Showing posts with label Priyanka Chopra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priyanka Chopra. Show all posts
Birthday Special | Priyanka Chopra Quotes on Dreams, Success and Empowerment
With her eyes firmly set on Global domination, she continues to make India proud across the seven seas. Steadily taking over the world, one successful project at a time. From turning recording artist to singing alongside Pitbull, becoming the deliciously evil 'Victoria Leeds' in Baywatch, sweeping awards for her performance as Alex Parrish in Quantico and launching her memoir 'Unfinished'; this girl surely marked her arrival in Hollywood with a bang. Plus, she has been making waves as an entrepreneur with brands like 'Anomaly' among others, while balancing global projects and her Mommy duties with Baby Malti Marie. Fresh from the success of OTT original movie 'Heads of State' and raring to go with many more projects - our 'desi girl' is unstoppable. We are talking about birthday girl Priyanka Chopra, who clearly believes in the mantra - Can't stop, won't stop!
As the stunning diva celebrates her birthday today - ringing in her 43rd year with loved ones and her little angel by her side, and gets ready to set another list of goals for the year ahead, we look back at some of her inspiring statements, curated from our exclusive interviews with the actress. Here's how the Chopra diva continues to motivate us:
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| Image Credit: Jean Claude Dhien for Getty Images Portrait |
From all of us at Team Dancebee, a big Birthday (virtual) hug to Priyanka Chopra! Here's to dominating the world, chasing dreams and creating history.
Are you a PeeCee fan? What's your favourite film starring Ms Chopra? Join the conversation on
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Love,
The Dancebee
Celebrity Style File | Virushka Reception (Red Carpet - Mumbai)
The much awaited Mumbai reception hosted by newly wed couple - Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, finally unfolded last night. After a fairy tale wedding in Italy and a high profile Delhi reception, the couple invited friends and members of the film fraternity for a special evening, organised at The St Regis (Lower Parel). Apart from the families and close friends, there were a host of renowned guests, ranging from Kohli's team mates from the Indian cricket team to Sharma's co-stars and friends from Bollywood. As usual, the paparazzi went berserk, as they snapped several a-listers walked the specially created red carpet and photo-op area. Among the key attendees were Sharma's debut film co-star Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan and family, M.S Dhoni and family, Ranbir Kapoor among others. Highlight of the evening included Khan dubbing a popular film dialogue for Kohli, and the couple's incredible dance on Punjabi numbers.
However, apart from the usual insider stories (which isn't our domain), what stood out were the outfits picked by the couple, as well as the attendees. Here's a round up of some top looks sported by Bollywood celebrities at the event.
The Couple - Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma
However, apart from the usual insider stories (which isn't our domain), what stood out were the outfits picked by the couple, as well as the attendees. Here's a round up of some top looks sported by Bollywood celebrities at the event.
The Couple - Virat Kohli & Anushka Sharma
Once again, the bride picked a Sabyasachi outfit for the event. According to the designer, Anushka wanted an old world glam look. The smokey grey lehanga was crafted with hand beaten thread, texture sequins and cut organza flowers on an embroidered tulle base. Renowned craftsmen from Lucknow rendered the dupatta, which was clinched on the wait with Sabyasachi's popular 'Bengal Tiger' belt. We loved how she opted for soft tousled waves and kept her make up minimal, with just lightly flushed cheeks, soft smokey eyes and a rose nude lipstick. The diamonds around her neck shone bright, as hand crafted necklace and pair of earrings (with rose cut diamonds, solitaires and briolettes) added a special touch to her glam look.
The groom went for a navy velvet bandhgala, a classic look by Raghavendra Rathore. White pants, brown shoes and a pink shirt completed his look for the dazzling do.
Shah Rukh Khan
Harry made quite a stylish entry at Sejal's wedding reception (Sorry, but we couldn't help say this). King Khan picked a formal outfit for the event. A classy three piece black suit, with printed pocket square and floral lapel pin, completed his look.
Sridevi
Sridevi
The actress dazzled in a stunning pashmina and velvet saree in black and blue, with Tilla Kashmir Zari. The outfit had some beautiful intricate and unique artwork, and Sridevi looked every inch a diva. She chose to accessorise the look with a heavy gold necklace and a pair of earrings.
