British actress Emily Blunt continues to win hearts across the globe — including in India, where fans adore her for everything from The Devil Wears Prada to A Quiet Place. When we caught up with before the release of her film The Smashing Machine, Emily spoke about the love she receives from Indian audiences, reuniting with her long-time friend Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and shooting some of the most intense scenes of her career.

Mention the love that Emily gets in India, and she beams as she talks about her connection with India. “I’m always taken aback when you go somewhere new and you hear things like that. It’s this funny thing — you walk through life and there’s me, then there’s me to you. I live quite a simple life when I’m not working, so it’s incredibly moving and still throws me that people in India know who I am. It’s so cool,” she smiles.

As Emily films the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada — a film that became a global phenomenon, and a rage in India, too, she reflects, “I think I learned a lot about fashion as well from that film. I knew nothing before that one. It comes out next May.”

Emily reunited with Dwayne Johnson for their recently released film The Smashing Machine, that hit the theatres on October 10th across PVR INOX Cinemas in the country. The two have also worked together in the Jungle Cruise series.

“We’ve been friends for a really long time. You have this secret language with friends — it’s easy, it’s full of nuance. So, we talked a lot - before and after the scenes.”

Reflecting on Dwayne’s performance, she adds, “Also, just the beauty of the experience for me was watching Dwayne, the man who never disappears, who can never disappear — and seeing this relief come over him that he could (disappear); that he didn’t have to be invincible, or indestructible, or the hero. He could be a real human being. It was just incredible, because we’re all used to his magnetism that is so big, it looms large on screen. I’ve known this quiet humanity in you (pointing at Dwayne) — that you’re not the Rock, you’re not that persona, you’re actually nothing like that. It was very moving to see him go through that. It was so awesome.”

The actress admits that shooting the fight scenes was one of the most challenging parts of the experience. “They were emotionally shattering. You know it’s going to be an intense day — like a storm building. I don’t sleep before those scenes. It is nerve-wracking for me. After every scene, we’d sit together — Dwayne, Benny, the crew — and just talk. Sometimes for an hour. To calm down, to check in, to make sure everyone was okay. It felt like therapy,” she shares.

After a long summer break following the Cannes Film Festival, we are once again seeing news and highlights from film festivals around the world. Venice, Telluride, and Toronto each host their prestigious film festivals within weeks of one another, showcasing and awarding some of the best global cinema across various categories. Although these festivals may have once seemed relatively obscure compared to the glamorous spectacle of Cannes, they are now gaining prominence and popularity, not just for their films but also for their elusive red-carpet moments. As these festivals rise in stature, their red-carpet events increasingly capture public attention, with stars making bold statements both in fashion and social values.

This year at Venice, Amanda Seyfried wore the exact same Versace ensemble that veteran actress Julia Roberts donned – a spirited and intentional nod to sustainability. By choosing to re-wear a famous ensemble, Seyfried not only paid tribute to Julia Roberts but also promoted sustainable fashion practices on one of the industry’s biggest stages.

Notably, there has been an abundance of reviews for films participating in the competition, generating anticipation for their upcoming fall and winter releases – a season recognized for its substantive content as compared to the lighter offerings prevalent during the summer. The films featured at these festivals frequently emerge as leading contenders throughout the awards season as they continue to receive acclaim and build momentum in subsequent months.

One of the most significant releases this year is Chloe Zhao’s adaptation of Hamnet, featuring Paul Mescal and Jesse Buckley, which has received exceptional reviews. Following his mainstream role in Gladiator 2, Paul Mescal returns to independent cinema with both Hamnet and History of Sound, each drawing strong acclaim on the festival circuit. After earning a Best Actor nomination for his performance in Aftersun, Mescal may be considered for another nomination for his portrayal of William Shakespeare in Hamnet. Zhao, previously awarded Best Director for Nomadland in 2020, continues to receive industry recognition.

At the recently concluded Venice Film Festival, Benny Safdie was awarded the Golden Lion for Best Director for his real-life drama The Smashing Machine. Dwayne Johnson’s transformative performance as UFC wrestler Mark Kerr could result in his first major acting nomination. The awards have traditionally recognised actors for substantial physical and emotional transformations undertaken for their roles. Emily Blunt also delivered a compelling performance as Kerr’s insecure and desperate wife, potentially positioning her for a Best Supporting Actress nomination.

