EXCLUSIVE: You Cannot Decide who you Fall in Love With - Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra has had an amazing 2015. She made heads turn in Dil Dhadakne Do, grabbed eye balls with her American show Quantico and now is winning hearts with Bajirao Mastani. In a candid chat, Priyanka talks about the success of her latest film, her show and the forthcoming projects!

Recommended Read: Yay or Nay : Priyanka Chopra in Tarun Tahiliani

Bajirao Mastani opened to rave reviews. And apart from Ranveer, your performance has been appreciated. Your reaction?

Phew.. It feels honestly great. I mean I am playing Kashi, not Bajirao or Mastani. But my house is a garden right now. I came back home and for a second I was like ‘Is it my birthday’? Because it is only at that time when my house looks like that. So many people have been calling me up. When I accpeted Kashi’s role, that time only I knew this will be a hugely impactful role to do it. I was the first person to get cast. For me its a different role. I have always played tough, ass-kicking woman. But Kashi had no voice. History had forgotten her, she couldn’t say anything and yet she had to strong and resilient. And I wanted to do that and make her be remembered in history. I am so glad that somehow through me, that would happen.

For Ranveer Singh, Amitabh Bachchan’s letter is the biggest gift. What about you?

We have all got compliments from Mr. Bachchan. My mother has a huge collection of his letters because she is his fan. She can’t talk when she stands in front of him. She compares my performances on whether I have received the letter or no. It is like my mother’s medal. If he doesn’t send me a letter, my mother thinks I haven’t done well.

Many of your colleagues appreciated your work including Shahid Kapoor…

(Interrrupts) A lot of people have appreciated my work. Many of them with whom I haven’t worked for years, have complimented me. I don’t like taking names. It is personal. What is out there is for all to see, what is not, I cannot reveal it to you. I am so overwhelmed right now. It is not just the colleagues but the audience that has complimented me. I have got such overwhelming love for it. People call me 'Kashibai’ when I land at the airport. It is so wonderful. Even when I was in Montreal, it was wonderful to get that reception.

Many people said that the film should have had more of Priyanka Chopra. Your thoughts?

I haven’t watched the film, I am seeing the film tomorrow. But I don’t think so. I am someone who believes that the length of the role doesn’t matter. I have done 8 scenes in Kaminey, but that was so impactful. Someone told me once, there is no small role, there are just small actors. And I am not a small actor. I believe in my craft. My art is spirituality for me. I don’t compete with others but myself. If the film does well, then everybody wins. I guess everyone should think that way. We are not the only ones in a film. There are 300 people working on it, we are just the face on the poster. That is not right. Kashi wouldn’t be Kashi without people who made her that - SLB, Anju Modi, Priyanka (My hairstylist), My Make-Up team etc. I don’t think the length matters at all. I am so glad Kashi had that impact on all.

What’s next for you now?

Quantico will be a consistent part of my life because the season got extended to 22 episodes. I will be shooting that from January to April. I would be doing two films, deciding which ones. Pheewwww… And that is lot of work. I have some amazing choices and it will be difficult to decide which ones to do and which one to leave. It is heartbreaking. Considering Quantico is a hit show, hopefully we will get renewed for a second season and work on it. I have Jai Gangaajal too for which I am most excited. It is the most relevant film. It talks about plight of farmers and the increasing corruption. It is also on gender equality. My character stands up against the odds and wants all to treat her for her capabilities. I have always believed in that in real life too. Treat me on merit and not because of a girl, or because I know you.

There are reports that you are approached for Sultan and a Kalpana Chawla biopic..

There a bunch of films but I cannot commit which one I am doing. And no, I have never been approached for Sultan..

Love triangles are messy. Ranveer said in an interview that in real life, he has been a Kashibai. What is your take on the triangles?

People complicate! Pyaar Hojaata.. You cannot decide with whom you want to fall in love. It could be right and could be wrong according to a lot of people but no one except the people involved have the right to decide what is right or wrong. So the same way I feel, triangles would be happening, but it most important to see where the true love is. In this, both Bajirao and Mastani are right. It’s not their fault. Kashi’s also not wrong. But it was Bajirao who was torn between the two. Nobody’s wrong. Hence Kashi let him go because she wanted him to be happy. If I was in that situation, and if my husband fell in love with someone, I would say 'Bye, Cya!’ I wouldn’t take care of him, especially when I see him cheating on me! I am of the belief that love should prevail.

Lastly Priyanka, Salman celebrates his 50th birthday tomorrow. What would you like to wish for him?

I would wish him health and prosperity. I heard he was unwell. But he is Salman Khan the Superhero!