Parineeti Chopra has chosen movies in the last few years where her character has a strong presence in the plot and a lot of depth. She is delighted that her life experiences are helping her grow as an actor and encouraging her to take those risks in her professional sphere with films like Saina, The Girl on The Train, and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, even though not every film she has been a part of has reached the target.
She’s also enthusiastic about the types of jobs that actresses are currently being offered, as well as the fact that they don’t have to follow a formula to be successful in the industry. “I believe there used to be a blueprint for a Bollywood heroine, which I believe has been abandoned,” the actress adds, adding, “I believe now women are not distinct in terms of the material they provide to the viewer.” So, whether you’re a male or female actress, if you’re not performing anything engaging or have a character with depth, the audience is unlikely to embrace you.
Today’s audience demands substance, which is why girls are being cast in parts that allow us to carry films rather than merely be an accessory.” Parineeti, like the current generation of performers, enjoys delving deep into any character she takes on, which necessitates a lot of work on her side as well as a lot of emotional energy. She has, however, mastered the skill of finding a work-life balance. She adores and likes her work, but she isn’t obsessed with it. Arjun Kapoor, her co-star and close friend, vouches for it.
When you bring this up with Parineeti, she adds, “Arjun is completely correct; that’s why he’s been my buddy for so long.” He is well-versed in my personality. It’s a very different set-up if I compare myself to someone who grew up in Mumbai, perhaps in the film business as well. My family and friends are not from here, although theirs are. My pals are all non-filmi, and my interests, hobbies, and passions are all non-filmi as well. I didn’t grow up watching movies, so when I’m not acting, I’m doing something completely unrelated to movies.
“If I am saturated or if I have too much of a specific substance, I won’t be able to perform at my best,” she says of the need of taking pauses at regular intervals. It’s not like I’m skipping gatherings in order to improve my acting skills (laughs!) What I mean is that I aim to live a very balanced life, and all of the experiences I get assist me to be my best, not just on screen but also as a person. I go back to that stable base, as Arjun says, so I can keep coming back. Some performers are in it 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that suits them fine. “To everyone his or her own.”