Park Chan Wook’s No Other Choice has garnered widespread acclaim and positive reviews. While lengthy standing ovations at festivals are sometimes seen as promotional tactics rather than true indicators of quality, No Other Choice appears to be an exception, receiving consistently favourable feedback. With Korean cinema’s growing recognition by the Academy Awards, this year may see No Other Choice achieve significant success.

Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love, featuring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, is a noteworthy film on the festival circuit this year. Having received a standing ovation at Cannes, it has garnered significant attention for Jennifer Lawrence’s compelling and deeply nuanced portrayal of a new mother experiencing post-natal depression. While the film may not appeal to all audiences, Lawrence’s performance is particularly distinguished.

Anticipation also surrounds Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, with Jacob Elordi cast in the unconventional role of the creature. Although the production may not be positioned as a major contender for industry awards, it promises to be a visually impressive cinematic experience, even if its release will not be limited to traditional theatrical venues.

Additionally, Luca Guadagnino returns with After The Hunt starring Julia Roberts. Guadagnino’s commitment to producing diverse stories at a remarkable pace continues to set him apart as a director. While this film may not receive widespread recognition during awards season, it is expected to attract interest due to its accomplished director and prominent cast.

The landscape of contenders for the awards may further evolve as more films get released. Following a successful summer featuring box office hits such as Jurassic Park, Superman, and F1, audiences now have the opportunity to appreciate a range of distinctive and exceptional films from around the world.

Ever since the trailer of filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next released, there are conversations around whether a real-life transgender should have played the part essayed by actor Vijay Raaz. Sharing his two cents on the debate, actor Sahil Khattar says it’s time for Hindi films to be realistic and “uplift the minorities”.

“If transgenders are looking for an opportunity and there is an actor, then why not give them a chance? The same goes for somebody short, fat or bald,” he says, adding, “If you really want an authentic character, then why not go for these actors first? If they don’t act well, then that’s a different point. But at least consider them. If we don’t uplift the minorities in Bollywood, who else will?”

Ask him if he feels a film like Bala (2019), where the protagonist was bald, should have been offered to him and pat comes his reply: “Main marr gaya tha kya? Bala should have had a Sahil Khattar (instead of actor Ayushmann Khurrana). And not just Bala, even other films such as Haider (2014) and Pushpa: The Rise - Part 01 (2021; actor Fahadh Fassil played a bald character). If (actor) Shahid Kapoor had to copy my look (in Haider), they should have taken me instead,” he jests and adds, “I hope (filmmaker) Rohit Shetty makes a film on a bald cop. India will get it’s Rock (referring to Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson).”

Talking about the industry, Khattar, who was last seen in director Kabir Khan’s 83, feels no actor from the OTT space has got a bigger film debut than him. “Nobody has got as big a debut (as me) from digital to the movies and I’m proud of that. I think I deserve that seat at the table,” he says.

Khattar also mentions that currently, he is trying to figure out if he really wants to pursue acting. “I’m wondering if I really want to be a Bollywood star or I should just do a few acting gigs and produce projects,” he ends.

The OTT boom has taken over the world by storm and Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson is happy about it. In fact, the actor-producer’s latest film, Red Notice (2021), also had a web release, “At whatever level you are in terms of arts and entertainment, and entrepreneurship, how do you not get excited about the boom of streaming?” he asks.

The 49-year-old wrestler-turned-actor further adds, “It is indicative of reaching consumers and families. With the business of Hollywood and entertainment combined with technology, I think if you have your ear to the ground, then it is all about flexibility.”

Johnson, who has featured in films such as The Scorpion King (2002), Fast & Furious series, G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) and Jungle Cruise (2021), is all for balancing both the mediums – theatre as well as OTT. “I want to reach as many people as possible. If you are comfortable going to the theatres, I got a movie for you. But if you are not comfortable and you want to see a film in your living room, I have the right movie for you, too,” the actor explains.

Johnson feels that the OTT space has given a great opportunity to everyone involved in the creative process. “It has created many opportunities for artistes, creative people and executives. One really gets to stretch the bandwidth and figure it out. I see it as an opportunity to grow your business and the most important thing, take care of people,” he shares.

