Pee Cee calls herself a learner'

Priyanka Chopra Jonas who is also the chairperson of the MAMI Mumbai film festival gave a masterclass on ‘The mind of an actor’ in conversation with the talent powerhouse Bhumi Pednekar. She called MAMI a ‘safe space’ for cinephiles and those who understand the art and craft of movies. The actress says one should always surround yourself with people who are your champions. “Not with those who are skeptical of your work and your success. Create your own community that gives you a solid foundation,” she says.   

Coming from a non-filming background and creating a mark for herself is not easy, but Priyanka has her own success mantras. “I keep my head above water and just focus on my work. If every day is a pursuit of excellence, looking back at it will make you feel proud of yourself. Persistence in your goal or everyday success, both will take you to the journey of success,” she says.

Despite rubbing shoulders with some of the best stars, Priyanka calls herself a “learner”. “If you are a student of life, you will always be a student of cinema,” she says, scattering some pearls of wisdom for aspiring actors, “get to know the character like your best friend before you walk on the set.”  

Priyanka is craving to do challenging roles where she can sink her teeth into. She asserted that films are made on the shoulders of 200 people, not a single person. Pee Cee believes in staying true to who she is and not in fabricating her identity by her profession. “My job is a job. It’s not my existence or who I really am as a person.”

Two decades into showbiz, Priyanka has seen her share of love and criticism. “If you can stand up for what you believe in then you must,” she says, adding that there have been times when she couldn’t stand up for something, and it was “difficult”. Despite settling in California, she  is still grounded in her Indian roots and appreciates the contribution the Indian film industry has made during the tough times, especially the during pandemic.