Priyanka Chopra takes up Gatka By: Tushar Joshi January 4, 2007
Priyanka Chopra underwent rigorous training for fight sequences in Don, then she dangled mid-air and did somersaults at Nelly Furtado's concert on New Year's Eve.
It's evident that the actress believes in performing action scenes on her own. Of late, the actress has been learning a new desi martial art called Gatka.
This form of fighting is practised in North India, and comprises simple circular and semi-circular movements that are used for self-defence.
Priyanka will be seen performing Gatka in Goldie Behl's Drona opposite Abhishek Bachchan. When asked about her training, she says, "I have some scenes in the movie where I perform Gatka moves.
My training began in November by an expert who was called in from Ludhiana."
It is learnt that the actress was more than eager to get involved in the training process, but found the moves tough to master. "It isn't easy at all. In fact, it is something that I have not tried so far.
Gatka is totally opposite to the kind of preparation I underwent for Don. I wouldn't call it a marital art but a specialised form of fighting."
No pain no gain
In spite of hurting herself while practicing, the actress continued to push herself and is quite pleased at the results. "It's physically demanding and you have to be really fit and alert to be able to follow the movements."
The actress who returned recently from her schedule in Prague, recalls, "It was some minus 12 degrees when I shot for the film. It wasn't easy at all, but since I had spent so many hours training I had to put my best foot forward. It was a challenge and I totally enjoyed it."
Fab shots
Priyanka was highly impressed by the way the action sequences were shot. "It just looks fabulous. I was really excited after watching the end result of my hardwork."
When asked about her character in the film she adds, "I can't reveal much about what I play, but yes learning Gatka was definitely one of the highlights of the entire shoot."
What is Gatka?
Gatka is an ancient battle-tested martial art, which uses the sword as its primary weapon. Today, it exists exclusively amongst the Sikhs who have passed down the flamboyant techniques through generations.
Gatka is a complete martial system, which helps the individual with all aspects of their life: mind, body and soul. The techniques involved are extremely effective as well as visually spectacular.
There are many hidden or concealed movements in Gatka that are difficult for an opponent to defend against. Such movements are often used to end a fight quickly so that the Gatka fighter can move on to the next opponent in the battlefield without unnecessary loss of energy.
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