Many actors from Bollywood including Varun Dhawan have time and again expressed their fondness for wrestler-turned-Hollywood actor Dwayne Johnson. And the 49-year-old, who has worked with actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the 2017 film Baywatch, reveals that it never goes unnoticed.

“I get a lot of love from Bollywood actors and I appreciate the love. I see what they post (on social media) and how they comment. It means a lot to me,” says Johnson, who is all set with his next release, Red Notice on Netflix.

“A lot of times, [since they are] actors [they could be just] acting, but the love that I get from a lot of actors in India is genuine. I feel it, all the way, over here,” confesses Johnson, who quickly adds, “By the way, I was tracking this love even when I was wrestling.”

The actor, who is also known by his ring name The Rock, continues, “I wrestled full time... It was a very short career… And I never made it to India. But I can’t wait to come there. I keep hearing that, ‘You are exploding in India’ (sic).”

On the movie front, one thing that all his fans love about the actor is his penchant for action-comedies, something that will be seen again in the latest venture, which sees him as a producer, as well. The Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) actor explains, “I like the convergence of humour and action in my movies. I feel like today’s headlines are tomorrow’s punchlines. What may be tough on us today, can always be laughed about the next day.”

Red Notice features Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Gal Gadot along with Johnson. Talking about his co-star Reynolds, with whom he had worked in Hobbs & Shaw (2019) too, Johnson shares, “Ryan is a genuinely funny, witty guy with multiple layers to his sense of humour. He brings this awesome fun dynamic between us. We have been friends for a very long time. We literally started our careers together the same year.”

Vidyut Jammwal doesn't believe in punchlines on screen; he'd rather make an impact with heavy-duty punches. He's a knockout off camera, too - training rape survivors to heal themselves during his free time.“I am the best action hero in the world,“ he says, with a self-assurance that could be easily mistaken for arrogance. Days before the release of his upcoming film, Baadshaho, the actor, whose tryst with martial arts began much before his romance with movies, talks about his journey in showbiz, his action-hero image and more. Excerpts...

Though you entered Bollywood as the antagonist in Force, a few of your subsequent films saw you turn into an action hero. In Baadshaho, you are once again playing the villain...
I'm not THE villain in Baadshaho. The story is about six badasses and each one is a villain. Besides, villain and hero is all about your perspective. When I came to Mumbai, the idea was to work even if it meant taking up the role of a henchman. I don't care about being slotted, people can put me in any bracket and I will shine.

How do you plan to stand out in a big-league film toplined by a huge star like Ajay Devgn and Emraan Hashmi, who also has his own fan following?
I don't need to stand out, and neither do I intend to do that by overshadowing someone. Ajay, Emraan and I are talented and we will shine because of our respective strengths. Everybody is different and the idea is to be yourself. Also, if you try too hard to stand out, the audience will know it.

So, how was it when two action stars - you and Ajay - came together? Also, tell us a bit about your look in the film...
I had to be careful because I could not afford to make any mistake while shooting with one of the biggest action superstars of the country. One had to extremely aware of not doing anything wrong, so that either of us don't get hurt. We never spoke about action -the genre -during the shoot. Talking about my character in the film, I play an army officer - I have grown up around them as my father was an army officer. They look royal. I made sure to look every bit an army officer once I slipped into the costume.

Does your screen image restrict you in real life? Do you think that people expect you to be tough and emotionless like the characters you have portrayed?
I am a different species altogether, you cannot contain me. I cry and get emotional whenever I have to, and I don't think about my image at that time. Besides, by calling me an action hero, you are limiting me. I am much more than just that. I respect the image of an action hero, but I am not too sure if I care about it.

Many actors who started out as action heroes later veered towards realistic and even lighthearted cinema. Do you see yourself going all the way as an action hero, or is there a plan to explore other genres?
As I said earlier, people are limiting me by calling me the new-age action hero. Having said that, I have no idea what I will do in the future and when I will hang my boots. I started off as a henchman in South films and graduated to playing the villain there. Similarly, I didn't plan to become the new-age action hero of India. I trust the divine plan and work hard. I am living one day at a time. I have done a film with little action too, but does it make sense to cast Michael Jordan in a film and not make him play basketball? People may cast me for various reasons, but when I am on the set, they tell me, 'Vidyut, ek kaam kar - darwaaza todd ke andar aa ja'.

