Prity Bhutani is your typical girl next door who worked her way up from smaller movies such as Jaani Dushman and Ladies Tailor to this year’s Diwali release Golmaal Returns. She worked her way up without the help of any “godfather” figure or coming from a filmy family. Her successes are hers to own and she has no bones about admitting it. This proud and pretty girl has lots to say about her beginnings with acting, North and South of India. BollySpice spoke to pretty Prity about her achievements thus far and her career ahead.
Firstly, you’ve mentioned in the past that you come from a very non-filmy family where pursuing a career in cinema is something that is never mentioned. So how did your parents and everyone react at first to your entering into modeling and films? Were they apprehensive initially to let you venture into this industry?
Initially my parents were a bit hesitant and very much protective about me, but eventually they realized about my capabilities and strength. Then they started supporting me.
Do you think your career would have drastically differed if you did hail from a filmy family, if so how so?
Yes, drastically. Being a daughter from a filmy family, it really makes a lot of difference. I could have easily achieved things in a shorter span. Additionally, it would have been easier for me to be a known face long before I start working.
Your initial debut was in a short film directed by Tanuja Chandra. This must have been an absolute honor to be part of such an acclaimed director’s work. How did this project come about and what made you say yes?
Yes! Of course it was a great honor to work under such an acclaimed director. She had shown immense faith by offering this role to me. I got a chance to explore my acting skills right in the beginning of my career.
Soon after debuting in Hindi cinema. you took a trip down South. Tell us how this experience was and what did you find unique in the south industry compared to Hindi films?
It was really a great pleasure to work in the South industry. It is very unique in itself. They emphasize a lot on dancing, especially folk dancing. I could actually explore and excel my dancing skills. I learnt a lot about their language, though I am a Punjabi.
You’re a trained Kathak dancer and South films are known for extensive song sequences. Did the training at all assist you in delivering what you would not have been able to do otherwise?
Yes, definitely it helped me a lot. I could do any kind of step given by the choreographers, whether it’s classical, hip hop or folk.
Today you are quite honest about saying you’re doing more regional films than main stream Hindi cinema; is this because something in the industry really clicks with you or are you just more satisfied with the roles you are offered down South?
Well, I believe more in the script and my role in the films. Language has no bar.
How has the language barrier been for you thus far? Are you learning south Indian languages for these films?
Well initially it was difficult for me, but gradually I picked up. I’m really enjoying doing South [flims]. It’s really challenging and adventurous.
Your next release in Hindi cinema is Ek – The Power of One which is rumored to be a remake of Telugu hit Athadu. Can you confirm this? And if so, what role are you playing in this project?
Yes, it is set to release this year end. I can’t talk much about the role. All I can say for now is that it is the role of a typical Punjabi girl.
You were also recently seen in Golmaal sequel, how was this experience?
It was really my honor to share a screen with Ajay Devgan. It’s like my dream come true. I am really looking forward to working with him soon in the future.
What else will we see you in the near future?
My next release is Khalbali this November end. Once again it is a comedy directed by Ajay Chandokh.
What sort of roles are you on the look out for when selecting scripts currently and are you open to accepting item number offers?
I am open to all scripts which has substance and very good exposure for acting skills. I would love to do female oriented subjects. Yes, I am surely open to item songs as I’ll be seen very shortly in item song in Vikalp.
How has life changed for you since fame, if changed at all?
Yes, up to certain extent, but I’m still the same from within. Long way to go yet, this is just the beginning.
If you hadn’t been in cinema and modeling industry, what career do you think you would have pursued?
If not into film industry, I would have been into hotel industry or import-export.
Lastly what advice or tip do you have to share with all those aspiring actresses of Indian cinema and in particular those who have no filmy background?
Never lose hope. Believe in yourself. This industry is very beautiful. Only listen to your heart. Hard work conquers all.
To finish off Prity, we’ll end with my “Prathna Pooche” section which consists of five short answer questions in relation to cinema. So here goes.
1. Name actors or actresses that inspire you?
Well Prathna, there are lot of actors and actresses that inspires me. That’s Smita Patil, Rekha, Urmila Matondkar, Madhuri Dixit, Tabu, Aamir Khan.
2. A role you’ve seen in recent time which you wish you’d had a chance to do?
Urmila in Ek Haseena Thi. Mallika Sherawat in Murder. Madhuri in Mrityudand. Tabu in all the roles she played. I would love to play a negative lead and psycho character.
3. A director whom you’re dying to work with?
I am dying to work with Mani Ratnam, Nagesh Kukunoor, Deepa Mehta, Shankar. The list is big.
4. Given a choice between two great roles in a Hindi and one in a regional film, which one would you choose?
I’ll definitely take up in Hindi as it’s understandable by most of the people.
Prity is definitely one focused girl with a bright career ahead of her. Her determination and strong will take her places in the “beautiful” world of Bollywood. BollySpice wishes her the best for her future and her upcoming release Khalbali.
