Mannara, who made her Bollywood debut with 'Zid' in 2014, is said to have sent a few scripts to cousin sister Priyanka Chopra for approval, but her wait for response lingers on
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 17, 2015)

Looks like Mannara is biding her time. The actress, who happens to be Priyanka Chopra's cousin, made her debut last year with Anubhav Sinha's 'Zid' and has since got a few offers. However, if sources are to be believed, she has been running the scripts through PeeCee before signing on the dotted line, but the latter is yet to respond.

A source says, "Mannara has been meeting people for work, but she has always looked up to her sister and wishes to consult her before singing her next film. Priyanka, too, had extended a helping hand by promoting 'Zid' online. Recently, Mannara had script reading seasons with certain filmmakers, but she is yet to say yes to them as she is awaiting Priyanka's response."

Piggy Chops has been in the US for almost two months now for her international TV show, 'Quantico'. Another source says, "Priyanka has a busy schedule in the US which may not have allowed her time for family. She is shooting for the show and working on her music album as well. She recently wound up other work assignments."

Mannara remained unavailable for comment.

Zid director Vivek Agnihotri says he wants nothing to do with what the film has ended up as
Subhash K Jha (DNA; November 28, 2014)


Vivek, who is currently shooting Junooniyat in Kashmir, is livid that his name is still attached to the project. He says, “Anubhav Sinha, who is an old friend of mine, came to me with the proposal to remake the German film The Good Neighbour. He was distressed as three directors had already left the project. He asked me to step in. I couldn’t say no.”

He continues, “I finished the first schedule. When I returned, to my horror, they had shot erotic content behind my back. I was horrified. If you see The Good Neighbour there is no room for sex or erotica. The protagonists don’t even meet in the original story. How can they make love?”

Vivek tried to reason with Anubhav. But to no avail. “He told me, the minute the erotic content was announced, Zid was sold to the distributors, because my erotic thriller Hate Story was a hit. I’ve nothing against shooting erotica. Agar mujhe erotic film banaani hogi toh main danke ki chot par banaaoogna (if I’ve to make an erotic thriller I’ll do so without apology). But it has to be part of the story. Sex and nudity are not part of The Good Neighbour. How can they be a part of the remake?”

Vivek suspects the steamy scenes have been shot only for the teaser trailers. “I don’t know how or when Barbie or Mannara or whatever she calls herself now and her co-star Karan shot these scenes. But this is not the film I was asked to make. This is not The Good Neighbour. It’s something else. And I don’t want any part of it. I’m speaking about this now only because they’ve refused to remove my name from the credits.”

PC’s cousin Mannara who is all set to make her Bolly debut talks about the advantages of having a superstar in the family and more
Namrata Thakker (DNA; November 17, 2014)


The trailer of Zid went viral and has received over two million views on YouTube. How does it feel?
We are all on the top of the world. Super happy! I feel blessed, given the way my film has been received. I just hope all my hard work, sincerity and the trust that the film makers showed in me pays off and the film proves to be successful, both in multiplexes as well as single screens.

Usually actresses play safe with their debut films. Weren’t you apprehensive about taking up Zid since its a bold film?
I completely followed my instincts when I heard the script. It was a difficult role but my director and producer had confidence that I could pull off a character like this. It has a wide spectrum of emotions and I sincerely hope that I did justice to it.

There are a lot of bold and intimate scenes in Zid. Do you think you would get typecast because of the same? Actresses like Mallika Sherawat and Sunny Leone did get typecast…
Though the movie is bold, it is not full of intimate scenes, rather it is an amalgamation of drama, thrill and wonderful music which most certainly will keep the viewers engrossed. I feel lucky that I was chosen to take up this role, in turn interpreting, showcasing and bringing onscreen the character I play. I’ve put my best foot forward and have left no stone unturned in doing so, doing justice to the challenging and performance-based script. I just hope that filmmakers like my work and the industry welcomes me with open arms and I get opportunities to experiment with roles which would challenge my acting capabilities.

We have heard that you’re a Kathak dancer and have even learned hip-hop and belly dancing. So wouldn’t it have been better to debut with a dance film since the genre is also growing in Bollywood?
I believe that an actor doesn’t choose his/her debut film, it’s the film that chooses the actor and then destiny plays its role! Also, it’s rather important to get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself as a person and as an actor and I guess playing Maya, I discovered a different side to myself and the character, somebody who is nice, bubbly, emotional, bold and perilous at the same time highlighting various shades of the character.

Your cousin sister Priyanka Chopra tweeted about the trailer of your film. She even clarified about your Twitter account which is nice. Do you think having a superstar in the family helps?
It certainly does! And especially when it’s somebody as helpful and motivating as Priyanka Chopra. She is a pillar of support and helpful at the same time. When you have someone like her who is at the top of the heap, all her experience comes handy to us newcomers who are making an entry into the same world.

