She entered the industry with the tag of Priyanka Chopra’s cousin. But now, with several big films lined up, Parineeti Chopra has created an image for herself that is independent of her family ties. As she awaits the release of her next (a romantic-comedy), she talks to us about news of her cousins making Bollywood debuts, buying a new home in Mumbai, an alleged affair with director Maneesh Sharma, and what she thinks of live-in relationships.
We’ve heard your other cousins, Meera and Barbie, are also ready to enter the film industry?
First of all, Meera is not my cousin. She is a cousin’s cousin’s cousin. We don’t even meet and talk. So she is not really my family. Yes, Barbie (Handa) is my bua’s (father’s sister) daughter and I believe she is doing a south film right now. She is a really sweet girl.
Your film, Maneesh Sharma’s Shuddh Desi Romance, is clashing with Priyanka’s release (Zanjeer) on September 6.
We both laugh about it. She is my sister, so I’m never going to think, ‘Oh my God, it’s my film verses hers.’ Things like these would never cross my mind. I love her.
Your next film deals with live-in relationships. Would you ever be in one?
It depends. Right now, I am single and I don’t have a man in my life. But if I had one and if I felt it was okay at that time — and if my family was okay with that decision — then why not? But I have not faced that situation in my life yet. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
We’ve heard you’re going to buy a house in Mumbai?
Yes, I really want to. I have been living on rent ever since I’ve come to Mumbai. I want a permanent address now. I really want to buy a house, but I haven’t been able to find the time to go out and look for one. Hopefully, it will happen soon.
This is your second film with Maneesh, after Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011).
I was dying to do another film with Maneesh. Also, I have always wanted to do a Jaideep Sahni script. So when I got both of them in one film, I couldn’t possibly say no. Plus, I am not the usual bubbly girl in this film. I’m playing a quiet and mature girl, and that was an interesting challenge for me.
Rumour has it that you and Maneesh are seeing each other. Is this true?
There’s no truth to this. Maneesh is my closest friend. We spend a lot of time together; as a result people will obviously feel that there is something happening. But that’s fine (with me). I laugh about it. My love and respect for him is completely different. He is the reason I’m an actor today.
Now that you’ve made a mark for yourself in Bollywood, do you still take tips from Priyanka?
Whatever decisions I make regarding my films, I make on my own or with some help from Maneesh or Adi (producer Aditya Chopra). I call her (Priyanka) for all other advice, or when I am confused, because she’s been in the industry for the past 10 or 12 years.