For someone who has come from a corporate background, Parineeti Chopra has surely made her presence felt in Bollywood. From her debut film, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, back in 2011, to her upcoming releases in 2020, the National Award winning actress proves she’s a force to be reckoned with. In this special rendezvous amidst the glorious backdrops of Dubai, Parineeti let’s us in on why she’s in love with life.
What’s a day in the life of Parineeti Chopra like?
Every day is completely different. If I’m working, I could be shooting for a film, or travelling. If I’m not working, and I’m in Bombay, I’m a total couch potato because all I want to do is read and sleep. Outside of work, I make it a point to visit five new countries a year, so that keeps me very busy!
What’s a man got to do to win your heart?
The biggest thing for me is that a man should be self-made. I’ve grown up in a house where everyone in my family is self-made, so that’s a quality I really want in a partner. I also want a guy to be real because it’s so rare to find real people in this world. Plus, if he has a good sense of humour, I’m happy.
Define real love, and your idea of your dream wedding.
Real love is when you have the freedom to be yourself. The moment you have to ‘put on’ on act, then that relationship is not real. As for my dream wedding… honestly I don’t know! I don’t think I want to have a traditional wedding. I want to take my friends abroad to the Maldives perhaps, have a lot fun, and party for three days! Traditions are just not me.
What’s the most fun wedding you’ve been to?
My sister’s wedding - Priyanka and Nick’s was beautiful. They are huge stars, and even within that sphere, to have a real wedding, filled with real family moments was crazy fun. I don’t know where those four days went! I was also a bridesmaid, so I had a lot of duties, and this made it even more special for me.
From investment banker to Bollywood, what made you want to get into acting?
I never thought I would become an actress, I am a very academic person, and was working towards being an investment banker in London. Destiny played a part, and movies just happened. Aditya Chopra and Maneesh Sharma thought I could be Dimple from Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl, and after that I never looked back. Acting is my calling, and I can’t imagine being in any other profession.
Do you see yourself doing international films?
Well, I’m an actor who is greedy! What I mean by this, is that I don’t care about the language or the medium of the project. I want to perform all my life in front of the camera. If an interesting English film or project came along, or anything that really excited me, I’d definitely do it.
How was it shooting for Khush Wedding in Dubai?
It was a blast! I got to wear one of my favourite designers, Abhinav Mishra. I really love his clothes, and I just feel my best when I wear his designs. I also shot with one of my favourite photographers, Rahul, who has turned out to be my good friend. I love my look, and I’m really pleased with how the photos have turned out.
What’s next for Parineeti Chopra?
I feel like I’m entering phase two of my career, which is starring in films I’ve always wanted to be a part of. I’ll soon be starring in The Girl On The Train, and Saina Nehwal’s biopic. I have always wanted to be part of a biopic - I had to learn a completely new sport and understand badminton technically. I’ve had a blast filming, because both films have shaped the way I think as a person, and as an actor. I really hope the audience accepts me for how I’ve performed in these films.
Editor-in-Chief: Sonia Ullah
Creative Director: Manni Sahota
Fashion Editor: Vikas Rattu
Fashion Stylist: Tanishq Malhotra
Photography: Rahul Jhangiani
Wardrobe: Abhinav Mishra
Jewellery: Kainoor Jewellery
Makeup: Gini Bhogal
Hair: Michel Kiwarkis
Location: Address Downtown and Address Sky View, Dubai, UAE
As seen in Khush Wedding 25. Buy this issue here