Priyanka Chopra: India’s social networking queen

Social networking gives Priyanka Chopra real feedback.

NEW DELHI:

With over a million followers on Twitter, and over two million on Facebook, Bollywood’s social networking queen Priyanka Chopra says she feels loved and that these platforms do not just bring her a step closer to her fans, but also helps her in getting direct feedback.

“Social networking is a great way to stay in touch with what’s happening in the world, to understand what people are thinking, discussing, doing etc. It’s also a great way to get real feedback about my work,” said Chopra.

The 28-year-old former beauty queen is quite a hit on the web, and says it’s a “great feeling”.

“I feel much loved. I don’t see it as some sort of feat that has been achieved... it’s not about the numbers for me, it’s about connecting with people from all over the globe, from all walks of life. I like to interact on these platforms and I’m just glad that I have such a large circle of people that I can connect with on a regular basis... with no one in between,” she said.

Chopra, who is busy shooting for Karan Johar’s remake of Agneepath, also feels a strong connect with some of those who regularly post to her.

“I now actually know the names and faces of so many people who have reached out to me on these platforms. Many of them are regularly in touch with their viewpoints, questions and sometimes just lovely words of encouragement. It’s my way of seeing their faces and hearing their voices, which I would not have been able to do otherwise,” she said.

Chopra feels these websites are like a fridge, which we keep opening every now and then to check if there is something new. But she updates her posts only when she really wants to.

“I access both very regularly, if not to connect but simply to read about what everyone is up to. But I tweet and post when I feel like sharing something...there are no rules that I follow. Also, sometimes I have nothing much to say and don’t believe in spamming anyone’s timelines with random posts or tweets just for the sake of posting,” she said.

Lately, Chopra has not been tweeting too often and a lot of it is to do with her busy schedule.

After shooting the Agneepath remake, she will move immediately into shooting for Kunal Kohli’s next venture, in which she will feature with Shahid Kapoor. She also has Don 2, Krrish 2 and Barfee in the pipeline. Quite a range, isn’t it?

“I can’t speak for others but when it comes to me and my choices, I have always liked to push the boundaries, try new things, and to challenge myself. There are no set rules and guidelines... it’s each to their own.

“I think the audience is accepting and appreciative of anything you do as long as you do it well,” said the national award-winning actor, who successfully carried 12 different avatars in What’s Your Rashee?? and seven different looks in Saat Khoon Maaf.

Thanks to her choc-a-block schedule, a relaxing summer vacation seems like a distant dream for Chopra.

“All my films are being shot back to back. If I’m lucky, I may get a few days off on my birthday (July 18)! But I’m not complaining. When I think I really need a vacation, I will make the time for it. Right now, I’m enjoying every moment of the work I’m doing,” she said.





Published in The Express Tribune, May 21^st, 2011.