Priyanka Chopra
Priyanka Chopra made a quick entry at the reception, hours after delivering an inspirational speech at the Penguin Annual Lecture in Delhi. The global girl went all traditional and picked a Gold Banarasi Weave Saree, with a green blouse, both from her own collection. Temple style jewellery, bindi, soft waves and bold lips completed her look.
Ranbir Kapoor
RK kept it cool and classy in a formal outfit for the do. Sharma's Ae Dil Hai Mushkil co-star picked an elegant checkered Canali suit for the occasion. A matching Hugo Boss neck tie, with a pair of black formal shoes by O'Keeffe.
Katrina Kaif
Fresh from the success of 'Tiger Zinda Hai', where the actress earned accolades for her fierce avatar, Katrina made a stylish appearance with her sister - Isabelle, in tow. Her powder blue cascading trailer skirt and embellished crop top by designer Manish Malhotra was certainly one of our favourites. She kept it simple with minimal make up and soft tousled waves.
Varun Dhawan
It's been a good year for the actor, and we couldn't help but notice the glow on his face. Varun walked the red carpet, looking dapper in a three piece navy blue suit and polka dotted pocket square. A pink necktie added the perfect pop of colour to his stylish outfit.
Kangana Ranaut
The feisty actress walked the red carpet like a 'Queen'. She picked an ivory gold Kanjeevaram saree from designer Sabyasachi's Vasanthalaxmi collection, along with a textured silk blouse. Classic uncut diamond, emerald and pearl jewellery crafted in 22k gold (all from the Sabyasachi jewellery collection), along with fresh flowers wrapped around a vintage bun, soft make up and juttis by NeedleDust added the perfect 'royal' touch to her overall look.
Sidharth Malhotra
For someone who always makes a dapper entry, Sid is never the one to disappoint. The 'gentleman' Sidharth chose a classic royal blue bandhgala by designer Manish Malhotra, with ivory floral thread work on the sleeves and aged velvet mandarin collar, paired with classic black shoes by Dune London.
Rekha
The diva made an entry, looking her stylish best as always. Rekha's traditional look is always hard to miss, and for the much talked about reception, she chose a gold and purple saree, paired with a pink blouse and golden potli bag. She heavily accessorised the look with layered necklaces and studded earrings. Bright, bold lips, flushed cheeks and a sleek bun with neatly placed fresh gajras rounded her look.
Madhuri Dixit Nene
The 'Dhak Dhak' girl made a glamorous entry in a Tarun Tahiliani emerald green and gold zardozi border saree, paired with a hand embroidered tulle blouse. She picked a pair of jhumkas to accessorise her look. To finish the look, she opted for bright lips and a neat up do wrapped with fresh flowers.
The feisty actress walked the red carpet like a 'Queen'. She picked an ivory gold Kanjeevaram saree from designer Sabyasachi's Vasanthalaxmi collection, along with a textured silk blouse. Classic uncut diamond, emerald and pearl jewellery crafted in 22k gold (all from the Sabyasachi jewellery collection), along with fresh flowers wrapped around a vintage bun, soft make up and juttis by NeedleDust added the perfect 'royal' touch to her overall look.
Sidharth Malhotra
For someone who always makes a dapper entry, Sid is never the one to disappoint. The 'gentleman' Sidharth chose a classic royal blue bandhgala by designer Manish Malhotra, with ivory floral thread work on the sleeves and aged velvet mandarin collar, paired with classic black shoes by Dune London.
Rekha
The diva made an entry, looking her stylish best as always. Rekha's traditional look is always hard to miss, and for the much talked about reception, she chose a gold and purple saree, paired with a pink blouse and golden potli bag. She heavily accessorised the look with layered necklaces and studded earrings. Bright, bold lips, flushed cheeks and a sleek bun with neatly placed fresh gajras rounded her look.
Madhuri Dixit Nene
The 'Dhak Dhak' girl made a glamorous entry in a Tarun Tahiliani emerald green and gold zardozi border saree, paired with a hand embroidered tulle blouse. She picked a pair of jhumkas to accessorise her look. To finish the look, she opted for bright lips and a neat up do wrapped with fresh flowers.
What's your favourite look among the attendees? And, what do you think about the couple? Which outfit is your pick? The dreamy look at Virushka Wedding, traditional avatar at Delhi reception or the Old world glam at Mumbai reception? Take your pick!
