Parineeti Chopra : Being Positive Is Not A Defense Mechanism For Me

Actors Parineeti Chopra is unapologetically candid. Our April coverstar shares her views on sisterhood, the real reason behind the pay-gap in the film industry, and the dream role that’s given her new-found motivation.

Parineeti Chopra is on a high right now. Her recent release Kesari, in which she plays Akshay Kumar’s love interest, sent the cash registers ringing by crossing the `100-crore mark in just 10 days. As I’m typing this interview at the Cosmo HQ, the film is still going strong at the box office.

The other reason she’s on cloud nine is because she’s working on her dream role: playing the lead in ace badminton player Saina Nehwal’s biopic. “I’ve never worked this hard in my life for a role,” she grins. “I train every day so that I learn the game and look the part.” Parineeti’s assembly of roles includes an enviable variety, but this film is especially close to her heart. “I can’t tell you how grateful

I feel when I step out on that court every morning...I’m engulfed with this sense of pride. Playing Saina means a lot to me, and my goal is to do justice to her and all her achievements,” she gushes.

And it is hard work. Parineeti tells us that, to get into the skin of the character, she wakes up at 5am every morning—works out, then heads to the court at 6am and trains for two hours straight. “We’ve booked courts in slots so that there are no distractions. I will have to live this regimented life for the next nine months, but I am super-kicked about it,” she says, enthusiastically.

Speaking about biopics on sports stars, one can’t not mention Mary Kom, played by Priyanka Chopra Jonas [Parineeti’s sister]—the way Priyanka transformed her body for the role is something that’s still discussed. “You know, when she [Priyanka] was prepping for Mary Kom, I used to tell her that I’m so jealous because it’s something I really wanted to do...and look where I am today!”