(IO)DARKNESS LOOTERS#35 #PendulumOfTheMindOscillatesb/wSense&Nonse - Page 24

Making a rare leap, Priyanka Chopra is probably the first Indian actress to star in a mainstream American television series, Quantico', a new crime drama that premieres on September 27. Back home, PeeCee has the much-awaited Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani' and Prakash Jha's Jai Gangaajal'. In an exclusive chat, the jet setting actress talks to Pinkvilla from Montreal, on her role of an FBI agent, her character Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani', how she is a die-hard Punjabi and why she loves Jacqueline Fernandez.

You seem to be living on a plane these days...How has been your experience doing Quantico' and what is the response like?

Yeah, I have been going back and forth. So far even I am reading like everybody else. I have seen the pilot, reviews have started. So far we have got all positive reviews. 'Quantico' has been a very interesting experience, it is like going on an adventure every time. I play an FBI trainee.

Has there been any change in the way you are leading life there?

None, my daily routine remains the same. In Mumbai, I would wake up around four am and go to work at 5.30 and work till 10.30 or so...it remains the same here.

There is a lot of excitement about Bajirao Mastani' which is coming up for release...

Oh, it was really amazing to play Kashibai. It was a relief as I was doing action in both Quantico' and Jai Gangaajal' and with Kashibai it was like playing a proper feminine role, a girl with lovely colourful costumes and jewellery. It's truly a heart-wrenching character.

Bajirao Mastani' clashes with Shah Rukh Khan's family entertainer, Dilwale'...what is your take on that?

Unfortunately, it is not in my hands if the film is clashing with Dilwale'. I am not the producer or a distributor...

Coming back to Quantico', how did you prepare for your role, for the action scenes?

I did not have to prepare much for the role as I had earlier trained for Don' and Mary Kom', both action films. I had experience in it. Just that here we have real FBI guys training me with gun and stuff, for instance, how to do confrontation...

Is there any particular diet that you are following?

(Laughs)...Well I'm still a Punjabi Chopra...

Heard that you have three more films in your kitty after Jai Gangaajal'

I can't say anything now. I'm still working out, figuring out. I still need to confirm things.

Are you missing out on the Ganpati festivities in Mumbai?

My mother and brother are here with me for a week, so I am not missing the festivities or my family.

There is news of 'Kick' sequel doing the rounds and Jacqueline Fernandez feels you are one of the actresses besides Deepika Padukone and Sonakshi Sinha who would suit the role. Comment?

I adore Jacqueline, I love her and I'm really thankful to her if she thinks that I am fit for Kick' sequel. (Raises her voice) Thank you Jacqueline...