The sexy actress who’s last film Salaam-e-Ishq didn’t garner much salaams at the box-office, is all set to storm the screen this year with not one or two, but six mega budget films. Including a slew of SFX-laden films like Drona and the futuristic LoveStory 2050. Sporting a healthy Miami tan, but looking fresh despite Mumbai’s killer temperature, Priyanka settles for a chat with BT...
Where has she been all the while? “Well, I have about seven films in hand, and the whole of last year was spent shooting for them... In fact, I’ve been shooting around the clock and am now looking forward to a long vacation with my family,” she replies. Once a forerunner for the crown of Bollywood Queen, Priyanka seems to have been overtaken by the likes of Kareena and Katrina of late, but the actress is unperturbed. “Why would I be daunted by their success? Both are talented and deserving actresses. I loved Kareena in Jab We Met,” she says defensively. But didn’t she miss being a part of the buzz of tinselville? “Well, I could have stayed in the news if I wanted to by going on and on about my personal life. But I chose not to. My films are soon going to be out and my work will do the rest of the talking.”
First Krishh, then LoveStory... and later Drona, she seems to be a favourite when it comes to films loaded with super effects. Isn’t she afraid of being slotted as a ‘prop actress’, considering films like these really don’t have much scope to show acting prowess? “Well, if I am doing such special effects-laden movies, I’m also doing films like Dostana, What’s Your Raashee?, God Tussi Great Ho and Fashion. I have a mixed fare on my platter from comedy to a socially relevant film and a hard-core masala film to action-oriented films. Besides, I don’t believe that films like Krissh don’t provide enough scope to act. No film can do well because of special effects alone, the emoting angle has to be equally strong and that requires talent,” Priyanka responds.
An actress who’s always followed her heart, Priyanka believes that she’s been lucky to have been so warmly accepted by the industry and the audience. “I believe that destiny has carved a path for me already, I just had to have the guts to follow it. And I’m proud of where it’s taking me, so I have no regrets,” she says of her five-year stint in Bollywood. And where does she see herself in the future... “If you’re asking me about the near future, then it’ll have to be doing good satisfying work, but if you’re asking me in the future as far as 2050, I’ll be a happily settled grandmother watching my films with my grandchildren,” she laughs.