Unlike most actors, it looks like getting stereotyped doesn't scare you. But don't you think that the action-hero tag poses a risk of getting repetitive?
If Michael Jackson had a problem with being called the 'King of Pop', it would be a problem. He knew that he was the number one pop star in the world. If he didn't have an issue with that tag, why will I have an issue with mine? I take pride in what I do as I have reached where I am today because of that. Nobody does what I do in the world and I better speak about it. The US director who launched Dwayne Johnson got to know about me and said that I could be the next biggest action hero. So, if someone like him has faith in me, I should only be only doing and talking action all the time.

Your name is often mentioned along with John Abraham and Tiger Shroff, who are considered to be India's best action heroes. Your take?
How can I have an opinion on what somebody else has to say? I am the best action hero in the world. I don't know about others, I just know about myself. I have seen Tiger's work and he is good. There is no actor whose films I haven't seen. I consume cinema and I love watching films.

So, who do you see as your competition?
I am not competing with anybody in India. The bottle stunt I attempted, has been done by just four people in the whole wide world. I am way ahead of others. I might sound arrogant, but that's the truth. I am competing with myself. I asked Chuck Russell, the director of Junglee Pictures' next titled Junglee, about why he chose me. He said that he sees me filling a gap in action films. In fact, he said in an interview that Dwayne and I have the same energy, but I have more enthusiasm. Do you think I need any more validation? If I compete with mediocrity, I will end up being mediocre.

You are also known to speak your mind. This was seen when you took off on Ram Gopal Varma over his nasty tweets on you and Tiger? (RGV had tweet ed that he finds Tiger to be better at action than Vidyut. However, Vidyut later released a recording of his conversation with the filmmaker, during which the latter had called Tiger a 'transgender'.)
The only way to defend is to stand up for yourself. I don't know what Ram Gopal Varma was thinking. I just knew that I had to stand up for myself. I was told that I should have ignored his tweets, but I am a fighter and I will stand up for myself. I won't wait for anybody to talk for me. How will you stand up for yourself if all you do is suck up to people all your life? There was an apology from Ram Gopal Varma and he has apparently quit drinking. If that's not an achievement on my part, then what is? He thanked me for making him quit alcohol because he would often take to social media under the influence of alcohol.

Lastly, what about matters of the heart?
I am so happy in my space that I am open to anybody in my life. I am single, but open to anybody who walks into my life.

From A Nightmare On Elm Street to The Mask, Eraser, or Scorpion King, film writers find it difficult to pin you down to a genre because your films are so vastly different from each other. Your next is not just a different genre but a different language as well. What are you doing helming a mainstream Bollywood film after these projects? What space should we expect Junglee to be in?
I've always been fascinated with world cinema and find myself excited to try new genres whenever possible. I find it a bit of a miracle that an emotionally truthful film can communicate joy or hope in any language. To me, that is the highest achievement in film...transcending language to touch audiences around the world. It is an opportunity to remind ourselves we are not so different after all. Junglee is an action-adventure film with touches of comedy and romance. It's the story of a successful young veterinarian in Mumbai, who must return to an elephant reserve in the jungle, when the elephants he loved as a boy are in jeopardy from an international gang of poachers. My goal is to make a film that is true to India, but uses the music, dance and the wonderful artistes in Bollywood to tell a universal story about returning to the natural world. When our producer Priti Shahani sent me the original story, I knew almost immediately it was something special... an opportunity to use humour, heart and thrilling action to tell a tale that could address a global problem of the threat to these magnificent creatures.

As someone who first made a mark with small budget, indie films, what is better for you, creatively? A small film might not have a budget for your vision, but a big studio film might have less elbow room for your creativity.
Honestly, there are advantages to both. I enjoy the sense of teamwork on smaller films, as you face these remarkable challenges in a very personal way. You have to solve problems creatively, which can lead to more original results. But there is also a thrill to leading the small army of a studio film. It's a bit like being the ringmaster of a large circus. The secret to happiness on a studio film is balancing your passion to tell this particular story with a clear understanding of what the studio expects and the flexibility required to please those responsible for costs. If all this is done in harmony, you can have a great experience and tell your story with quite a big bang.