Oscars 2017 | The Best Dressed List
Well, apart from the big 'best picture announcement goof up' and political reactions that stole the limelight at the Oscars, the good ol' red carpet wasn't far behind. A bevy of glamorous beauties made their way towards the gala night, dressed in gorgeous outfits. While some stole the show, a few others made average choices and some just didn't make the cut. In this post, we take a look at some of our favourite looks, straight off the Oscars 2017 red carpet. Is your favourite on the list?
Emma Roberts
Outfit: Vintage Armani Privè
What we love? - Dressing up for the awards night in an outfit dedicated to a cause (sustainability)? Hell Yeah! Also, we love that bright, bold red lip and soft tousled hair on her.
Viola Davis
Outfit: Armani
What we love? - While most kept it restricted to neutrals and metallics, we like how Viola chose to go with this red silk cady gown. Also, big up to her new bob.
Hailee Steinfield
Outfit: Ralph & Russo
What we love? - Florals, sheer, ruffles and romantic vibes. What's not to love here? We also like the addition of dramatic smokey eyes. Easily, one of our favourites.
Brie Larson
Outfit: Oscar de la Renta
What we love? - She slayed and how! A sweetheart neckline, ruffles, bold red lips, tousled hair and strappy heels; honestly, we love everything about Brie Larson's red carpet look.
Octavia Spencer
Outfit: Marchesa
What we love? - Now that's an elegant, simple, 'straight out of a princess fairy tale' look that we love! Some serious feather love going on out here, with the Best Supporting Actress nominee Spencer looking wonderful.
Felicity Jones
Outfit: Dior
What we love? - Speaking of fairy tales, we had yet another 'princess inspired' look and honestly, we loved it. Rogue One star Felicity Jones looked ethereal in this ballerina / princess full skirted gown by Dior.
Nicole Kidman
Outfit: Armani Privè
What we love? - She came, she saw and she sparkled! Honestly, how does Nicole Kidman always manage to look so beautiful?
Priyanka Chopra
Outfit: Ralph and Russo
What we love? - After breaking the internet with her stunning red carpet look last year, our very own PeeCee was back at the Oscars. This time, she chose an ivory panel dress by Ralph & Russo and looked every inch a diva. We love the sleek hair with side parting and those drop dead gorgeous diamond earrings.
Emma Stone
Outfit: Givenchy Couture
What we love? - Naturally, we saved the best (and our favourite) for the last! Emma Stone won it all - the trophy, accolades for her performance and our hearts. The La La Land actress nailed one of this season's hottest trends - Gold, bringing back old hollywood glamour with curls, glittering eyeshadow, bold lips and a stunning outfit by Givenchy. Interestingly, it happens to be one of Riccardo Tisci's last designs for the label. We love this flapper inspired gown, which makes us wanna do a little jig for her big win!
Do you have a favourite? Leave a comment below or join the conversation on
Best of 2016 | Top Bollywood Red Carpet Looks
2016 saw some of the best red carpet moments and incredible looks sported by Bollywood's leading ladies. Right from Priyanka Chopra's most Googled outfit to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's head turning vintage look at Cannes, we've got many reasons to laud our gorgeous female actors for their sartorial choices. And of course, full credit goes to their personal stylists and designers as well. Here's a round up of the best Bollywood red carpet looks from 2016. Is your favourite on the list?
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Where? Cannes 2016
Wearing - Elie Saab
The queen of hearts wowed us with her effortless glam look at the Cannes earlier this year. While her 'lilac lips' stole the show during a later outing, it was this look that won several hearts. We absolutely swear by the stunning combination of a champagne gold outfit with deep wine lips.
Anushka Sharma
Where? Lux Golden Rose Awards 2016
Wearing - Shehlaa Khan
The actress made few appearances on the red carpet this year. But, we loved how charming she looked in this Shehlaa Khan number at an award function last month. That thigh-high slit looks hot and she carried off this look quite well.
