Sure, with box-office hits Don and Krrish already under her size-23 belt, the former Miss World stayed out of the limelight in last year 2007, notching a major role only in Big Brither. But peruse the current year 2008 release list, see it littered with her name, and you realise the time was not spend idly. The uttar Pradesh-native has been in Miami, Mumbia and more, shooting for a full slate of movies : Love Story 2050, Dostana, Drona, God Tussi Great Ho and Chamku.

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Moveover, this weekend, Priyanka dazzled on-set in Lower Parel, Mumbia, while shooting for Madhur Bhandarkar’s latest upcoming flick Fashion. The rumours that she’s shed a few kilos for the role appear to have merit, as Priyanka, wearing high-heels and a hip-hugging ivy-coloured cocktail dress, sports a figure that would turn Milan’s top supermodels green with envy.

In between shotsand make-up, Priyanka chatted up with media sharing her thoughts on Love Story 2050, her friendship with co-star Harman Baweja and what the future has in store for her. Take a look of her exclusive interview.

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In Love Story 2050, do you feel you have finally been given the opportunity to show your full talent? Did playing two roles — not to mention the added time-jump element — make you schizophrenic?

(With laughs) I have not been asked that one yet. No, it didn’t make me crazy! I have known about the movie from the start; and I think that I also really understand both characters. So, while it was a challenge, it was always fun. I never felt overwhelmed or confused. It was not difficult to switch from one character to other. In fact, the hardest thing was dyeing my hair red; it was really rough on it.

Much has been made of the film’s big budget and use of technology, the green screen and computer renderings. What’s it like to work in a movie that incorporates so much technology?

It is weird at first, with the green screen. You have to act like you are staring at a skyline, or pretend that you are flying, but you’re not, obviously. So it was hard to conceptualise, but once I saw the shots, in their final form, I was blown away. That’s when it all comes together and looks really good. The technology in Love Story 2050 is truly amazing.

Is it a never-before-been-done-in-India-type of movie?

Oh, it’s definitely never been done before in India. When people see the quality of production, the visual effects and all, they are going to be stunned. It is really exciting to be part of such an advanced filmmaking process.

How do you think it will be received by critics and at the box-office?

I honestly don’t know what the critics will say. It is impossible to know. Sometimes, they give films bad ratings, and they go on to be huge hits. Other times, they say a film is great, but no crowd turn out to see it. It is really just one person’s opinion. For me, to see if a movie is a success, I look at the box-office results. At the end of the day, that’s what matters. As for my latest upcoming movie Love Story 2050, I think it will be a huge hit at the box-office and over all. It is just so cool. Se, I always ask myself : “Is this type of film I would watch?” With (Love Story 2050), it is not even a question. This is the type of film I love!

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Do You like science-fiction flicks?

Well, though it is in the future, it’s really not a sci-fi flick. It’s a romantic movie, at heart, a love story. And that’s what I enjoy, a good romantic film. 

So what’s a futuristic Mumbia like? Is the film realistic in its depiction of the future?

Mumbia is crazy in 20501 There are flying cars, robots and so much more, But I do not want to reveal too much. I think it’s impossible to predict the future; so I would not say it’s completely “realistic”. So, in that sense, it is a fantasy. It is a fun look at what the future could be like.

What about with you? Much has been speculated about your close friendship with Harman. Was it strange to work with him?

Harman was one of the first people I met in this industry, almost five years ago. So we have been close friends for some time. It was great to be his first co-star, just as someone was mine. It was not hard to work together; we had a great time. But now, we are just nervous. It’s almost like the Judgment Day, as release day approaches. We have put in a lot of emotion and energy; no body thought we would be able to pull off a movie with such a big budget, which was so ambitious. So now, we are just waiting for the reponse of audiences!

How was it working with the father-son Bawejas? Did it cause problems, their proximity to each other, or did they have chemistry?

At first, I was worry that I would be an outsider, because the two of them such a great connection. But they both made me feel so much comfortable, and a part of the creative process. To see them work together was just mind-blowing. They have this mental connection, this bond; it allows them to understand each other without even speaking. Harry would not even say anything, just motion with his hand, and Harman would know exactly what to do. They have great timing together.

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How was Harman in his debut? How would you rate his performance?

First of all, Harman is a natural actor and a great dancer too. He really understands the production and technical aspects — sound engineering, camera work, etc — all these I have only heard about. Also, he just had great chemistry with the other actors.

But the media has not hesitated to link you two. How does that make you feel, that people take liberties when writing about your personal life?

It’s an occupational hazard. When you reach a highly visible, public status, there are some things you must sacrifice. One of those things is part of your privacy. It can bother you, or embarrass you, but you have to learn to live with it. I love this life and I am thankful for every one of my fans. So it’s a small price to pay.

Have you changed your tone with the media? Are you more reserved now? Were you a little naive when you first started?

I have definitely become more careful now with the media. It’s their job, to report what you say and do. I do think I was a little naive when I got here. I am from a small city; my family is very middle class. But I enjoy interacting with my fans and the media. I have jsut learned to be a little reserved. For example, I don’t discuss my personal life. Ever.

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You are a self-admitted small-town girl. How have you adjusted to the lifestyle of Mumbia? Are you a party girl? Or do you stay at home?

I am from a small-town, yes, but my father’s career required us move around all the time. I love my home! It is my favourite! I am definitely not a party-girl. While I do go for a lot of social parties, I am not a huge fan of them. I would rather curl up in my bed with a good book or good movie. That’s how I feel relax. When I do go out, it’s with my close friends. It’s those times I can really let my hair out. Also, when I am out of the country, I have more of a chance to go out without being noticed. When we were in Miami for shooting Karan Johar’s Dostana, I had a great time.

You really seem to be enjoying yourself, but you were not always on the road to Bollywood. How did this get started? Did you ever imagine anything like this would happen when you were young?

I all started when my mom sent in these photos of me for Miss India. They were just random captures; I can’t believe I got selected! This, with Miss India, when I won, that’s when this whole world just opened up to me. I love what I do; I would not want to do anything else.

How long will you do this? Will you ever get involved with other aspects of the industry, like directing or writing?

I could do this forever (laughs). May be one day I will try my hand at something different, like writing. But for now, I am focused on becoming the best actress I can be, and that takes up a lot of time! Still, it’s an interesting thought.

Are you religious?

I am would not say I am religious I am very spiritual. I do believe there’s a supreme God that influences our lives and our world.

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Would you be willing to push boundaries? How much would you dare to bare?

I have simple rule ” I would not do anything I couldn’t watch with my family.

Given this media attention, and the forthcoming releases, it’s safe to say you have become very visible. But remember back when no one was sure you would be the big star. Why do you think you have been offered so many lead roles?

I believe every actor has his own destiny. Part of that destiny is what roles you eccept, how you perform, and how you handle yourself. The most inportant thing to me, when reviewing a part, is the production house. So I am careful to chose my parts wisely, based on a lot of considerations. But I never planned for any of this to happen; I have never planned anything. Like I said, I really feel like a child of destiny.

On the other end of spectrum, What about artsy roles? Would you like to try your hand something alternative?

Well, I have no problem doing a different or offbeat role if I think the movie can be a big success. But I am not on e of those people who think that the-glamorised roles require more talent. Why, just because you are not wearing make-up? It’s still acting, portraying someone different from your personality. They both take a lot of work.