In Hollywood, films on the human-animal relationship have evolved as a genre with multiple subgenres from comedy and drama to children's films and films for grown-ups. But Hindi films on the subject are limited, and well, tend to get quite syrupy. Some of us may remember movies like Haathi Mere Saathi and Safed Haathi (do see them if you get the time), but there haven't been many in that genre to have made a mark. In more recent times, the most well-remembered animal character is perhaps a match-making dog, Tuffy, from the top-grossing Hum Apke Hain Koun...! What do you plan to bring to the Indian audience that is usually starved of coherent animal-centred stories?
I'm a big animal lover and have always seen animals as simply part of my cast. In fact, I've had producers wonder at my “casting sessions“ to find the right animal. In Junglee, I hope to take all that a step further. Three elephants are key characters in this story and I hope to capture their personalities just as well as the human stars.

Before coming down to work here, how closely have you observed the Indian film industry? It's largely star-driven, though several story-driven films have recently gone on to become hits. Your story is something Bollywood hasn't touched in a long time. Given that background, what is the homework you come with, the approach you plan to take that makes you think it will work with the mainstream audience?
I've been engaged with Indian cinema for a few years now, as I've proposed other co-productions that require international casts. I've always felt there is great talent in Bollywood, and have visited Mumbai several times. Hollywood is also star-driven, but as a director, some of the most fun I've had, has been launching new stars. I feel that the audience is always looking for something new and original, so I tend to jump at the chance to give it to them. Junglee is definitely that kind of an opportunity. I've told you I was inspired by this story when I first read it, but I was equally inspired by our leading man. From the time I met Vidyut Jammwal, I could imagine no one else in this role. He has charm and good humour that is rarely combined with such natural physicality. In that way, it reminds me of meeting Dwayne Johnson for the first time for his lead role in The Scorpion King. Certain things cannot be coached by a director, and that bit of charisma which makes a performance really shine is what we're looking for. I spent two days with Vidyut in Mumbai and I can see that potential.

The Animal Welfare Board of India is also known for making shoots with animals difficult for filmmakers, with the result that a lot of films that want to include animals, shoot such sequences abroad. How prepared are you to deal with AWBI's rules and red tapism? Is shooting abroad or with visual effects for particular scenes also an option?
I assume the rules are there to protect animals and natural environment which happens to be the theme of this film. So of course, I support it. In the West, I've worked under similar guidelines with good results. I wouldn't put an animal at risk or under stress any more than another member of my cast. Part of the responsibility of making this kind of a film is improvising to what works best for the animals. And yes, going to CGI or other kind of effects is a good option, if that is not possible. In the past, I've changed a script to play to what an animal actor already does best naturally. As far as red tapism goes, I can only hope the AWBI understands our message and helps us move things along. But I certainly welcome their guidance in addition to my own standards.

Since Junglee tackles the issue of poaching, are you prepared to question the system or the conditions that have allowed it to thrive? And does that make you anticipate trouble from that system? How tough is it to fight against poaching, globally?
Personally, I have no concerns about questioning the system of poaching and ivory sales. In fact, that is a large part of what's drawn me to this project. While I understand that some feel that they have no choice but to make a living this way, it is specifically our hope that this film will shed light on why this is a horrific practice, and generate constructive efforts to stop this from continuing.

In the documentary space, wildlife or nature films made in India by Indians are a dying breed. The best nature films have been made by foreign filmmakers and studios. And now Bollywood is entering this domain with you at the helm. Why do you think Indian filmmakers are not able to harness our own wildlife onto celluloid effectively?
I don't know if that's true. I'm quite impressed with Indian filmmakers as they seem to express themselves with unique freedom, using high drama, comedy and dance unlike any other culture. The documentary space, however, often requires funding and sup port from like-minded organizations. If that is available to Indian film makers, they are certainly capable, if inspired to do so. Junglee is not a documentary, but my feeling is that a truly entertaining action-comedy has the potential to send a positive message to the audience that might normally avoid documentaries.

