Meera is not my cousin; we don’t talk : Parineeti Chopra

She entered the industry with the tag of Priyanka Chopra’s cousin. But now, with several big films lined up, Parineeti Chopra has created an image for herself that is independent of her family ties. As she awaits the release of her next (a romantic-comedy), she talks to us about news of her cousins making Bollywood debuts, buying a new home in Mumbai, an alleged affair with director Maneesh Sharma, and what she thinks of live-in relationships.

We’ve heard your other cousins, Meera and Barbie, are also ready to enter the film industry?
First of all, Meera is not my cousin. She is a cousin’s cousin’s cousin. We don’t even meet and talk. So she is not really my family. Yes, Barbie (Handa) is my bua’s (father’s sister) daughter and I believe she is doing a south film right now. She is a really sweet girl.

Your film, Maneesh Sharma’s Shuddh Desi Romance, is clashing with Priyanka’s release (Zanjeer) on September 6.
We both laugh about it. She is my sister, so I’m never going to think, ‘Oh my God, it’s my film verses hers.’ Things like these would never cross my mind. I love her.

Your next film deals with live-in relationships. Would you ever be in one?
It depends. Right now, I am single and I don’t have a man in my life. But if I had one and if I felt it was okay at that time — and if my family was okay with that decision — then why not? But I have not faced that situation in my life yet. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.

We’ve heard you’re going to buy a house in Mumbai?
Yes, I really want to. I have been living on rent ever since I’ve come to Mumbai. I want a permanent address now. I really want to buy a house, but I haven’t been able to find the time to go out and look for one. Hopefully, it will happen soon.

This is your second film with Maneesh, after Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011).
I was dying to do another film with Maneesh. Also, I have always wanted to do a Jaideep Sahni script. So when I got both of them in one film, I couldn’t possibly say no. Plus, I am not the usual bubbly girl in this film. I’m playing a quiet and mature girl, and that was an interesting challenge for me.

Rumour has it that you and Maneesh are seeing each other. Is this true?
There’s no truth to this. Maneesh is my closest friend. We spend a lot of time together; as a result people will obviously feel that there is something happening. But that’s fine (with me). I laugh about it. My love and respect for him is completely different. He is the reason I’m an actor today.

Now that you’ve made a mark for yourself in Bollywood, do you still take tips from Priyanka?
Whatever decisions I make regarding my films, I make on my own or with some help from Maneesh or Adi (producer Aditya Chopra). I call her (Priyanka) for all other advice, or when I am confused, because she’s been in the industry for the past 10 or 12 years.

When Priyanka's Sister Parineeti Chopra Failed The Black Test

Star sisters Priyanka and Parineeti Chopra are both talented actors but their takes on fashion and style are very different. One doesn't stop experimenting with her fashion and the other is stuck in a style rut.

Priyanka and Parineeti were spotted on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, promoting their upcoming films Zanjeer and Shudh Desi Romance, respectively.

Both the Chopra girls opted for black outfits and that's where the similarity ended.

Glam girl Piggy Chops looked quite a stunner in her Monisha Jaising dress completed with basic pointed heels. One of the few actors in Bollywood who doesn't shy away from trying new looks, Priyanka opted for a quirky bob to match to her chic dressing. From the statement cocktail ring to the smart detailing on the dress and the subtle make- up, it made for a striking appearance.

On the other hand, Parineeti picked a jumpsuit that looked so boring. While the classic colour might have camouflaged her voluptuous figure to an extent, the outfit or the accessories didn't hit the mark. While they both do belong to different style sensibilities, Parineeti has been slacking on the fashion front for far too long now.

The leading lady of the show, Madhuri Dixit donned a bright orange lehenga sari in the schedule with Parineeti and a skirt and textured blouse in the other one.

Aamir Khan starts his films from scratch: Sushant Singh Rajput

Actor Sushant Singh Rajput, who shares screen space with Aamir Khan in 'PK', praises his co-star saying that despite being so experienced, he starts from scratch.

"I didn't have too many scenes with Aamir. I had few conversations with him. He is very inspiring. Whatever projects he starts with, he starts it from scratch. He is still so inquisitive about small things. He is still so passionate when he has nothing to prove," said Sushant, who started his film career with 'Kai Po Che!' and will next be seen in 'Shuddh Desi Romance'.

Aamir praised his work in his debut film too.

"He just said that he liked me in 'Kai Po Che!" and it's very overwhelming," added the young actor.

Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, 'PK' also features Sanjay Dutt.

Sushant, who is dating his co-star Ankita Lokhande, plans to get married by the end of the year. They both featured in the TV show 'Pavitra Rishta'.

He said: "I do believe in marriage. By the end of this year or by next year I will get married. I am 27, I can get married anytime."