IIFA 2016: Priyanka on educating the West about Bollywood

How does it feel to be an international icon and the most wanted cover girl in the West?
People keep asking me about Time Magazine cover or as many covers that I have done or my show Quantico going to 200 different countries. Yes, it's an achievement but it so little compared to the depth that an Indian actor should be given a chance to display. I am really grateful for the opportunity that people have accepted my work. I don't think I am an icon. I think Indian actors have so much potential and I think have hardly achieved anything. Nothing happens with just one big Hollywood film. Yes, I got incredible recognition in a completely different country but there is still a long way to go. I haven't changed as a person, though. I work really hard. I have never known how to do strategy or planning. I can go to any country in the world and be just as good if not better, all thanks to Hindi film industry.

Your armpit was in the news recently.
That's when I realised I must be a star. If my arm gets trending on the Internet and CNN America carries it, then I must be a star.

Do you think social media has its pros and cons?
I think scrutiny always existed. The Internet has its good and bad points but I don't think public figures need to change who they are. I think the reflection of who we are comes out on in front of people. If you have something to hide then you should be careful of what you say but I have always been open and if I have something to hide then nobody will ever find out.

How is the shoot of Baywatch going?
The film is over. It will be really exciting. I always play unconventional characters, I am really happy that in my first film in America I will be a villain.

Are your colleagues from the West familiar with Bollywood?
When I interact with musicians and actors from America, Europe, Canada, I feel they don't understand what Bollywood is. In the one year that I have spent abroad, I feel that people think that Bollywood is an offshoot of Hollywood or it's a spoof and it really upsets me. I am at the moment educating people about Bollywood.
We dance when we are having dinner or when we win a cricket match. That's who we are. We don't have to be apologetic about who we are. We are one of the most prolific film industries in the world, we make about 900 movies in a year including regional films. 40% of our box-office profit comes from outside of India. We have a different culture, our stories are told through dance and music. I am just trying to change perspectives by saying it's not random, there is a thought process behind it and it's an infusion of pop culture and movies. We don't have radio web of culture, we don't have Beyonce and Rihanna, our movies are pop culture, pop movies motion pictures. Nobody in the world has been able to do that.

Are you doing the next James Bond film?
I would rather be a James Bond than play a female lead alongside him. But I don't think the world is ready for a female Bond. I would wish it happens but realistically I don't think so. Even if it's not me and if there is another female James Bond, I would be the first one to sit up and say, yay! (arti@khaleejtimes.com)