If you have any degree of familiarity with Indian mythology, you may be familiar with the elephant God Ganesh and Indra's vehicle, the elephant Airavat. Despite such cultural embedding, we aren't quite there in terms of sensitivity or effort when it comes to keeping these grand animals safe. Do such contradictions surprise you?
I am familiar with Ganesh from the incredible artwork I've seen. I'm quite fascinated with mythology from various cultures and have always believed God presents Himself to different cultures in different ways. I also see God in these animals. Maybe, I can express a little of that in the film. The fact that the positive spirit of animals is reflected in Hanuman, Ganesh and other deities means Indian culture recognizes that spirit. Perhaps the contradiction comes in the fact that it's easier to imagine that spirit helping us, rather than us helping earthly animals in our day-to-day lives. Simply being aware that buying ivory is dishonorable is a major step in putting an end to the problem of poaching. That's pretty easy, isn't it?

In less than two years, Priyanka Chopra has managed to storm her way into Hollywood. First, it was the TV show that made America sit up and take notice of her. Now, with the role of the antagonist, Victoria Leeds, in Baywatch, it looks like she has managed her big Hollywood debut on her own terms. But will her Hollywood sojourn be better than that of any of the Indian actors who have ventured into the territory? Taking on questions like this and many more, the actress holds forth in a chat with BT. Excerpts...

The popular TV series, Baywatch, catered to the male gaze. Why did you choose the big-screen adaptation of the TV series as your Hollywood debut?
The film is about lifeguards and swimsuits and glamour, but Seth (Gordon, director) has maintained equality and you will see objectification of the boys, too. With Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson, Baywatch clearly caters to the female gaze as well. As for me choosing it as my Hollywood debut, I was clear that I didn't want to do anything that would get me stereotyped. I knew that whatever work I do - big or small - just like my career in India, I would choose something that broke the mould a little bit. For example, what I did in Kaminey (2009). I just had eight scenes, but it broke the stereotype of the girl's role in a boy's film. In Baywatch, the role was written for a man and the film was supposed to feature a male villain. It's high time that in films, women play central and empowered parts. To me, that was the most exciting bit. I get to take on Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, Zac Efron and all the lifeguards. It was an interesting way of introducing myself in mainstream American cinema.That was the idea behind choosing this film.

The TV series you headline propelled you into Hollywood royalty. How do you think Baywatch will help you leverage your position in the West?
I am realistic about these things. I am not someone who expects my first film in Hollywood to catapult me into becoming the biggest star in the country. Talking about leveraging my position, I experienced an incredible welcome even before Baywatch - whether it was presenting at the most prestigious award shows, gracing the covers of innumerable magazines or being on talk shows. All this happened because of Quantico.

While Dwayne and you lock horns on screen, clearly you shared a great camaraderie otherwise, considering the fact that he nicknamed you 'sizzler'...
He comes up with various nicknames. In fact, when you watch the film, you will see that he has a different name for Zac in every other scene. In real life too, he had a name for me every time we met. Dwayne is one of the nicest guys I know. I have had the good fortune of working with many incredible and gigantic movie stars in India who have experienced the kind of fandom that Dwayne has. I have always maintained that the bigger the star, the more humble and nicer he or she is. He knew that I didn't know anyone there and every time he saw me doing a cover shoot or an interview, he was encouraging.

When you give your nod to a project in the West, do you also consider if it would appeal to your fans in India? Or do you feel that as an international star, your choices cannot be governed by what your Indian fans expect?
That's a very tricky thing. It's something that I have been dealing with in my own head. We live in 2017 and modern India has access to entertainment from all over the world. I don't discredit the Indian audience that watches Hindi films and expect them not to understand the fact that I am doing an English film. I am an actor and I work in various kinds of films. I am not worried about it when I am choosing roles. My choice of films has always been very personal. If a role resonates with me, I do it. That's why at times it works and at times, it doesn't.

While many Indian actors have tried to make a mark in Hollywood, you have done it in the true sense of the word. Would you agree?
South Asians are one-fifth of the world's population. So, we need to have representation in global entertainment. I am glad that I have been able to make a dent, it encourages people to not look at South Asians through a singular prism. Hopefully, people will not see us as exotic princesses now. Having said that, I am not someone who will harp on something that I have achieved because there is so much more to do. We have many other incredible actors from India who have worked in global entertainment and are doing exactly the same thing. They are taking on roles which break the rules, including Anil Kapoor. We need people to come in and demand good roles. We will not get it all the time. I have faced it myself. So many times (in the West), I have been told that I am too Indian for a mainstream part. I don't know what that means. That's what we need to change.