Deepika Padukone
Where? IIFA 2016 and MTV EMAs 2016
Wearing - Picture One: Anamika Khanna
Picture Two: Prabal Gurung
Picture Three: Monisha Jaising
Every time Deepika makes a red carpet appearance, we can spot fans on social media waiting with bated breath! Over time, the actress has wowed us with multiple best dressed looks and this year too, Deepika Padukone slayed it in style! Some of our favourites include the red hot look in Prabal Gurung at the IIFA press conference, the glam diva look in Anamika Khanna at the IIFA Awards and of course, the much talked about custom Monisha Jaising look at her MTV EMAs debut. We thought the latter was quite a risky, edgy look to pull off and DP did complete justice.
Jacqueline Fernandez
Where? TOIFA 2016
Wearing - Rami Kadi
Jacqueline is quite a style diva and we all swear by her 'Behind The Scene' videos on Snapchat. Among her popular looks this year, this one definitely stood out. The actress looked straight out of a princess tale, and rocked this Rami Kadi gown like with minimal make up and accessories.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
Where? Lux Golden Rose Awards 2016 and TOIFA 2016
Wearing - Picture One: Gauri and Nainika
Picture Two: Monisha Jaising
From her boss girl avatar in Ki & Ka to slaying it as the most stylish mommy to-be throughout her pregnancy, Kareena Kapoor Khan has been in the news for all the right reasons. While she kicked off the year with a svelte avatar at TOIFA, she looked her best in the second half of 2016. The then glowing mommy to-be rocked her baby bump in beautiful outfits, and one of our favourites has got to be his Gauri and Nainika number at an award function last month.
Katrina Kaif
Where? Lux Golden Rose Awards 2016 and Vogue Beauty Awards 2016
Wearing - Picture One: Ziad Nakad
Picture Two: Romona Keveza
She clearly rocked with her washboard abs in Kala Chashma, and super hot avatar in Baar Baar Dekho. Off screen too, Katrina Kaif got her A-game on and rocked some stylish looks on the red carpet. At an event earlier this year, she stunned in a Romona Keveza outfit, that complimented her hot bod. We equally loved her elegant appearance at an award function in November, where she picked an emerald green Ziad Nakad dress. She opted for a natural, minimal make up look for both the appearances, and this was pretty much her pick for almost all looks in 2016.
Priyanka Chopra
Where? Oscars 2016 and Emmys 2016
Wearing - Picture One: Zuhair Murad
Picture Two: Jason Wu
Clearly, one of 2016's best dressed moments! Our very own desi girl gone global Priyanka Chopra made everyone proud, when she was invited to present an Oscar earlier this year. She looked every inch a stunner in this much talked about Zuhair Murad outfit, which was announced as the 'most googled outfit' earlier this month. Her global domination continued, as she made a gorgeous appearance at the Emmys, looking ethereal in a red Jason Wu outfit.
Sonakshi Sinha
Where? IIFA 2016
Wearing - Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla
While Sonakshi hasn't made too many red carpet appearances, we loved some of her street style and film promotion looks (especially for Force 2). But, we particularly loved this adorable outing in Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla at an award function in Madrid, where our very own Sona looked like a new-age princess, minus the long gown.
Sonam Kapoor
Where? Cannes 2016 (Red Carpet, AmFar and Chopard party)
Wearing - All pics: Ralph and Russo
No doubt Sonam is one of the best dressed female actors of Bollywood, and she has always managed to get her A-game on to the red carpet with her impeccable choices. This year, Sonam turns several heads with her effortlessly stylish looks at Cannes. Interestingly, all our favourite looks had the actress wearing Ralph & Russo. From a stunning sari inspired gown to a princess moment with jhumkas and going vintage glam in black; Sonam killed it and proved why she will always be our favourite fashion diva!
The Dancebee
Best of IIFA Awards 2016 | Style Files
Saturday turned into a big Bollywood night, as all roads led to Madrid. After all, it was the fourth time that the IIFA Awards had returned to Europe and the host country this year was none other than Spain. And needless to say, it was enough to get our industry folks excited.
The awards night saw a bevy of Bollywood celebrities turn up in their favourite outfits, created by their favourite designers. We got you covered with the best looks from IIFA Rocks in our last post. So, here's presenting some of the hottest looks spotted at the IIFA Awards main event last weekend. Take notes, people!
1. Aditi Rao Hydari
She impressed us with her princess inspired look at the IIFA Rocks. For the main event, the actress chose an emerald green gown by Shantanu & Nikhil, which looked lovely on her. We love how these Outhouse Jewellery earrings compliment the outfit. Adding a charming touch to the look was the gold hair band, with the perfect make up by Elton Fernandez.
