The big leap

While the movie won Priyanka Chopra,the protagonist,a slew of awards,the then-debutante’s performance didn’t go unnoticed—it helped the 24-year-old bag two big projects. “But more importantly,” she says,“it has given me the confidence that I can learn and grow in the industry.” And her confidence is showing in her body language,the way she walks or answers every question. “My college friends,however,say I’ve changed. They feel I’ve become smarter and “too busy” for them. But the fact is that this job is so demanding that I honestly don’t get much time. But after I wrapped up these two projects,I managed to spend time with them. So now no one’s complaining,” she smiles.

A little over a year ago,the fashion ramp may have been her comfort zone but this season’s recently-concluded Lakme Fashion Week saw her as a front row guest at Vikram Phadnis’ show. “There was a sense of déjà vu. When I saw the models,I wanted to take to the ramp too but then being seated in the front row was also a big high—to me,it represented growth.”

The actress says she owes a lot to the filmmaker who gave her the first break. “Madhurji never repeats actors and I feel privileged that he signed me for Jail,” She does not deny that Jail is chiefly Neil Nitin Mukesh’s film. However,Godse says,“Madhurji never wastes his characters. Since I play Neil’s love interest,I’ll be as prominent.”

Contrary to her de-glam character in Jail is her diva-in-a-bikini role in All the Best. “I’m really nervous about this one. Comedy is the toughest genre,I feel. So I’ve plunged blindly into this one with the support of the director and the cast.”

The biggest lessons that she learnt on the sets of ATB,she says,is that not half the things one hears about the industry are true. “Bipasha has always been portrayed by the media as a stern woman but she’s fun-loving like a child. And I had heard that newcomers should always maintain distance from the stars and massage their egos,but they are so full of humility. I wish I remain this way as well.”

We hope so too.