BANGALORE: After her marriage with Kannada superstar Upendra, Bong beauty Priyanka who has acted in over a dozen Bengali and South Indian films, turned into a homemaker.
Bidding bye to her acting career was never a concern for her as she was too happily immersed in her new world, embracing the role of a doting wife and a mother. Films took a backseat as family became her priority. She was adored in Sandalwood for being the better half of the Real Star Uppi and a perfect mom to his kids. However, that wasn’t the sad ending of ‘actress’ Priyanka’s story!
All this while, she had also been living up her onscreen dreams, well, not in Sandalwood though. “I did six Bengali films post my marriage,” informs Priyanka, who after a long sabbath did a cameo in the recent Kannada hit Pancahrangi.
Now, she is back with a bang, all to the pleasure of Uppi fans. Says the gorgeous actress, “I am happy to act with Upendra again.” Priyanka is starring opposite Uppi in Shrimati a remake of Hindi blockbuster Aitraaz. And needless to say, she enacts the role of the supporting wife that Kareena played in the original, while Celina Jaitely plays the other female lead — the villainous Priyanka Chopra. The Hindi film had a lot of steamy scenes between Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, and the Kannada version has retained the same, and she had no problems with her hubby getting cosy with another lady.
Like a professional, she says, “I was okay. I am broad-minded. I understand that it’s part of our job,” adding, “I wasn’t there at the set when the scenes were shot. I knew Uppi wouldn’t be comfortable when I’m there.” Uppi is as broad-minded and professional as she is, she tells us, assuring that he wouldn’t have any problems with her acting stints — he respects her individuality and identity and doesn’t expect her to be simply Uppi’s wife. She is quick to add, “I know he and his family will approve of what I do. I also know the thin line. I wouldn’t do something that could hurt my family.”
The gorgeous actress also dabbled in television recently. Her role as a judge in an entertainment-based reality show and another show finding a perfect bride, were widely appreciated. “The connect is instant in TV and the reach is vast. It was overwhelming to work on small screen. It was a good experience. I have bettered my Kannada,” says the Bong beauty.
Priyanka has also taken to endorsing now — she’s the brand ambassador of a jewellery expo. “It’s the first time I’m doing it. I can lend my face only to what I can associate with. I love jewellery — it’s more than a mere piece of ornamentation, it goes beyond the material value. Jewellery resembles a sense of solidarity and security,” she says, recounting how precious a ring that Uppi gifted her during their courtship is to her.
A film production along with her husband is in the pipeline. With so much happening in her career front, Priyanka still maintains that her life revolves around her family. “My two kids keep me on my toes,” signs off the actress.