2. Bipasha Basu
This newly wedded hottie turned up the heat in a beautiful royal blue ruffled gown by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. With hair tied up in an elegant up do, Bipasha added a nice touch of bling with a pair of solitaire earrings by Leshna Shah's Aurelle and a studded cuff by Mahesh Notandas. Minimal make up, with a glossy swipe of lipstick, completed her look.
3. Deepika Padukone
Bollywood's stunning Mastani arrived in style. Deepika Padukone chose a magnificent Sabyasachi creation for the awards night, where she walked home with the Best Actress trophy. Styled by Shaleena Nathani, the outfit - a Godet skirt with cape - is inspired by the Spanish bullfighters. The beautiful emerald necklace and earrings by Tanishq complimented her outfit very well. Slick tied up hair, well defined brows, smokey eyes and barely there lips - Oh! We are floored already.
4. Divya Khosla Kumar
The Yaariyaan director never fails to make heads turn on the red carpet with her sartorial choices. For the awards night, she gave the traditional look a twist by taking us back to the retro era with her sharp eyes and 50's inspired up do (with hair tied up in a bun). The lehanga by Vikram Phadnis fitted her like a dream. We like how she added some fine ethnic jewellery, gajra and a small bindi to the look. Truly beautiful!
5. Sonakshi Sinha
5. Sonakshi Sinha
One of our favourite looks at the IIFA Awards this year has got to be this. Sonakshi Sinha experimented with her outfits at every outing in Madrid, but this Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla look has got to be the winner among all. The actress had her princess moment in this stunning white organza dress, which had some beautiful pearls, sequins and Swarovski crystal work. Right from the hair to bold lips and her studded Louboutins, everything spelled Wow! Love that smile and spunk. Perfect to go with a beautiful outfit like this.
6. Nargis Fakhri
After a powerful appearance at IIFA Rocks, Nargis opted for a sexy Namrata Joshipura number, which was part of the collection showcased by the designed at AIFW 2016. Cold shoulder, nude lips, a slick ponytail, Swarovski earrings and the perfect pout; Nargis Fakhri was ready to rule the awards night with an amazingly stylish look.
7. Priyanka Chopra
Our desi girl aka Quantico star Priyanka Chopra enthralled the audience with a powerful live performance (Yes! She danced on pre-recorded tracks sung by her). She also took home two trophies - one for her performance in Bajirao Mastani, while the other for being the most powerful woman. For the evening, stylist Cristina Ehrlich picked a haute couture number from Elsa Schiaparelli's SS'16 collection. Priyanka looked charming in a lilac silk cigaline gown. Diamond earrings and a studded ring by Cartier were the perfect add-ons. Wine lips, well defined eyes and a slick hair up do was just what this look ordered!
8. Shilpa Shetty Kundra
Shilpa Shetty Kundra looked every inch a diva in this white custom couture gown with gold piping by designers Shantanu & Nikhil. The waist cut outs in this gown perfectly accentuated her curves and as the actress likes to call it, 'the gown fitted her like second skin'. The actress wore her hair open and kept it simple with minimal make up. Gold ear cuffs matched the piping on her gown well and we must say, Shilpa carried off this look with great panache.
Got a favourite? Let us know in the comment box below or join the conversation on Twitter at @priyaadivarekar
Love,
The Dancebee
My job is more than just a profession for me - Priyanka Chopra | Exclusive Interview
She is steadily taking over the world, one successful project at a time. From earning the biggest opening in the U.S with Quantico to bagging prestigious awards and wowing the audience with her red carpet appearance at the Academy Awards, Priyanka Chopra is fast becoming the darling of Hollywood. The actress, whose Jai Gangaajal hits the screens today and will once again be seen as Alex Parrish in the second season of Quantico premiering this Sunday, is one busy girl! She successfully juggles between being a badass FBI recruit in America and portraying a female cop in the hinterland of India.
