who were close to me. My brothers, Shivang and Sehej, my best friends and my soulmates, took great care of me and so did my friend Sanjana. She is from my core list of friends and from the outside world.  They helped me realise my self-worth and regain confidence.

Latest we saw you in the film Kesari, which had a small role of yours?

Yes, there was a joke in the industry, that I worked in the movie only for a romantic song with Akshay Kumar. However, the truth is that I loved the script when it was narrated by Karan Johar. I enjoyed the movie, which narrated a major part of our history.

You had a lovely connection with Arjun Kapoor in Ishaqzade, then you appeared with him in Namaste London. Now you will be seen in Sandip Aur Pinky Farar?

We share an honest and loving relationship. There is nothing that we hide from each other. As co-stars, there's an ease of working We're also protective of each other. The comfort shows on screen and that's the best part.  I've seen him at his most vulnerable during Ishaqzaade. Our friendship began from there when his mother (the late Mona Kapoor) was suffering from cancer then. I was going through my first release. A friendship formed during troubled times is genuine. He's part of my life. If I have a problem, I can even call him at 3 am and the best quality about him is that he will patiently hear me out.

You will be seen in Jabariya Jodi, which is on a Bihari backdrop. This is the first time you're playing a Bihari girl. What are the challenges?

The language is the most difficult thing when you do a movie which is expected to do justice to a region. Bihari is a unique language. Few actresses like Swara Bhaskar speak it well. I am a Punjabi girl, and I love to speak the language well. But I'm trying to grasp other languages too. Fortunately, our director, Prashant Singh, belongs to the region and he helped me with the diction. Moreover, we had an amazing language coach on the set, who helped me with the diction and mannerism. My character, Babli, is today's girl. She's open-hearted and confident about what she wants. The audience will love my work and the movie.

Tell us about Sandeep Aur Pinky Farrar where you are again paired with Arjun?

The film was expected to be released in 2018, but now we have to wait till it releases this year. I enjoyed working in this movie and Dibakar Banerjee, the maker helped me realise what a healthy entertainment is like.

What keeps you going when you are hit with several flops in a row?

Fortunately, it has not happened to me (laughs). I started my career and had four hits followed by three films that didn’t do well and then Golmaal made Rs 230 crores. So, I feel life has a weird way of balancing itself out. When I started out, I had no idea about failure and was elated with a series of successful movies until I saw the fate of Daawat-e-Ishq (2014). I felt the heat and negativity around me. I was soon made to realise that it was a part of life. So, you have to be patient. Bad times are going to be tough but you have to wait for good times.

You have actively participated in the wedding of the year-which was of Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas. How do you relate to it?

Ans: Yes, it was the biggest wedding-the Nickyanka wedding. It was a perfect family occasion and everyone enjoyed it. I am very close to my family and to all my cousins including Priyanka and Nick. We are a very closely knit family and we enjoy being together.

Tell us about your upcoming movie Saina, which is based on the life of celebrated badminton player Saina Nehwal.  In which you have replaced Shraddha Kapoor?

I feel blessed that I have been picked for this. I wanted to do a biopic ever since I saw Priyanka Chopra preparing and working hard for Mary Kom. She walked that extra mile and I would feel jealous at times. I would tell her that one day I would want to do something like that.  Now, I am doing the same and loving every bit of it. When Amol Gupte (the director) approached me for the movie, I was not just elated but also thanked my stars to be able to do that.

Is it true that Shraddha was removed from the movie because she was not able to give time to the training needed to be a sportsman?

Can’t comment on that. I don’t know about the equation.

A lot is being said about female actors not paid as much as the men. Do you agree with it?

Pay gap is one term that's been abused a lot. Yes, there is a gap for sure. But one is paid for the kind of numbers you can pull in as a solo artist. It's a business, after all. If a male actor can get you a blockbuster opening, he's being paid that much, and if a female actor can do the same, she's demanding a similar amount, too. And let me tell you there are many actresses in the country who demand and command that kind of remuneration.

(Priya S)