New Delhi: Actor Priyanka Chopra, who has managed to carve a niche for herself in the western showbiz industry with her show Quantico, has said that she wants to break the stereotype about Indian actors in Hollywood and does not just want to be known as “spoof” there.
“Icon is a very tricky word. Icon is a legendary personality despite the success and failure. I haven’t reached that far yet...I want to keep a legacy for my children that they can be proud of. I want to spread my footprint across the world. I don’t want to be known as a spoof in Hollywood,” Priyanka told reporters.
Contrary to reports of a fight, Priyanka said there is no change in her equation with Deepika Padukone.
It was reported that since there is a competition between Priyanka and Deepika - both are trying to make a mark in Hollywood - their friendship has gone kaput. “You (media) said we are friends. Earlier, you all (media) used to write we are BFF (best friend forever) so how did this change, why and how it changed? I did not say it (equation) has changed, you said it has changed,” Priyanka said.
“I am clarifying that whatever was earlier it is same today also. Your perspective has changed and that shouldn’t have happened,” the 33-year-old actress said, dismissing suggestions that their friendship has turned sour.
The Bajirao Mastani co-stars have umpteen times in the past said they are friends. In fact, Deepika had said Priyanka was her first friend when she entered Bollywood nearly a decade ago. Priyanka has made a name for herself on small screen in the US through her television show Quantico and now she will be making her debut in Hollywood with Baywatch.
Apparently, it was reported that the team of Piku actress is trying to get good projects for her. Asked about this, Priyanka said, “Ask her team. My team is not trying. It doesn’t make sense for me to answer about someone else...I don’t pay attention to what others are doing. My career has been very solitary. My career has nothing to do with the success and failure of others.”
The former Miss World said she is trying to open doors globally for Indian actors. “I am trying to open doors for others (Indian actors) by representing Indian film industry (at the international level). I hope a lot of south Asian actors get entry on global level. Whoever gets good work I will always wish them well. I would wish them more success than me.”
According to gossip mills were abuzz Bajirao Mastani stars apparently declined to perform on Pinga at the recently concluded IIFA Awards at Madrid. “I have no idea... It would be better to ask IIFA team. All I know is that it was suppose to happen but then I don’t know what happened and why it did not happen. I have no idea... You have to ask IIFA I am sure they would know.”
The Quantico star also said she would like to break the stereotype about Indian actors in the West. “I want to break the stereotype about Indian actors...we have talent, hence I got a TV show (Quantico), film (Baywatch). I don’t want to be like someone else. I always wanted to grow up and be Priyanka Chopra,” she said.
“You admire qualities of people...I admire lot of people and I imbibe their best qualities. You have to find what is unique about you and the best version of yourself,” she added.
After making a mark in Bollywood with her acting skills, the Fashion star headed to the West with her single, which got her appreciation. After that, she made a American television debut with Quantico. Now, she is making her Hollywood debut with Baywatch. “I don’t think by doing one film in Hollywood I am done. My television show has been very successful. I take credit for that. My film career there (Hollywood) has not started yet, so I can’t harp about it just because I have a film there,” she said.
The 33-year-old feels grateful to have been accepted in Hollywood and she now plans to create opportunities for Indian actors abroad. “I feel it is just the beginning. Indian actors deserve respect. We have been boxed into a certain thing, but we can do much, so I want to be able to open doors for us. I hope them (Indian actors) to be more successful than me,” she said.
When asked what’s her next plan, she says she doesn’t know as she has never planned her career. “I am very instinctive. I go by what comes my way. I don’t know what is next, but it will be something creative,” she added.
