We were first scheduled to meet her for a tete-a-tete at the producer’s studio, and instead she had disappeared for a routine blood test. When she finally managed to make herself available on the telephone, director Habib Faisal summoned her in between, and our interview remained incomplete. Excerpts from our conversation…

A lot has been said and written about you being Priyanka Chopra’s cousin. How are you related?
Our fathers are brothers. So we’ve been close since childhood. With my foray into acting, people ask about our rivalry. But there’s no competition as she’s been around for years. She’s my elder sister and has always guided me. I hope one day, people say I’m as good as her as an actress.

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What about a godfather? What’s your take on it?
While Arjun has his family and I have a sister in the industry, I think they can open doors. But to enter and to work is one’s prerogative. I didn’t get Ladies vs Ricky Bahl because of Priyanka. She could be myu00a0godmother. When she came into the industry, she had no support. But Priyanka always tells me that if I fall, she will support and protect me. I consult her often. We both have the backing of the banner and so have no fear.

Priyanka Chopra

Would it also be right to call Aditya Chopra your mentor?
Of course… and also Maneesh Sharma. Without these two men, I wouldn’t be an actor. Maneesh first told Adi about me and also cast me in Ladies vs Ricky Bahl. They have always supported me. Adi is not a typical producer. I can call him any time, and ask for advice. Adi and Maneesh are like my parents.

Buzz is that Chopra is so pleased with your performances in this film that he’s casting you again in another film, to be directed by Pradeep Sarkar.
That’s not true. In fact, we were very surprised to read that in the papers.u00a0