Priyanka Chopra is in a league of her own

With one of the most-awaited films releasing today, as well as the CD launch of the first single that marks actress Priyanka Chopra’s debut as a singer, the day is undoubtedly an important one for the actor.

And while one would expect Priyanka to pat herself on the back, as rave reviews are already flowing in for both her song and her film, she surprises by saying, “Right now, I’m just super-excited, but also nervous. I take great pride in my work, but I’m not patting myself on the back... I don’t set goals for  myself, never have, so I can’t say that I have achieved everything I wanted to yet. I’ll just save the pat for later.” The actress who’s been on a non-stop globe-trotting spree is in the city for a day, before flying off to LA to work on the album again. And as we chat up with the desi gal about it all, the irony that we are doing it as she’s making her way out of the airport doesn’t miss either of us... 

You’ve hardly been home?
Yes, and I’ve learnt to combat it by making myself feel at home, no matter what city I am in. You know, ever since I was a kid I have lived in so many places, from Bareilly to NY to Ambala to LA, that all these cities have come to be a part of who I am. So for me, home will always be where my heart is — be it at the place my family and loved ones are or where my work takes me.

Are you a nomad at heart?
I hate to limit myself creatively, so in a way yes. But more than that, it’s just that I’ve had a global upbringing thanks to having lived in so many different parts of the world.
 
So is your first single In My City an ode to that nomadic side of you?
To a large extent, I have dedicated the song to all the cities, I’ve lived in. The idea was to have my first single represent something very personal and a part of me and yet be relatable to everyone who hears it in any part of the world.

Those who’ve heard it are saying it has a Beyonce and Lady Gaga kind of an appeal. It must be exciting that it was released on a global platform...
Well, I have the producer and team to thank for it. More than the song being released at NFL kickoff, I’m more excited about sharing it here. But I am also nervous. I have worked really hard and trained for it with my voice coach, who would accompany me almost everywhere... to the sets, and all over to help me work on my vocals. I was surprised to learn that I actually had that high vocal range.

Your role in Barfi! is the other extreme. Wasn’t that a risk, when on one hand you are doing hardcore commercial masala films like Dostana, Agneepath, Don or Krissh?
I have taken chances and risks in everything I have done so far. Played a vamp when everyone said that I would be labelled as one for life after Aitraaz, then did a Fashion, a 7 Khoon Maaf, and now a Barfi!, films that have always pushed the envelope. I have always said that I am destiny’s favourite child, so I have trusted my gut instinct and made it so far without any filmi connections. And I want to keep doing entertaining films that push boundaries.

Singer-actor, what do you prefer to be known as?
An entertainer. Be it with singing or acting, the idea is to entertain people.

What’s your take on competition?
My career and I have never been dependent on my colleagues. So, it’s never something that I consider. I have never followed the normal gamut of films or career graph, so I am my only competition. I work to better myself, not to punch in numbers alone.