Apart from playing host at the ZCA, her film Don 2 has been heavily featured in the nominations list. Her performance in 7 Khoon Maaf is also being considered in the Best Actress category. We talk to the multitalented Priyanka Chopra in the run up to the Zee Cine Awards…
How does it feel to be nominated at ZCA and how important are awards to an actor’s psyche?
It feels great knowing that a film that I have worked on has been recognised in so many categories at the Zee Cine Awards. Awards mean a lot to me, as they are recognition of your work. Winning them has always been a token of encouragement for me to do better.
You have been nominated in the Best Actress category for your author-backed role in 7 Khoon Maaf. Did you know that role had awards written all over it?
All I knew when I read the script was that I wanted to do the film. I don’t do films to
win awards. I take on roles that excite me. My role in 7 Khoon Maaf was very challenging and it also gave me the opportunity to work with very talented individuals, including my director, Vishal Bhardwaj, and a legend like Naseer Sir [Naseeruddin Shah].
What kind of preparation goes into hosting an awards ceremony?
This is the first time that I will be hosting the awards, where I will be teaming up with Shah Rukh Khan as co-host. I can’t reveal too much, because it will ruin all the fun. I’m really looking forward to it. I assure you, we will give the audience an evening to remember. I have worked with the whole team on the script.
Who is your closest competitor, and who would you cast your vote for?
At the risk of sounding cliched, I think they are all wonderful actors and I wish them all the best. If I were in the jury, I would cast a vote for myself and why not? I love winning awards.
Are you disappointed that your jungle billi act in Don 2 didn’t make the nominations cut?
Quite the contrary. I am happy that the film itself has received recognition at the awards. I am also delighted to be nominated for my role in 7 Khoon Maaf.
You are heading to Dubai to promote Agneepath today. Tell us about your role. Is it likely to create awards buzz?
I am super-excited about the release of Agneepath. I think Karan Malhotra has donean outstanding job in bringing to life a cult classic, yet giving it a whole new spin. Mycharacter, Kaali, is part of the changes that Karan has brought to the story. Her whole liferevolves around Vijay [Hrithik Roshan], whom she has grown up with. In the middle of allthe boys, the fighting, the revenge, she is the love, the passion and the soul of the film.As I said earlier, I don’t select roles because they are awards material.