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is nothing like a safe genre, no film is safe to make. If that was the case Mujhse Dosti Karoge would have been a blockbuster: it had all the safe ingredients,” replied Kunal.

“In the past I have dabbled with different films, including a children’s film, but it was not successful. I like to stick to what I believe in. I am versatile and I can make all types of films, but for now I am happy to stick to the ones that are commercially viable. If my belief changes tomorrow, so be it,” he added with disarming candidness.

And finally, it was time to speak to the gorgeous Priyanka Chopra, having saved the best for the last. This talented actress will feature on an upcoming album, so I asked her what songs she would be singing. “Yes, I have recorded a pop album to be launched soon,” admitted Priyanka. “India is a huge community and music is an integral part of our culture; however currently there is a lack of international pop acts from India. This album presented an interesting concept for me and initially I was not sure about it, but I have always wanted to sing and this seemed like the right time to try something different. I am very clear that my music should be reminiscent of where I come from. I want people across the globe say, ‘Hey, that is Indian’. We have so much potential and talent, I am hoping this will encourage more people to bring out their talent in pop culture”.

Priyanka will soon play a challenging role of an autistic person in upcoming release, Barfi. How did she prepare for this role?

“Barfi is a comic/thriller caper about an autistic girl. Autism has a huge variant, people suffer from various forms of autism. My role is that of a severely autistic girl and that came with its challenges. I did a lot of research for Barfi, I met a lot of parents and went to many schools. It’s almost tragic that the shooting has ended as I loved the role a lot. It is not a serious film with a serious message; it is about hope and love of real people who live with a disability. I think Barfi will be a very different take on people with special needs”.

And what about the additional Chopras making a foray into Bollywood, like her cousin Parineeti Chopra? Do they come to you for guidance? “I am delighted to see youngsters from my family joining the industry in various capacities. We are trying to create the ‘other’ Chopras like the Yash Chopra clan and the Kapoor family,” said Priyanka with a disarming grin.

“I am always there to guide my family if they want to create their niche in the film industry. Eventually, nothing can happen without destiny and they all have their own destinies to follow. It means a lot to me to be able to be in a position to help and guide them, and I always will,” she added on a more serious note.

So which role would this multi-faceted actress really want to play? “A courtesan movie has everything - music, dance, beauty, glamour, sexiness. I think every actress would like to play the role of a courtesan and I certainly would love to do so,” said Priyanka with a faraway look in her eyes. “I would also like to do a fullon action movie. They are two extremely different roles that I would really want to play, given the opportunity”.

Priyanka and Shahid may deny their relationship; however they had an easy camaraderie that only comes from familiarity. Shahid jumped at any opportunity to pull Priyanka’s leg, and they laughed and joked with each other throughout the interview. Speaking to them made me realize just how mediasavvy these young stars have become. They seemed unfazed by the hours of grilling from various media representatives, but they visibly relaxed when I concluded our chat and they left to get ready for the opening night of the festival. It is admirable how they manage to pack in so much on a tight schedule and still manage to smile. I guess that’s what makes them true stars!

Priyanka and Shahid may deny their relationship; however they had an easy camaraderie that only comes from familiarity. Shahid jumped at any opportunity to pull Priyanka’s leg, and they laughed and joked with each other throughout the interview.

Main pic: Priyanka and Shahid brave the cold to meet Melb fans

At a meet-the-press at the start of the Festival are (clockwise from top) Festival Director Mitu Bhowmick Lange with celebrity designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee; Teri Meri Kahani director Kunal Kohli; Jugal Hansraj, and Priyanka and Shahid