In just four years, Priya Banerjee has straddled across different mediums and has been a part of films in different languages. Though she made her Hindi debut in a small but pivotal role in Sanjay Gupta’s ‘Jazbaa’ two years back, ‘Dil Jo Na Keh Saka’ is the first time the Hindi film audience will see her in a leading part. In this interview, the young actress talks about her journey from Canada to tinsel town, working in different mediums and what made her say yes to ‘Dil Jo Na Keh Saka’ which marks her debut as a lead actress in Bollywood.
You were born and brought up in Canada. Did you face any difficulty while trying to get a break as an actress in India?
There were no difficulties as such. I came to India to do an acting course at Anupam Kher’s acting academy An Actor Prepares. One day, they were auditioning for a Telugu film. I was one of the many actors who auditioned for it. I was sure that I would not get the film as I did not know the language or anything about the industry. I was quite shocked when I got the part. It has been four years since I shot for my first film and I have been working constantly on some project or the other.
You started out with a Telugu film, did a Tamil film and are now doing Hindi films. You have shot for a web series too. How was the experience of working in different mediums and industries?
I think most of the actors are quite flexible and are open to working in different mediums these days. At the end of the day, it is the content that speaks for itself. People will watch a particular show or a film if the content appeals to them. Language is no longer a barrier for the audience. I am happy to do a web series in between films as they are doing so well and reaching out to so many people.