‘Being an actor in Bollywood is not easy,’ says Meera, who is related to both Priyanka and Parineeti and is soon to be seen in two Hindi films

Model turned actor Meera Chopra is aiming to make it big in Bollywood. She stepped into the film industry in 2008, with the film ‘Anbe Aaruyire.’ After acting in several films down south, she made her debut in Bollywood with Vikram Bhatt’s 1920: London. The 35-year-old actor is Priyanka Chopra’s cousin and was promoted by the Quantico star. Meera has often spoke about how close she is to Priyanka. That makes three Chopra cousins, if you count Parineeti Chopra, who however declared once that Meera is not her cousin but a ‘cousin’s cousin’s cousin’ and not really part of her family.

She added for good measure that they are so distant that they never meet or talk.

Meera has two upcoming films — Nastik and Bhaiji Superhero — which will hit the screens soon. Bhaiji Superhero is an action-based comedy film, starring Sunny Deol, and directed by Neeraj Pathak. On the other hand, Nastik is more of a slice of life film. It revolves around the journey of an inspector and how his life changes after he meets a little girl. The film cast comprises of Arjun Rampal, Divya Dutta, Ravi Kishan, Harshaali Malhotra and Tinu Anand. Amitabh Bachchan is said to have a guest appearance in the film. Before this, Meera Chopra has worked in Satish Kaushik’s Gangs of Ghosts.

In a candid conversation with the Patriot, Chopra talks about her upcoming film Nastik, her passion for films, her love for Delhi and more.
How did you become a part of Nastik?

The director approached me with the script. I immediately agreed to act in it because I liked the story as it is different from my earlier films.

What is the film about?
Nastik, as we know, refers to a person who doesn’t believe in God. Thus, the film revolves around a person who does not act according to religious belief and feels that others around him are into unnecessary religious acts or practices which have no meaning. However, through this film, the director has attempted to show how our life’s perspectives and beliefs can change.

Tell us a little about your role in the film.
I am playing Arjun Rampal’s wife in the film. I cannot disclose anything more as of now.

Do you have any role model?
No, I don’t have any role model and I don’t follow anyone.

What did you think of Bollywood before getting into films?
When I was in Canada and my cousin Priyanka Chopra was working in Hindi films, I thought acting in Bollywood films must be difficult. I was always intrigued by it, but was hesitant to get into movies. However, getting into Bollywood was not so easy.

Tell us something about your family?
I come from a simple, middle class family. I am close to them and very much connected with my roots.

Besides acting in films, what are your other passions?
I love to spend time with my family and relatives. I am also fond of travelling to new places and I like shopping.

How do you like Delhi?
Delhi is my hometown; I was born and brought up in Delhi. It’s my first love and my home. I have beautiful memories here as I have spent my entire childhood in Delhi. I believe the city has a different charm.

Do you prefer Indian or western outfit?
I love traditional wear. So, I enjoy wearing Indian and saris occasionally. But I also like long dresses in bright colours like red or pink. I also love to wear heavy lehengas. However, it depends on the occasion. I am also comfortable in western outfits. And at home I like to be free, so I prefer wearing pyjama with top.

Tell me about your role as a Jashn‘s brand Ambassador.
It’s the first time I am associated with Jashn, a women’s clothing brand. I love to shop from here. As a brand Ambassador, it feels nice to promote the brand and I enjoy meeting people during the promotions.

What kind of challenges does a female actor has to face in Bollywood?
I think being an actor, especially in Bollywood films, is not easy. I am still new and I feel security is one of the biggest problems in Bollywood. Also, there is no privacy when it comes to our personal lives.