There’s something incredibly endearing about Bollywood star Parineeti Chopra, who just returned to India after a four-day holiday in the UAE with her best friend.
Who else would admit that the heavenly, albeit overindulgent, break was a treat ahead of a strict diet and fitness regime?
“I wanted this holiday to be like my bachelor’s party … some fun before the strict regime kicks in,” said Chopra in an interview with tabloid!. Her Twitter posts, which chronicled her fun times in this region this week, saw her digging into cupcakes, downing thirst-quenchers and doing the touristy stuff (yes, there’s a picture of her jumping with glee against a palatial fantasy hotel in the background).
“Except the heat, everything else was awesome. I loved playing the tourist, eating yummy Lebanese food, checking out some beautiful, opulent hotels,” said Chopra.
The UAE break, which was an impromptu plan, was her method of bracing herself for some hectic months ahead. She has a Yash Raj Films drama, Daawat-e-Ishq, with Aditya Roy Kapur, and Kill Dil with Ranveer Singh ahead of her.
Playing the tourist
“I have been to Dubai many times but have never gotten around to doing any touristy things. So this time, we were particular that we will go visit the mosque, try out a desert safari … we didn’t even shop much,” said Chopra. Apart from the occasional handbag indulgence, Chopra stuck to that brief.
“I will never forget the desert safari experience. It was my first time and it was amazing to see the desert in its raw state… the best part about Dubai is that it’s just over two hours from Mumbai,” said Chopra.
So, was she recognised on the streets by Indian expatriates in the UAE?
“Come on, if I wasn’t recognised, I would have been depressed. It’s always good to know that there are people who like you and your work,” said Chopra with a laugh.
Perhaps, it’s her forthrightness that makes her the latest entrant to the most-adored-actress club. The relatable and quirky 25-year-old star may be just four films old, but her clout is increasing with each passing day. In her recent romantic comedy, Hasee Toh Phasee, the cousin of Bollywood siren Priyanka Chopra played an eccentric scientist with a serious pill addiction. Unlike traditional Bollywood heroines, she wasn’t required to look incredibly pretty and princess-like. Meetu from Hasee Toh Phasee — with her questionable dress sense and a perennial bad hair day situation — didn’t shy away from being vulnerable (remember the scene where she lost bladder control?). It was moving, but did that film erode her glamorous image?
Grab opportunities
“Not at all. What excited me was that nobody has ever taken up a role like that and I hope I am remembered for that film. If I want to look pretty and glamorous, I can always do other films. Such roles should be grabbed with both hands,” said Chopra.
While she may enjoy watching women who play eye-candy in action films, she is against being part of such films.
“When I get a script, the question I want an answer to is: ‘Am I just an eye-candy or am I doing anything substantial in it?’ There are films that are commercial and male-oriented and I would love to be a part of them as long as my role is meaty… I just don’t want to do five scenes in a movie,” said Chopra.
Barring Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, Chopra has led projects such as Shuddh Desi Romance and Ishaqzaade to the finish line. There were no bankable Khans (such as Shah Rukh or Salman) behind and the films starred relative newcomers such as Sushant Singh Rajput and Arjun Kapoor.
“It’s a great time for an actress to be in the industry today. Roles are being written for women and I am loving the appreciation that I am getting.”
In the coming days, Chopra will get down to promoting her September release Daawat-e-Ishq, starring Roy Kapur. “It’s a perfect film for all those who love food. But sometimes, eating the same food from morning to evening for a scene can get tiring. But as an actor, I can never fake it. So, I ended up eating a lot of food.”
