M! Talks to Priyanka Chopra

Chasing Priyanka Chopra these days is tough. She’s either travelling around the world, working on a challenging role, hitting the microphone for her first album or is involved with a social cause. The thorough professional that she is, Priyanka doesn’t complain once; she runs on energy driven by pure passion for what she does. In the last couple of months, Priyanka has had her share of stories and allegations to deal with and as always, the ever-positive actress has risen above it all with her smile intact. We caught up with the lady when she was busy running around promoting Teri Meri Kahaani which released a few days ago. Our chat was peppered with many interesting titbits, right from Shahid and love to marriage and Karan’s birthday bash!

You have worked with Shahid after nearly four years. What changes did you see in him as an actor after Teri Meri Kahaani?
I have always thought of Shahid as a very good actor. He consistently motivates and makes his co-actors want to work better because he is such a fine artiste. We all change over a period of time but I don’t think, in my limited experience, I should comment on how much Shahid has changed as an actor. I just know he is terrific.

Of the three roles you played in Teri Meri Kahaani which was the toughest and which one is your favourite?
The period roles of 1910 and 1960 were challenging because to get the accurate essence of the people and characters of that time was very important. In terms of favourites, I can’t pick one from these roles because all three were special and unique. In fact the girl from 2012 was closest to who I am. I even loved the looks of all three. I think Manish Malhotra has done a great job making each era look different.

What is your definition of love?
I am a big believer in love. I know that love makes the world go round it in whatever form or relationship: father, brother, mother, lover. When the opportunity of love comes your way, embrace it, because it makes things different. I think love is something everyone should experience and no one should be alone or lonely.

What have you taken with you as an actor and person after starring in this film?
I really believe no matter which time period or wherever in the world you go, the feeling of love will always be the same. You will have butterflies in your stomach, the feeling of anxiousness, nervousness; all of that remains the same whether in 1910 or 2012. And like I said earlier, people should never run away from love; they should embrace it. This is too short a life, so make the most of it.

When you enter into a relationship, do you always have the thought that it should lead to marriage?
I’m a believer in the institution of marriage and I do believe that love should end in that. Marriage is beautiful and I would like to embrace it someday.

Teri Meri Kahaani or Barfee – which was tougher for you and why?
I think Barfee would be a tougher role because I play an autistic girl and that’s something I’m doing for the first time. I’m always looking for instances where I can do different things and surprise the audience. That has always been my aim; so definitely Barfee is tougher but it’s also a comedy film with other special characters. One may assume that it will be a dark and serious film but it’s a comic caper.