Her global domination continues, as she is all set to play the lead role, that of a baddie, in Baywatch - the film. Right after her glamorous appearance at the Oscars 2016, where as a presenter, she gave away the Best Editing award along with America actor Live Schreiber, the actress took off to Miami for her film shoot. With Indian and International producers running around for her dates, and the who's who of Hollywood going gaga over her talent, Chopra has now become the new face of Indian cinema on the international shores! But even today, she is still the hard working Indian at heart, whose smile is enough to brighten even the dullest of rooms. Excerpts from a delightful conversation with our very own desi girl:
Bajirao Mastani, Jai Gangaajal and Quantico; you were simultaneously working on three projects that come from completely different genres. As an actor, how difficult was this phase?
Difficult? Not really. Fortunately, I have always done multiple projects together. My process as an actor is completely different. Nobody taught me acting. I learnt things on my own and when I started off, I looked up to my directors, co-actors as teachers. For all my films, I do a lot of homework before the project takes off. I create a personality around the character. I don't believe in working on scenes or lines. My main priority is to understand the character, in and out. What does she do, where did she study, what are her hobbies, favourite food items; I try to understand the person that my character is and believe in creating her from scratch. Once I know the person well, almost like a best friend, then I am confident enough to enact any scene in her periphery. That's exactly why I can easily switch in and out of multiple roles at the same time.
But for Bajirao Mastani and Quantico, you were working on two dialects that were poles apart. Was that tough?
Oh yes! American and Marathi. That was very difficult. At least, I am familiar with Marathi, because I live in Mumbai. So, there was a dialect coach who helped me and Ranveer during Bajirao Mastani. She was a Maharashtrian Bhramin girl, who would listen to our dialogues on the set. In case there was any mistake, she would correct us and then, we would do a retake. For such projects, where my dialect needs to be in a particular way, I always have a coach. I had one on the sets of Quantico as well. If my American accent goes a little off, she makes me do the retake. It's like a tool to get your job right!
What's the best compliment that you have received for your performance in Quantico?
There are so many of them. My fans have always been generous with their compliments and have stood by me, through thick and thin. But, my most favourite has to be seeing little girls dressing up as Alex Parrish on Halloween last year. They tweeted these pictures, where they had tied up their long, blonde hair and wore black wigs. It is such a big compliment for me to be universally known as an actor, and not for the colour of my skin. Actors are always put into categories. I don't want to be one of them. I want to be noticed for my merit, more than what I look like, where I come from or how I speak. Tomorrow, if I am approached for something that requires me to play a Spanish girl, then I want to learn the language, dress like a Spanish girl and convince people ki main Puerto Rico se hoon. That's my job as an actor - to become other people!
How has it been interacting with the American audience and media?
It's been so overwhelming! Both the audience and media in America have been very warm and welcoming. In fact, forget winning, just getting nominated for the People's choice award was the biggest thing in the my first year as an actor there. Everyone has been very kind and sweet. Even the security at international airports see me and go, "Who's the terrorist?" I don't even know (laughs). Also, it's fun to introduce people to Indian cinema and talk about it on shows. For them, Indian cinema is all about running around trees. But, I explain that our music is a part of our culture. We tell stories through music. That's when they get fascinated about the whole thing. It's like a cultural programme for me.
You have always been someone who has tried new things and emerged victorious. Be it winning Miss World, National Award for Fashion, trying your hand at singing and dubbing, and now, winning the People's choice award for Quantico. How do you look at all this?
That's the beauty of my job. You can't control creativity, it will come out and shine in some way or the other. You are a writer, but perhaps, you can even paint tomorrow (I tell the actress that I have been multitasking in different roles for years and she gives me a high-five). Creativity is not restricted to a particular medium. If you are a creative person, it can be in any form. I have written for so many magazines and newspapers, right from Elle to Hindustan Times. I am a writer and I enjoy the process. That's because I am a girl who was raised with a voice, with parents who taught me to be a thinking person. I like taking out my creativity in different ways.
And now, you are also turning producer. Tell us something about your new role.
Oh yes! My production company is called Purple Pebble Pictures and our aim is to work with new talent. It's not easy for talented people to get a foothold without knowing someone or having a godfather. I have been through that struggle and hence, I want be a producer who gives new talent a chance. I also want to promote regional cinema and three projects - one each in Punjabi, Marathi and Bhojpuri are in the pipeline. The Marathi project is called Ventilator, directed by Rajesh Mapuskar and it went on the floors in February.
Many believed that your portrayal of Kashibai resulted in one of your best performances till date. What do you think?
