Priya Anand Exclusive Interview: I Want To Be An Unaltered Actor!

The pretty Fukrey gal talks about working as a journalist, her thoughts on Jiah Khan’s suicide and acting alongside Sridevi

In English Vinglish she played a sweet young girl who helped Sridevi gain self confidence and find perspective.

And in person, Priya Anand is just as sweet. Positive and with an intelligence to match, the actor has already made news down South with a slew of interesting projects. Now just as her second film in Bollywood – where she plays a character radically different to her own – releases, Priya shares how challenging it was to play a girl from a city where she has no real ties. Find out what makes the pretty Ms Anand tick…

You’ve lived in various cities except for Delhi, and here you are playing a true blue Delhi girl in Fukrey – what was it like getting into the skin of your character?

You know, that was the best part about Fukrey. I got to experience so many different things and places. I have had experiences of living in different cities, big and small. I have lived in Chennai and in Hyderabad, so I know how it is being from a small town. Sure I was nervous, as I had little to relate to in terms of my character – a 17-year-old girl from Subhash Nagar in Chandni Chowk who has had no real exposure. It was a challenge, but it all fit together so well with all the actors being on the same page that it became easy for me to get under her skin. It also gave me a chance to experience that fresh young love. I was grateful for that, since all the emotions I went through playing my character really had me experience that first love. Also, my director Mrigdeep is a task master, so it was fun.

You’ve studied journalism as well. Ever done a celeb interview?

(Laughs) I didn’t get to that. I did study that in the US and how it helped me was to give me a very real insight into how things function, how the industry functions and what part do celebrities and the media play in keeping the dialogue going. So I have very realistic expectations as an actor. But yes, it’s a pity I couldn’t interview an actor. If I were to be a journalist for a day and interview someone, I don’t know who it would be. But I do know that I would ask some really hard questions. I’d really like to call out all the celeb bluffs and ask questions that’d really make them uncomfortable! And why not, because I only have to do it for a day!

What’s more fun – working in South movies or Hindi movies?

You know, I don’t feel too much of a difference. Because in spite of the many differences that may exist, there is so much more that is common. So many technicians travel back and forth between the two industries. Scripts are shared, and movies are remade from Tamil or Malayalam to Hindi and vice versa. The only actual difference I’ve seen is in the movie promotions. In Bollywood the actors really market the movie well. In the South they don’t pursue promotions so religiously. They don’t show up for the audio release and things like that, while Bollywood is more serious about movie promotions.

Tell us about your experience working with Sridevi in English Vinglish….

I have adored her as a kid. One of the reasons I chose the role in English Vinglish was because I wanted to meet her and to learn from her. Because if you see, it was a small role and I doubt whether any other actor would have agreed to do it as their Bollywood debut. But for me, I was thinking that if I can act in front of an actor like Sridevi, I can act in front of anyone. And that is so true!

Who are some of the Bollywood filmmakers you want to work with?

Oh, there are so many filmmakers who are so passionate today. They all have different attributes, and their own different ways and styles. But for me, what’s important is who wants to work with me. That is when an actor’s confidence increases. The fact that a director sees the potential in you, and works with you to reach that level of performance. For me, that’s what matters. I also don’t want to be someone who is easily replaceable in a role. In that manner I want to be unique and contribute to the film in my way, so I’m hired for being me and not only as a pretty face.

As a young actor, what are your thoughts on the unfortunate story of Jiah Khan?

It has hit me really hard. I don’t talk or read about it. I didn’t watch it on TV or the news. She was educated and had exposure. She had been around the world. So for someone like her, who has a perfect life, it really seems so harsh. But then again, it could have been anybody. It could be me. I’m just sorry about the fact that someone decided to take such a decision. I feel bad for her family. I really empathise with her, being a young actor myself. I’ve also gone through highs and lows, but it’s important to remember that everything is temporary. You’ve got to have perspective and think long term.

'Fukrey' Review: Clasp Your Sides And Laugh Till You Drop!

Two good-for-nothing school-goers. One ‘artist’ with a flair for music. One simpleton whose sole aim in life is to get himself a seat in a good college so that this jilted lover can ease his heart. 

When destiny intertwines the paths of four of these ‘fukras’, resulting in an inextricable mess, one must come to the other’s aid. The madcap ride that ensues is termed ‘Fukrey’.

Released under the banner of Excel Entertainment – Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani being the faces that the public see – ‘Fukrey’ is one hell of a laughter ride. In this age of cheesy and cheap comedy which the Hindi film industry is now so (in)famous for churning out, this one – ‘Fukrey’ – despite shouting out ‘Going Cheap June 14’, is thankfully not so. The film is packed with neat amounts of laughter-inducing funny moments and one does not have his/her attention wander off for even a fraction of a second.

Hunny (Pulkit Samrat) and Dileep aka Chucha (Varun Sharma) are two youngsters who have been to every corner of the city and done every wrong deed imaginable (and unimaginable). The duo of Chucha and Hunny are gifted with a unique potential – the former dreams and the latter forms a lottery combination with the dream – resulting in the two winning easy money. Lali (Manjot Singh), a Sardar to the hilt, comes in contact with these two to get himself a seat in a good college. 

Meanwhile, Zafar’s (Ali Fazal) music genius is never properly understood by the industry-wallahs. In the midst of it all, the frustrated youngster sees his father collapsing to paralysis but isn’t able to get together the money to get him treated in a private hospital. The need for money brings the four to Bhooli Panjaban (Richa Chadha), a goondiwho, according to what the film says, “... cheel hai; coffin ki aakhri keel hai” (she’s an eagle; the last nail in a coffin). A comedy of errors takes place when this myriad group comes together – dragging Neetu (Vishakha Singh), Zafar’s ex-girlfriend and Lali’s tuition teacher, and Priya (Priya Anand), Hunny’s love-interest, along.

Director Mrighdeep Singh Lamba is bang on with this comedy. The cast, comprised mostly of first- or second-timers in movies, is a warm, congenial one. Vipul Vig and Lamba’s story is a fresh one but the bylanes of Delhi and the goons do remind one of ‘Delhi Belly’ at points. ‘Fukrey’ is a fun-ride, has many moments which will make one roll laughing in their seats.

When it comes to acting, the entire cast makes for a refreshing breath of air. While Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma make for a thoroughly entertaining watch, Manjot Singh adds the spice to this recipe. Ali Fazal infuses life into his character and performs well as brooding musician, lost in love and depressed at the condition of his family. 

Priya Anand seems in her skin after ‘English Vinglish’, but will need brushing up of her acting. Vishakha Singh is deeply commendable. As far as Richa Chadha is concerned – if in ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ this woman had wowed as Sardar Khan’s strong, feisty widow, she’s unforgettable as Bhooli Panjaban here.

All said and done, there are a few points in the narrative when the story loses its pace, but regains the tautness very quickly, thankfully. The music is enjoyable with numbers ranging from peppy to soulful. The essence of Delhi – from the narrow bylanes where Hunny and Varun spend their evenings cycling and staring at women to Lali’s sweet shop have been captured beautifully.

Watch ‘Fukrey’ if you crave for generous dollops of laughter to colour your weekend up… Go cheap! Three and a half stars for Mrighdeep Singh Lamba’s handiwork!

Watch :Fukrey - Official Theatrical Trailer