Director Anurag Basu’s movie ‘Barfi!’ failed to make it to the nine shortlisted movies for the best foreign language film category at the 85th Academy Awards.
Actress Priyanka Chopra, whose performance as an autistic girl in the movie received rave reviews, said that she is sad that the movie dint make it to the Oscars but is glad that ‘Barfi!’ was selected as India’s official entry for the 85th Oscar Awards.
“I am very sad about it. We as a team are sad about it. But I am glad the film was considered and sent as India's official entry to the Oscars. It was a very special film for us. We made it from the heart and I am really happy for the kind of response I've got for Jhilmil's character,” said Priyanka Chopra to PTI.
Priyanka Chopra said that initially she was apprehensive about the role.
“I was very nervous about playing a differently-abled person. It could have been a caricature or it could have looked fake. I am grateful people have seen it for what we were trying it to be,” she said.
The movie also starred Ranbir Kapoor as a deaf and dumb boy Barfi and Ileana.
Though Priyanka Chopra is glad that ‘Barfi!’ became a huge hit and was appreciated both and audience and critics, she feels that it’s mostly entertainment movies that work at the box-office rather than movies with a message.
“Unfortunately it is too idealistic to say that we should only do films which have a moral, because not too many people will turn up at the theatres to watch such films. The profession is basically entertainment. We shouldn't give it that kind of responsibility or put pressure that only make films that are about causes or give a message to the society, because people have no interest in preachy films, unfortunately,” said Priyanka Chopra.
2013 is a big year with four of her most eagerly anticipates movies – ‘Krrish 3’, ‘Gunday’ ‘Zanjeer’ remake and Mary Kom biopic releasing.
The actress is currently busy juggling ‘Gunday’ and ‘Zanjeer’ shooting.
“I'm in the middle of shooting both ‘Zanjeer’ and ‘Gunday’ right now. Christmas was my day-off that's why I am here. I've just finished shooting for ‘Krrish 3’,” she said.
The actress said that she will begin shooting for Mark Kom’s biopic next year.
“I'll start work on the Mary Kom project in mid-next year and I have to begin training for that. I have met her and she is very involved with the project because the film is inspired by her life. She is a great girl, so much fun and has been very helpful so far,” she said.
Asked about her New Year plans, Priyanka said, "I am taking two days off for New Year and will spend them with my father, who is unwell."