Will we see you taking up more films in Hollywood and Bollywood?
I don't know. My TV show has been picked for a shorter season because I really want to do both films and TV . Earlier, I wasn't able to do too many films. I shot for Bajirao Mastani and Baywatch while working on Quantico. Now, with a shorter season which will last only four or five months, I will be able to take on more films. I am in talks for film projects in America and India. I know I am coming back to India for my father's barsi. I will be home for about a week. I don't have roots, only wings. I live on a plane. But you know what, I am okay with that.

On a whirlwind trip to India, Priyanka Chopra is on a mission - promoting her Hollywood debut, catching up with friends, sorting out her production house's slate and meeting the press. Even as her plate overflows, the lady has her priorities right. She says, “I could not do something I wanted to do because I did not have time? That will never happen with me!“ Excerpts of our conversation with the actress:

Dwayne Johnson says you're a great tequila drinker. Your views...
I think that's Dwayne's favourite drink. That's why he said that. Also, every show I go to, they make me have shots. The last time I had a few shots was during Diwali last year. I organised a party to introduce the festival to my friends in New York. There, I was given quite a few shots. But, it gives you a headache, so I can't take too many of those.

What's the first thing you generally tell people in New York while introducing India to them? Do you have to deal with stereotypes?
I don't take a class there. I educate people only when they don't know things. When we have conversations I explain stuff. For example, there's this thing called chai tea there. I always tell them that they are basically saying chai chai. People didn't understand what Holi was. They thought it was some sort of a music festival. I tried to explain to them the part about ushering in a new agricultural season. So I try to educate where there is a need. I just miss India so much that I love to talk about it. I tell people that India is not a country, it's an experience. The landscape, the language, and the facial features change every 100 miles.

When you get together with friends from India, do you vent out your frustration at how different Americans are?
Yes, about some things that I notice. There, people like breakfast meetings. And I don't understand that. How can I talk about business at 8 am? There are things such as these that I really don't get. There, if your call time is 8 am, they will start work latest by 8.02! Can you believe that? I went to school there. So, I'm familiar with their culture and they are starkly different from us.

When you first met the big stars in Hollywood, did you feel like a fan girl?
I don't crush on people, they crush on me. I admire people and their work. I was fascinated to meet some incredible actors because I'm not from a film family. I remember the first time I met Mr Bachchan or Meryl Streep or Bruce Springsteen, I was really excited. I remember particularly the first time I met Asha tai. My dad was a huge fan. Legendary people who have achieved incredibleness in their lives excite me. But I have never been a fan girl because I'm shy.

As a shy person, how was it swearing on screen for Baywatch? You dropped F-bombs...
Oh, that! That was very scary. The first time I had to curse for a role, I was embarrassed. Mere kaan garam ho gaye the because I am not someone who, by nature, curses, be it in Hindi or in English. Not even with my friends. And I have never done it in films here. Vishal Bhardwaj tried to make me curse on screen but mujhse nahin hota! I knew this was going to be an R-rated film and the movie revolves around that kind of a world. That's not Priyanka Chopra you see on screen. That's Victoria and that's how she speaks. My job as an actor is to embrace the world I have been put into and be true to it. So, now even if I did a film in India where I was required to curse, I would do it...Only if my ears don't start to burn.

What's the status on Quantico Season Three?
I have a feeling we will be back with another season.

Bollywood's leading ladies Priyanka Chopra and Deepika Padukone are making waves in the West with plum projects. Dippy, promoted her international film along with co-star Vin Diesel in India recently.

Now, all eyes are on Priyanka's Baywatch. The film, which has her essaying the antagonist's role, also stars Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron in pivotal roles. So, will it have an India premiere before its US release?

Priyanka told BT, “Dwayne and Zac, and in fact the entire team of my film love India and they really want to come. There are almost five months left for the film to hit screens and we are still shooting. There is a big plan for the film's release around the world and I am sure India will be incorporated in it.“