I hated acting when I started.. Priyanka

Though people’s perceptions have changed, I as a person am the same. But as an actor, every film changes something for me. It’s always an uphill journey.

Aap Ki Khatir is your first film with Akshaye Khanna, but if you count your 36 China Town cameo, it is your second. How was he as a co-star?

Before I began working with Akshaye I was actually stressed about this, thanks to all the things that I had heard about him from others, because I like to have a pleasant working environment. But he’s so damn sweet! Off-screen, he’s a thorough gentleman. On-screen, he is such a good actor! In fact, I have always been his fan!

Which other actors are yopu a fan of?

Madhuri Dixit! Even if I am considered two per cent of her I will think of myself as hugely talented.I also love Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. They obviously believe so much in what I too think — that is, they are not interested in just going on the sets and finishing their shots, but in living the roles and breathing life into the characters. They make the characters seem very real and yet infuse them with magic. I guess it’s about loving one’s work, which is what I admire and try and emulate about them.

How important is a co-star’s contribution for a good performance?

Of course, it is very important. If a co-star has stupid lines or speaks them stupidly and you are being shot in a close-up, you can never act well. If a co-star is not serious and involved, it can get very irritating. Especially if you are a serious actor and enjoy acting like I do. The good thing about this is that in my experience selfish actors never succeed. It is only those who get involved in the film’s totality that have successful careers.

Have you always enjoyed acting, or was there some point at which you began to love it?

I hated acting when I started out. And I am talking about films. I would do theatre when in school. But on the first shoot ever, I was told how I had to say my lines when I reached a certain mark on the floor and had to do it when looking in a particular direction. It was all very difficult. I went home and howled and told mom, “Yeh mujhse nahin hoga!”. She told me, “Okay, now that you have signed the film, finish it. Then you can go back to your college.” I was an engineering student then. Now, I cannot think of doing anything other than acting.

What’s with the cameos?

Oh, I did those for friends. 36 China Town was for Abbas-Mustan, the men whose work I have loved since Humraaz and also those responsible for giving me Aitraaz. Rohan Sippy is also a friend – I completely enjoyed working on Bluffmaster!

What’s your character like in Aap Ki Khatir?

I am this ’I know everything’ kind of girl in Aap Ki Khatir who is forever in an illusory world, and this is very unsettling when things go wrong. But unlike his past films, this is one film of Dharmesh Darshan that is light and frothy rather than dramatic and intense.

Once they reach a certain status, all female actors have this yen to do great, meaningful roles in middle-of-the-road, art or parallel films. Haven’t you been bitten by this bug?

(Sternly) I consider all my roles meaningful. I don’t think that only working in such films make one a good actor. You can give your best to any role and grow as an actor. I prefer to do films of the kind that I like to watch.

You have done solo leads and two-heroine films. What made you accept a six-hero-six-heroine subject like Salaam-E-Ishq?

Oh, it’s got such a wonderful script In terms of footage there may be less for every actor but that film has come out fabulously. Just watch it and you will know what I mean!

And Drona?

Well, I am hoping that I am on, because it’s a great subject! I would like to talk about this film only once it gets moving.

What else have you taken up?

Well, Don is complete and Love Story 2050 is taking off. There are one or two other projects lined up.

What is happening about the film you have done with Govinda?

Last heard, they were planning to release it with a new title. I really don’t know what’s happening. The best part is that it is not a typical Govinda film but an interesting romantic thriller.

So much has been said about your singing abilities – you even sang a line in Right here right now… in Bluffmaster!. Do you ever get involved in your music, like attending sittings or recordings? And do you make suggestions?

I do, whenever possible. I have a good ear for music though my singing is for others to judge! But what makes the song recording process interesting is watching how it evolves from its scratch version to the final product, and often sounds so completely different in its recorded version! The process of how a song is created and developed is completely fascinating.

You made news recently because of your being chosen to speak at theGlobal Leadership Forum in Malaysia. How was the experience?

It was fantastic! I was there right among all those heavyweight corporate heads from all countries! My topic was “Innovation Of The Competitive Edge”. Of course, I was a bundle of nerves before the actual moment but it went off really well. I felt amused that people there told me to take up a career in Public Speaking! So now I have an alternative career too! (Laughs)

What is your stand on the pesticides issue?

I am not very happy with the statistics being offered. I think that all MNCs are bound to be targeted anyway. Besides, the authorities should be more worried about many other things that affect the health of citizens far more than colas.

by: financialtimes.com/RAJIV VIJAYAKAR