Mannara Chopra is an Indian film actress and model who predominantly works in Hindi and Telugu films. She is the cousin of famous actress Priyanka Chopra. She made her Bollywood debut with the film Zid in 2014. After completing her education, Mannara moved to Mumbai, where she started her career in modeling and moved into advertising. She made 30-35 commercials, three of them alongside her cousin Priyanka Chopra, including one for Dabur Amla Hair Oil, which she said won her “instant recognition” and landed her an offer in Telugu films. She had also appeared in Amit Trivedi’s song ‘”Bas bajna chahiye”, the theme song for Gaana.com. Besides, she has worked as a fashion designer and as an assistant choreographer, being trained in dance forms like hip hop and belly dancing. She has done four more films post ZID. In a candid discussion with Nithya Ramesh, Mannara speaks about her personal and professional life.

Shifting from modelling to acting was a conscious decision?

Modelling to acting was a very interesting journey. It was exciting to play some completely other character than my own unlike modeling which is all about being yourself, showcasing your own attitude.

You were always inclined towards creative field?

I was attracted towards creative arts from a very early age, I majorly owe this inclination to my sister who I saw playing various roles. Off course family plays a major part of our life and career choices.

You have trait of showbiz?

Fashion designing or choreography is all about creativity. Both need an intricate eye for something unique and different, it’s all about aesthetics.

What is special in acting professional?

I being able to be in the skin of a completely different person is the most enthralling experience in acting. It makes you be in another person’s shoes, even if for a short time but it personally is a very enriching experience.

Being part of the established family in showbiz is an advantage?

Being a superstar’s cousin comes with a lot of advantages as well as responsibilities. It’s challenging to be able to live up to expectations but yes it definitely helps to make wiser choices and be in the right circle of people.

You are a solo or team person?

For me it’s always about team work. I’m a people’s person,I enjoy being around people. It’s always a pleasure to meet new teams of such hardworking and talented people. It’s always a pleasure.

Your first experience of facing live camera?

At first, facing the camera is overwhelming. But for me my affair with camera is always overwhelming. I love it!

Share your chemistry of working with super stars in Bollywood?

I have worked with Salman khan for a Suzuki commercial, so would love to work with him .have worked with director Imtaz Ali for a Parle Marie Tvc so he is my favorite. In south I wanted to work with Puri Jagan who launched faces like Kangana, Ileana in south also known for his Hindi film Buddha hoga tera baap. I consider myself to be very lucky to be working with him in his upcoming film ROGUE.

Update on your future projects?

Two of my films just got released last year in Telugu Jakkana and Thikka. Now this year had a New film (A grand release Puri Jaggarnath film )-ROUGE. It’s a bilingual film while will mark my debut in Kannada industry too other than releasing in Telegu.

Your preference is family or work?

For me I prefer to choose a balanced lifestyle. Work while I work but I need my time out with family and friends too. I like it fast when it’s fast but I can’t do without my own personal space, it recharges me. Home is where the heart is. For me it needs to be colorful and happy. I love minimalist decor; colors make homes bright and positive.

 – Interview conducted by Ms Nithya Ramesh for Opinion Express

Mannara Chopra is an Indian film actress and model who predominantly works in Hindi and Telugu films. She is the cousin of famous actress Priyanka Chopra. She made her Bollywood debut with the film Zid in 2014. After completing her education, Mannara moved to Mumbai, where she started her career in modeling and moved into advertising. She made 30-35 commercials, three of them alongside her cousin Priyanka Chopra, including one for Dabur Amla Hair Oil, which she said won her “instant recognition” and landed her an offer in Telugu films. She had also appeared in Amit Trivedi’s song ‘”Bas bajna chahiye”, the theme song for Gaana.com. Besides, she has worked as a fashion designer and as an assistant choreographer, being trained in dance forms like hip hop and belly dancing. She has done four more films post ZID. In a candid discussion with Nithya Ramesh, Mannara speaks about her personal and professional life.

Shifting from modelling to acting was a conscious decision?

Modelling to acting was a very interesting journey. It was exciting to play some completely other character than my own unlike modeling which is all about being yourself, showcasing your own attitude.

You were always inclined towards creative field?

I was attracted towards creative arts from a very early age, I majorly owe this inclination to my sister who I saw playing various roles. Off course family plays a major part of our life and career choices.

You have trait of showbiz?

Fashion designing or choreography is all about creativity. Both need an intricate eye for something unique and different, it’s all about aesthetics.

What is special in acting professional?

I being able to be in the skin of a completely different person is the most enthralling experience in acting. It makes you be in another person’s shoes, even if for a short time but it personally is a very enriching experience.

Being part of the established family in showbiz is an advantage?

Being a superstar’s cousin comes with a lot of advantages as well as responsibilities. It’s challenging to be able to live up to expectations but yes it definitely helps to make wiser choices and be in the right circle of people.

You are a solo or team person?

For me it’s always about team work. I’m a people’s person,I enjoy being around people. It’s always a pleasure to meet new teams of such hardworking and talented people. It’s always a pleasure.

Your first experience of facing live camera?

At first, facing the camera is overwhelming. But for me my affair with camera is always overwhelming. I love it!

Share your chemistry of working with super stars in Bollywood?

I have worked with Salman khan for a Suzuki commercial, so would love to work with him .have worked with director Imtaz Ali for a Parle Marie Tvc so he is my favorite. In south I wanted to work with Puri Jagan who launched faces like Kangana, Ileana in south also known for his Hindi film Buddha hoga tera baap. I consider myself to be very lucky to be working with him in his upcoming film ROGUE.

Update on your future projects?

Two of my films just got released last year in Telugu Jakkana and Thikka. Now this year had a New film (A grand release Puri Jaggarnath film )-ROUGE. It’s a bilingual film while will mark my debut in Kannada industry too other than releasing in Telegu.

Your preference is family or work?

For me I prefer to choose a balanced lifestyle. Work while I work but I need my time out with family and friends too. I like it fast when it’s fast but I can’t do without my own personal space, it recharges me. Home is where the heart is. For me it needs to be colorful and happy. I love minimalist decor; colors make homes bright and positive.

 – Interview conducted by Ms Nithya Ramesh for Opinion Express