Priyanka Chopra: I was sceptical to sign 'Quantico'

American TV series 'Quantico' is a big break for Priyanka Chopra in an international scene but the actress had second thoughts about signing the show as she felt it would require a long commitment

American TV series 'Quantico' is a big break for Priyanka Chopra in an international scene but the actress had second thoughts about signing the show as she felt it would require a long commitment.


Priyanka Chopra. Pic/Santa Banta 

The 33-year-old actress, who bagged the show during the shooting of 'Gunday', had her kitty full with back-to-back releases like 'Mary Kom', 'Dil Dhadakne Do' and two upcoming projects 'Bajirao Mastani' and 'Jai Gangaajal'. "I was a little sceptical initially because it's a long commitment. I had to balance television and Hindi films. The script was incredible and I just couldn't say no to it," Priyanka told PTI in an exclusive interview over phone.

"I was shooting 'Gunday' when Kelly Lee, who is into casting, came to meet me. Then I had to go to LA and read the 25 pilots that they had picked for me and tell them the ones I liked. I am happy that I got my first pick, which was 'Quantico'," the actress said. The show revolves around a group of young Federal Bureau of Investigation recruits, who are training at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Priyanka plays the lead character of Alex Parrish, who becomes the FBI's prime suspect.

The former Miss World feels the viewers will like the mystery aspect of the series. "The audience would discover with me the various twists and turns," she said. Priyanka said her team and the people in the US have been warm to her. "They are all amazing people. I am having a great time shooting for the show. They are treating me well," she said. The "Fashion" star cannot wait the audience to watch 'Quantico', which goes on air today in the US.

It will premiere in India on October 3 on Star World and Star World Premiere HD. "I am excited as well as nervous. I am waiting to see the reaction of people. I am hoping people will like it. I have worked hard for this show. I just hope the audience loves it as much as I do," Priyanka said. The actress credits Bollywood stars like Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan for paving way for other Indian actors to get work in Hollywood.

"It is a great shift for Indian actors today. Anil Kapoor and Irrfan Khan have paved the way for us to be there by doing amazing work. I am happy we are getting the opportunity to show our talent to the world," she said. The National award-winning actress feels happy to have come a long way in her career. "The world has become this big global family... The horizons are expanding. For me, a girl, who comes from (a small town like) Bareli, I see it as an incredible time for me after reaching here. I feel if I can do it, why can't others," Priyanka said.

Often Indian actors are not recognised for the cameos they do in Hollywood films or international TV shows but the actress is not bothered about this and prefers quality over quantity. "I have learnt this from Amitabh Bachchan that the length of the role shouldn't matter, the quality should. One should impress people with their presence. I feel all kind of work should be respected. I feel fortunate to have got this opportunity," Priyanka said.

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