Priyanka Chopra talks about the fun feast, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi 

By IndiaFM News Bureau, July 22, 2004 - 03:14 IST

Amidst shooting for a song sequence, the Chopra chick looking dazzling in a crimson red outfit, shares with IndiaFM interesting tidbits about the David Dhawan dhamaka, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.

What is Mujhse Shaadi Karogi about?
As the title suggests, the movie is about two guys Sameer and Sunny played by Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar who fall in love with my character of Rani. They then pop the question, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi? Rani fond of both now has a decision to make. That is Mujhse Shaadi Karogi in a nutshell. Set in Goa, it is a total laugh riot!

What was it like working in the film?
Oh, it was a fabulous experience to say the least. Comedy doesn't come easy. Working with veterans like David, Akshay and Salman makes it tougher. Just 3 films old, I was this lost-in-the-woods babe during the initial days, but picked up the ropes soon. Sajid would be on the sets constantly. Besides, the entire production was highly supportive of me.

Tell us, what made you sign this movie?
Honestly speaking, Sajid Nadiadwala is the reason. His banner produces one film in four years, which gives total focus and time to project details and development. David Dhawan with his immense flair for comedy was another tempting reason. Andaaz was the last time I tried humor in a small doze. With Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, I am trying my hand at situational comedy. Hope it works out good.

One year old in Bollywood, what do you think has been the industry response like?
Flattering. For a person with zero film connections and no sugar daddy, the journey has been eventful. I am very grateful to my producers and directors who have risked roles with a newbie like me and shown faith in me as an actress. With a successful debut and some worthy projects in the pipeline, the going couldn't have been better.

How comfortable are you with comedy?
I personally love comedy and believe that the Hasya ras is the toughest to portray. With comedy geniuses like Davidji, you try and pick up the comic timing without which humor falls flat.

When was the last time that you laughed till you cried?
The last I really cracked up laughing was while watching Main Hoon Na. Every time Sushmita would appear, Shah Rukh would break into a song. It was so hilarious! I nearly died laughing.

Considering that Bollywood is 'song-dance' heavy, you have managed quite well. Do you enjoy dancing?
Being a shy performer, my dancing was limited to home. On one of my Andaaz schedules, I was required to do some heavy-duty dancing. And to my horror, I developed cold feet (pun intended). The crew kept goading me, but choreographer Raju Khan was a slave driver. I was down and low, sobbing and sweating it out.

We then returned to India for a 10-day break before re-commencing shoot. It's during this brief spell that I trained myself in Kathak. And full credit to my guruji, Pt.Viru Prasad that you see the Priyanka of today dance and groove in Kismat, Asambhav and the likes.

Choreographer Farah Khan is a favorite with the Nadiadwala camp. How was it working with her?
Blunt. That's what comes to my mind when I think of Farah. Very vocal with her reactions, she is crystal clear about her shots. Re-takes being far and few, Farah cans her shots in jet-set speed. Also, if you have observed, she can make any frame look dazzling. You want to watch them time and again.

Considering that the plot of '2 guys love a girl' has nothing new to offer. What would you say is the USP of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi?
Well, I think freshness is the USP of Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. Freshness in terms of casting, the Akki-Sallu chemistry and dot-on comic timing will make for some very interesting viewing.

This is your second outing with Andaaz co-star Akshay. How was it this time around working with the Khiladi Kumar?
Needless to say, it was brilliant. Right from Andaaz days, Akki has always been highly co-operative. He is extremely patient with his co-stars. A huge help for newcomers of my ilk.

Actually, he was the only person I was familiar with when the film went on floors. Salman, Davidji, Sajid were all new. But I must admit, Nadiadwala productions left no stone unturned in ensuring that I get best. Being a young girl, must confess they treated me with kid gloves. (Giggles) I was almost spoilt rotten.

Both Akshay and Salman are known to be first-rate pranksters. Can you share with us some fun facts while shooting?
Oh yeah… Both Akki and Sallu are huge pranksters. And I happen to be their chosen bakra. Like the other day, when we went for the final take, the duo recited a bunch of dialogues completely different than what we had rehearsed! I was so foxed!

Today, our cameraman was their target. Akshay coated the outer ring of the camera lens with black paint. So, every time the camera guy went close to the eyepiece, he would come tinted with a black ring round his eye. The unsuspecting guy went around the sets with the black ring the entire day. It was so hilarious! (Giggling uncontrollably) Let me warn you, with the devil duo around, you need to be constantly on your toes.

Just as we are doing this interview, they'll be planting a prank not far away…

Akshay Kumar talks about Mujhse Shaadi Karogi