Great time for Indian actresses: Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra thinks she started the trend of female-dominated films.

SINGAPORE:

Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra says that even though Indian cinema remains male- dominated, changed perspectives towards female actors in the current times have helped actresses shine.

“The film industry is male dominated but it’s hugely fascinating to see how a change has come about. People’s mindset towards actresses is changing. Now we can experiment with roles instead of just playing the coy girl. It is a great time for Indian actresses to be in cinema,” says Chopra.

She spoke at a press conference of her forthcoming film Teri Meri Kahaani, on the sidelines of the 13th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) weekend and awards. She was accompanied by co-star Shahid Kapoor and director Kunal Kohli. Teri Meri Kahaani, releasing June 22, is a love story that spans across three eras: 1910, 1960 and 2012.

The actress, who won a National Award for her performance in Fashion, said she is proud to have started the trend of women-oriented films. “When Fashion happened, everybody told me it is a big risk because nobody comes to watch women-oriented movies. I feel like I have kick-started all the gamut of films being made with female-dominated roles,” she added.

Chopra added that her journey so far has been a learning experience.” I am somebody who came to the film industry without knowing anyone. Everything I have learned is my own. I have fallen, bruised myself so I take a lot of pride in it,” the actor said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2012.