If not an actor, would have been successful Investment banker: Parineeti Chopra

She has got pretty face, is bold and chirpy and is touted to be one of the best from the newer actresses breed. While today Parineeti Chopra may be the lead in numerous films, she made her acting debut in a supporting role in the 2011 Yashraj release Ladies vs Ricky Bahl. And then, as they say, it was no looking back for the lady!

She is amongst those people who never wanted to get into Bollywood, but being an actor was in her destiny. She aspired to pursue a career in investment banking, but after obtaining a triple honours degree (in business, finance and economics) from Manchester Business School she returned to India.

“I never wanted to get into Bollywood as since many years I was working in banking sector as that were my interest area. I was not getting job in London due to economic recession, I came back to India and started working with Yashraj Films in PR department.” Parineeti joined YRF as a Public Relations consultant and worked in PR department for one and half year, before she thought of trying her luck in acting.

“My mentor has been one and only Maneesh Sharma, as he’s the reason that I am an actress today. He is the one who spotted me and then Aditya Chopra. Manish and Adi are two people, who I ask for suggestions and opinions.”

Post her job at YRF, Parineeti inked a three-film deal with the company, namely Ladies vs Ricky Bahl, Ishaqzaade, Shuddh Desi Romance.

“There are very few people who are lucky and don’t struggle much to get into films. I feel anyone who dreams to be an actor and has interest in acting then one must try, but should also have a backup plan because film industry is very unpredictable.”

Parineeti has worked with all young actors and now finally got opportunity to work with his favourite actor Saif Ali Khan. When asked her about her upcoming films, the one with Saif in particular, she excitedly said, “Yes, I’m doing a film with Saif, it’s hard to believe! The film will be produced by Saif’s production house Illuminati. The shoot will start in October.” Her film with Saif would be her first film with a Khan. As so far she has practically worked with Ranveer, Arjun, Sushant , Siddharth and Aditya Roy Kapur.

Speaking on issues that actresses have to face, major one being shelve life for actress, growing age leaving less options for actresses to get roles of their choices, she said, “I don’t think it is that way; if somebody can start working at the age of 17 like Aliya, she can still make it as they turn old like Rekha Ji. Bollywood doesn’t follow as such any rules in terms of acting, talent, beauty or age.”

Parineeti will soon be seen in Daawat-e-Ishq and Kill Dil opposite Aditya Roy Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, respectively. [ By Ranjana Gupta | Twitter: @RGrightsreserve]