Well, that the audience can tell you better (laughs). But personally, I knew from the beginning that Kashibai's character will resonate. She was never at fault and even history ignored her. The entire focus has always been on Bajirao and Mastani, so no one remembered Kashibai's journey. Credits to Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) sir for bringing her to life and showcasing her side of the story so well. I was one of the first actors to be cast for the film and he told me, "I need to know who my Kashi is. Only then, I can get my Bajirao and Mastani."
Is that why you believed that a character like Kashibai can never be written again?
Absolutely! She had a different voice, and she stood for herself. Kashibai said a lot, without even talking that much and that too, in an era that dates back to the 19th century. If I was in her place, I would have just asked my husband to get out and leave me alone. But, Kashibai stood like a pillar of strength with Bajirao, through his good and bad times.
Do you agree share the same sentiment as Kashibai did in the film, that of letting a man go?
Pyaar ho jaata hain. You can't tie someone up and never let them go. Even if Kashibai did that, Bajirao's heart would still be with Mastani. Love cannot be controlled, and that's why Kashibai asks Radha Maa to free Mastani. Personally, I am someone who is of the belief that you have to let someone go, if they are not wholeheartedly involved in a relationship. Even today, societal pressure has forced several women to continue a relationship, despite their ordeal. Just because, haw! Duniya kya bolegi. Par, galat toh ho raha hain na. It is better to live by your self respect and allow someone to go. You don't need someone to complete you. Also, I hate the double standards that the society has for women.
Actors are usually skeptical about opting for a supporting role, especially at the peak of their career.
But, I have always believed that there is no role that is big or small. There are only small actors, and I am not one of them. There are many films where I have hardly had any screen space. Look at Kaminey, I had just eight scenes. Par main apni kaabiliyat mein bahut believe karti hoon. I do all my work with honesty. My job is more than just a profession to me. There is a strange spiritual connect between the moments when the director goes 'action' and 'cut'. That's how I treat my job!
In one of our earlier interactions, you had mentioned that Jai Gangaajal is a prime example of feminism.
I am a feminist and proud to be one. I strongly believe that feminism is not about hating, berating a man or making him feel smaller. Feminism stands for equality, where a man and woman can walk shoulder to shoulder. Why should any woman feel she can't do certain things, just because she is a woman? This is a global issue. Women have been globally treated like second class citizens since years. For example, the issue of renumeration disparity is a global problem. Several female actors in Hollywood have voiced their opinion on it. As for Jai Gangaajal, I do believe that the film is a prime example of feminism. A uniform has set values and respect. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman.
As an independent woman who strongly believes in Feminism, what is your solution to challenging this disparity?
Nobody will fight our battle. We have to do it ourselves.We can do it only by being really good at our respective jobs, so that we can't be denied anything. Also, just the way you shouldn't be denied something because you are a woman, there should not be an exception either. If you are good at anything that you do, be it as a doctor, engineer, CEO of a company or an actor, no one has the right to take away what you deserve.
So, do you see things changing around you?
Personally, I feel that we have just started and the battle ahead is a long one. But, I do see big changes across the globe, which is a very good thing. The CEO of Pepsi is a woman. Our nation was the first to have a female Prime Minister. So, women have always taken important steps in history to bring about a change. Films like Jai Gangaajal, Fashion, Queen, where only a woman's face draws the audience, are also important. It is a big step! And these small steps are crucial. Duniya ek din mein thodi hi badlegi.
You are one of the few female actors who stays away from the race to outdo one another.
But, I don't have the time. I am constantly working on new things, and trying to outdo myself. My only priority is to better myself. My career has never been dependent on someone else's failure. I am not a competitive person. I compete only with myself. I like being collaborative - the coming together of great minds, creating stories and good cinema is what excites me.
So, apart from Quantico and Baywatch, what else is keeping you busy?
I have got my hands full already (laughs). It's been a super busy start to 2016 already, with Quantico season 2, Oscars. I have the option of choosing a bunch of films between India and America. Honestly, it feels like I should do them all, because I am a very greedy actor. But, my team believes that I don't have a clone, and hence, I need to make a choice (laughs). So, I am still in the process of finalising some more projects after I finish the commitments that are currently on priority.
Love,
The Dancebee
