After playing a rape victim in Section 375, Meera Chopra will be playing a young widow in Safed, directed by Sandip Singh which is set to be released on 29th December. The ‘Southern Siren’ talks about de-glam roles, non-commercial films, marriage plans and more.
Q You started out in the South, but you’ve turned your attention to Bollywood now?
I’m not doing South films now. I left the South industry in 2014 and started working in Bollywood. I couldn’t deal with the languages, and felt unsatisfied. I felt that my performance might be affected too. I was also doing a lot of commercial films there, and wanted to try something different.
Q You’re sexy and beautiful but you’re opting for mostly de-glam roles. Why’s that?
Yes, I have been doing meaningful cinema here. My journey started from the film Section 375. After that movie I started getting different offers and I ‘took’ that way. Since I always wanted to play different characters, I’m happy with the way things turned out.
Q Tell us what drives your choice of films.
I wanted to do a certain kind of cinema. Those roles don’t come automatically. The struggle starts after every film. I got appreciation for Section 375, but appreciation also brings in the need to work hard. I am choosy but I’m trying to be less so.
Q What’s your role in Safed?
I play a widow. I have realized how difficult life is for all widows, especially young girls. Safed is just an hour long, so it is releasing on Zee 5. It’s a very meaningful film. We have made the film with respect and are hoping to get huge respect for Safed.
Q How do you approach playing de-glam roles?
Actors have a huge problem, as we all have to look good on screen. So we invest a lot of time on physical appearance. I had to wear a dark base to play a widow in Safed. But my soul also needed to be ‘dead’. I have to feel in character, to play it well. I lived with widows and that feeling seeped into me.
Q The Chopra sisters seem to be naturally beautiful!
“Yes, we have got pretty faces; we didn’t need to go under the knife for that, because hamara Chopras ka khoon hai. [laughs]
Q The Chopras seem to be rocking, nationally and internationally!
Yes, Priyanka [Chopra] is rocking all over the globe. I came into this industry through Priyanka. What she has achieved feels like a dream. Mannara is a very bholi [innocent] girl. She is not meant for Bigg Boss. I hope she wins the trophy.
Q How do you plan to celebrate Christmas and New Year?
“We are celebrating Christmas promoting our film. On New Year’s Day, we will be with the CM doing a special screening of Safed in Goa. It will be a working celebration.
Q What films do you have lined up for the new year?
I have not signed any commercial film even in 2024. One of the films I have signed is a courtroom drama. In another I play an a-sexual girl. I have shifted my focus to such characters. I have an OTT project as well.
Q What plans for marriage?
My marital status will change very soon. I will be getting married in 3 months’ time in 2024. It will be my best season, professionally and personally. My fiancé is not from the industry, he has his own business.