You started your career down South with Prema Geema Jantha Nai. Any particular reason because by then you had already done commercials with Priyanka and you did get noticed…
I consider it to be a privilege to work with Priyanka but every individual has a journey of his own and mine started down South. I genuinely loved working there. Now I am very happy with my Bollywood debut, Zid.

Is Bollywood your only focus for now or are you open to doing films down South as well?
I’m open to all kinds of films and industries as long as I love the script and the setup.

Any other Bollywood films offered to you?
The response to my trailer has been overwhelming. I have just taken my baby steps into this world. My agency is in talks with several filmmakers. But right now my priority is my debut film.

What kind of rapport do you share with Priyanka and Parineeti. Do you go to Priyanka for any professional advice?
We have a very healthy relationship as sisters and I definitely seek PC’s advice when I feel it’s needed.

Lastly, both Priyanka and Parineeti love singing. Is that the case with you as well?
Yes, I love singing too. Singing runs in our family.

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; November 1, 2014)

If gossip mills are to be believed, Priyanka Chopra was supposed to release the online promos of Zid starring her cousin, Mannara (earlier known as Barbie Handa) on October 27. However, she postponed it by a couple of days over certain differences.

A source says, “The original plan was that Priyanka would post the promo’s link on her microblogging site on Monday but she did it only three days later as she had not approved of it. But later, Mannara spoke to her and convinced her to promote the film, which is an erotic thriller.” A source close to Priyanka says, “She has been promoting Mannara more than any of her other cousins (Parineeti Chopra, Meerra Chopra) as they are quite close to each other. Priyanka had even posted the first poster of Zid. On her part, Mannara prefers to consult her off and on.”

Priyanka remained unavailable for comment.

Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; October 27, 2014)


Priyanka Chopra's first cousin, Barbie Handa, has now been been rechristened Mannara to make her name more 'marketable'. It was the producer of her debut Hindi film, Zid, Anubhav Sinha, who insisted on a new name beginning with the letter M as he is a huge Madhuri Dixit fan. "Barbie was too childish a name for a grown-up girl, actually it was her nickname," says Sinha.

Mannara admits she'd been planning the change for a while now, urged on by her family. "I liked Mannara, a Greek word meaning 'something that shines', and everyone approved," she beams.

She has done a course in fashion designing and has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration before relocating to Mumbai. She admits being Priyanka Chopra cousin helps in Bollywood. "You get invited to industry events and meet the right people," she points out, quickly adding that she had to go through five rounds of auditions before she was selected for Zid.

Mannara features completely nude in the movie's poster and is blase about it. "We are in 2014 and I can't be in a ghoonghat. If I wanted to be all covered, I'd do a saas-bahu serial. I have a hot body and I don't mind showing it," she says proudly.

And what was Priyanka's reaction? "Before the poster was shot, I called up Priyanka who was in Barcelona for a film. She told me to go for it, but ensure that it's done aesthetically and didn't look sleazy. I took her advice and am getting lots of compliments," she smiles.

Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; October 24, 2014)

The festival of lights has put a damper on the promotions of Anubhav Sinha’s Zid with exhibitors deciding to put up the film’s posters only after Diwali celebrations come to an end. A source close to the production team says, “The film is about to release next month and it is necessary for us to start the promotions. We released the first standee featuring lead pair, Barbie Handa and Karanvir Sharma a couple of days ago, which was quite bold.”

It is said that the second standee of the film, too, is also pretty risqué, compelling exhibitors to hold it back for a few days. “They said during the festive season, a lot of families come to watch films and it wouldn’t be appropriate to put up explicit posters. They conveyed this decision to the makers, who apparently agreed to it. So, the new posters will be out only after Diwali,” said another source.

Exhibitor Inder Raj Kapoor confirmed the news. “Some publicity material has been returned because we found it bold and feared it could be controversial. We have spoken to the producers about it,” he said.

Anubhav Sinha, co-producer of Zid, said his team was trying to draw up a strategy so that the bold content of the film did not affect the promotions. “By Monday, we will take a decision whether to go ahead with the same publicity material or not,” added Sinha.

Bharati Dubey (MID-DAY; October 22, 2014)

Hours after the official teaser of Anubhav Sinha’s Zid was released on Monday, Vivek Agnihotri disowned the film, saying the credit for direction and screenplay has been wrongly attributed to him.

The filmmaker had left the project midway following creative differences with Anubhav Sinha. A source close to the filmmaker said, “Vivek was making Zid as a psychological thriller. But after having completed 60 per cent of the shoot, Anubhav wanted him to add more sex scenes and turn it into an erotic thriller. Vivek did not agree with him and opted out of the project, requesting him not to use his name in the film credits.’’

The source said Vivek, who is on a high with Buddha In A Traffic Jam receiving appreciation at the MAMI festival, was furious after he saw his name on the teaser. “He was upset that Anubhav had gone back on his word,” the source added.

Vivek Agnihotri told hitlist, “I can only say that Zid is not my film.” Sinha was unavilable for comment.
The film will mark the debut of Priyanka Chopra’s cousin, Barbie Handa, who has been cast opposite Karanvir Bohra.