Parineeti Chopra is suddenly busy as a bee! She has two films on hand – Yash Raj’s Meri Pyaari Bindu and Homi Adjania’s Takadum. The actor has also has lent her voice to a 12-year-old character Sophie in the Hindi version of Steven Spielberg’s The BFG. She talks about her dubbing experience, her films and singing on screen.
What excited you about dubbing for the Hindi version of Steven Spielberg’s The BFG?
This is a film directed by Mr Steven Spielberg and it’s based on Roald Dahl’s book. Mr Bachchan and I play the principle characters; so how could I say no? When they offered me the film, my first priority was to watch it. So they brought the film from Los Angeles and I loved it. I have a heavy and distinctive voice and to become the voice of a 12-year-old girl was a big challenge. I am so glad that I did the film. Spielberg is one of the top directors in the world and I always joke that this was my one chance of being a Spielberg heroine.
Did you get a chance to interact with Spielberg?
No, because this is in Hindi, we were working with the team over here.
Do you think this could be your launch into Hollywood?
No. This is a Hindi release. But of course, I would love to go there if I get a good offer.
You missed out on working with Amitabh Bachchan in Piku...
No, I wasn’t approached.
Okay! But did you get to interact with him while working on this film?
No, dubbing doesn’t work like that — I was dubbing in my studio and he was in his. But I have the pleasure and honour of knowing him since he called me after Isqhzaade (2012). He is always appreciative of my work and calls after each film. I have an amazing relationship with him; we always talk about doing a film together.
On the film front, what is the status on Meri Pyaari Bindu?
The first schedule has been shot. The second will start on July 28. We are waiting for Ayushmann Khurrana to resume shooting. He is in the US on a tour and will be back soon. The film is a beautiful story about two characters — mine and Ayushmann’s (Khurrana) — and has the sweetest script. It touched my heart. I had a gut feeling that I had to do this film.
You will also be crooning in the film since you are playing a singer...
Yes, my look is going to be new too. Hopefully, I will sing a couple of songs. My co-star is a great singer. We sing a lot of songs off-screen and constantly try to impress our director Akshay Roy, but he ignores our constant auditioning. So I hope I get to sing duets with Ayushmann, and my own songs as well. Manish Sharma (producer) and Akshay will decide.
What is it like to work with Ayushmann?
Ayushmann is one of my favourite co-stars. I love my working relationship with him. Both of us burst into singing all the time and they have to tell us to shut up. We are on the same wavelength because I sing too, and he understands my singing technically and vice versa.
You have also bagged another film — Homi Adjania’s Tikadum with Sushant Singh.
I am excited about working with Sushant again. He is a great actor and keeps you on your toes. Also, I was dying to do a film with Homi Adajania. I will start shooting in October.
Buzz has it that you are also a big contender for Dabaang 3...
I heard that last night, but there is no truth in this. I will announce my next film soon.
Did you feel bad about missing out on working with Salman Khan in Sultan?
I wasn’t approached for Sultan. I think they were thinking about me. I am the biggest Salman Khan fan and it would be amazing if I ever got to do a film with him.
Are you teaming up with Arjun Kapoor for Mubaraka?
No...Nothing has been announced; I will not talk about it.
Has your work sidelined your love and relationships?
No, I give a lot of importance to my personal life, it’s as important as my professional life.