Her cheerful smile, balletic dance movements and terrific acting have garnered love and admiration from people across India. Her notable performance in Kannada romance-drama movie — Chandra Chakori — became her major breakthrough into stardom. Woman with many feathers Priya Pereira in an exclusive interview with News Aur Chai takes us through her ups and downs and how she is sailing through this bumpy ride called — life.
1. How you ascertained that dancing and acting were not mere hobbies but more than that?
I was always drawn to the performing arts, mainly dancing and acting. I was about 11-year-old when I realised and knew that this is where my heart belongs. However, I took it seriously only after my Post Graduation, when I finally mustered the courage to tell my parents that I wanted to pursue acting professionally.
2. Acting or dancing. What is more, liberating?
Both, in their own ways, can be physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually liberating. It’s what I love about performing. It’s like a little world to get lost in.
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3. How you define success, and what is your success mantra?
Success for me is being happy. My mantra is ‘Do what you love and love what you do’. There’s a whole list of things, small and big that I’d like to achieve. Ticking things off that list makes me happy.
4. The biggest challenge of your industry?
Of any industry, the biggest challenge is listening to your heart or gut. Believing in yourself and making the choice that you believe is the most apt for you. ‘Mostly the challenge is within one’s self rather than outside.’
5. When did you feel low in your career and how you dealt with it?
Feeling low can constantly happen; it comes and goes. It’s ok to withdraw and sulk for some time, but you must go on. I’m so passionate about my job that I always get up and push harder every day.
I also believe that one should be open about one’s feelings to close friends and family and seek support whenever needed.
6. What keeps you motivated and what’s the accessory that one needs to wear to keep moving in the industry?
The desire to be loved by people for the work I do and the hunger to get better each day is my motivation. Passion and perseverance, in my opinion, are essential to keep going.
7. That one criticism that you embraced, and it changed your life?
Criticism is tricky! It shakes me up sometimes, makes me question myself sometimes, makes me laugh sometimes… but I’ve learnt with time that criticism is a person’s point of view (as is a compliment). It’s best to stay detached from both and do what you think is right.
8. Go with the draft plan or go with the flow. Which is Priya’s way?
I think I’m more of a ‘go with the flow’ type of person… with maybe a small ‘draft’ sketched up here and there. So a delicate combination of the two, ideally.
9. Why did you decide to try your hands in entrepreneurship?
PRI’S organic peanut butter happened to me by chance. Once upon a time, Priya made some peanut butter at home, and everyone loved it. Soon she sold some jars at a friend’s charity sale, and they all sold out! She then decided to take it further by starting a brand of her own. It’s been almost five years, and there’s been no looking back!
10. Your message for the dreamers?
Listen to that little voice inside you. You will always know what you want to do. Always keep looking for it – that thing that you know you MUST have or do, that thing that will help you become YOU.
