Priyanka Chopra: Racism in US to Bollywood and 'Quantico'

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra is riding high these days. After a successful musical debut, she has taken Hollywood by storm with ‘Quantico.

Here she opens up about her life and work…

‘Quantico’ challenges

“It has been a fulfilling shoot for four episodes of ‘Quantico’. The fifth begins soon. Work is challenging because the language, country and style of making are vastly different from that of Bollywood. The response to the promo has been quite huge and I am told that the series is now wanted in over 180 countries, and that is huge for me.

“I am sure that I have managed to get an entry here because of my status as a Bollywood actress, but then I am beginning a career here as a newcomer. What I miss most in ‘Quantico’ are Bollywood numbers and I am feeling withdrawal symptoms. I do not mind working round the clock or falling sick, but I want to do dance numbers and hence I will be straddling both worlds.”

Breaking stereotypes

“Alex Parrish is a strong personality, but then she has her moments of frailties and that makes the character pretty real. That is one reason why I chose the role and will pick up such roles again, even in Bollywood.

“Alex is, indeed, a tough girl and doing the role has given me a lot of exposure in the western world. The part is a leading one, a headlining part. But then all that did not sink in until I was made to say the last lines, when I was made the show stopper during the launch of the show.

“The best part about ‘Quantico’ is that the role of Alex Parrish helped me break some stereotypes in which Indian girls have been cast in the West.”

Racism

“I was a victim of racism when I was in America during my school days. I must have been 13 or 14 then and it hurt because you are young and vulnerable.

"I am the same girl even now and my colour is still the same. So for me it is like a kind of victory now.  When I see ‘Jurassic World’ and the kind of work Irrfan has done in the film I feel very proud of what he has achieved.

‘Quantico’ premiered in the US on September 27 and it will be shown in India from October 3.

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