‘Singing has been a life-long dream’

I am very excited for people to watch it because I really love the film’s script and my role. It’s going to be a very sweet film. I think they will see a new me. The break which, I took and whatever I worked on will reflect in the film. Factors such as how I look and perform; and the fact that I am also a part of the music of this film will come together so I don’t think that the break [I took] will matter. I hope people will love me and appreciate me in the same way.

She has had a rollicking career since her Bollywood debut, Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl (2011). Now, Parineeti Chopra is set to add another dimension to her career with her singing debut in her next film, Meri Pyaari Bindu. Herein, she talks about singing, working in Golmaal franchise and more.

How was the experience of singing? Honestly, it was nervewracking. I am always singing. I have even sung on stage before but singing on the mic is on another level. Now, I understand why playback singers are geniuses because for that, you require talent. Thankfully, I think I performed okay for the first song. Every one – including Sachin-jigar (music composers), Maneesh Sharma (producer), Akshay (Roy), Kausar (Munir) and, most importantly, my parents – were happy. They haven’t seen the song yet, so it’s a surprise for them. I am excited as it has been a lifelong dream but I never thought I would be a playback singer. I always wanted to sing my own song so I am happy.

You are a trained singer, right? Yes, I have learnt Hindustani classical music for many years. So, I am a trained singer but obviously, I never got the chance to sing professionally anywhere, especially after becoming an actor. But every director I have worked with or whoever has heard me singing, knows how passionate I am about music, but it somehow never translated [into a song].

Has Priyanka (Chopra; cousin) been an inspiration vis-à-vis singing? Yes, but not only her, my respect for everyone — from all the playback singers to all the actors or whoever has sung — has increased even more, because now I have a greater understanding of how a song is recorded, and how it works. All those artistes are an inspiration, but I hope that my journey is my own. I hope that people love and appreciate the song. Also, since we have worked very hard on the video, I hope they like the video too.

Do you think your voice will be compared to Priyanka? I don’t think so. I think our audiences are amongst the most intelligent people. Whether it’s a song or a film or an outfit, they judge you on the basis of that. So, I don’t think there will be comparisons.

Parineeti Chopra in a still from the video of her first song