PRIYANKA KARKI: Queen Bee

09 Mar 2014

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When an individual is constantly under media attention, he/she is praised for their work but scrutinized for trivial slip-ups: praised for an outstanding role in a movie, criticized when they wear the same outfit more than once. The glamour industry does appear to be glorified in many ways, but there is always the risk of the glitz and glory succumbing like a falling house of cards.

Winner of Miss Teen Nepal 2005, Priyanka Karki hasn’t looked back from the early flare of media popularity. She was the face of a number of popular brands, hosted TV shows as a VJ, acted in a sitcom, had her own show (The Glam Factor). After completing her Bachelors in Filmmaking from the USA, she came back to Nepal to try her hand at movies.

Today, few would argue that Priyanka Karki is the hardest working person in Nepali showbiz. With a reputation of putting in a staggering amount of effort in all of her projects, Priyanka Karki has earned the respect of the movie industry and a considerable fan following. Relishing every chance she gets to push her comfort zone, Priyanka is as versatile as she is talented. On top of her game and thoroughly deserving of the acclaim, Priyanka is definitely running the show.

Is it true that you were an honors student?

Yes, most definitely an honor student.

How did you decide on choosing a career in the movie business?

I was always interested in media and showbiz ever since I was a little girl. The dynamics of acting, performing, the drama, dancing around and all that always fascinated me. I don’t think there is anything else I know how to do. So, I made my choices at a fairly young age. And while doing my bachelors, I knew it would have to be in media studies and film making.

Do you have plans of pursuing your studies and maybe shifting careers in the future?

Pursuing my studies, yes. I love studying. Changing careers, no. I cannot see a life without this. I know I will eventually get into directing though.

Amongst all the roles you’ve played, which one has been your favorite?

I recently did a movie called ‘Suntali’, where I play the character of Suntali. The movie hasn’t released yet. This role was different from the real me, it was a challenge. This one has to be my favorite.

People have criticized you for taking up roles that “didn’t suit you”, claiming that you should have passed on some of the movie offers. There must have been something that made you feel otherwise. Tell us about it.

Well, I think a lot of the talk just happens for no reason. I have actually had only 4 releases so far since 2011 (when I entered the cine industry) and I don’t think that I have taken up too many movie offers. People just assume that I have done every offer that came to me but that is just an assumption. I have tried to take up roles that show the versatile actor in me, and I have tried to do roles that pull me out of my comfort zone and make me someone else on screen. I have no regrets as of yet.

I HAVE TRIED TO DO ROLES THAT PULL ME OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE AND MAKE ME SOMEONE ELSE ON SCREEN

Whether it is in terms of sheer volume of appearances or delivering a great performance, you appear to be on top of your game. How does it feel to rule Kollywood?

It feels amazing to be loved and appreciated and talked about so frequently. It truly is a blessing. Honestly, I don’t think I rule this industry, but I do have a lot of respect for the industry and I want to work hard every day to bring the standards up a little by little.

How do you manage your time between different projects?

Like I said earlier, I only have had 4 releases yet, and I have around 6 that are in post production. When I am involved with a project, I completely immerse my heart and soul into that character and try to do total justice to it. Once that project is over, I snap out of the character and enter the next one I’m portraying. I like to stay busy. Work keeps me happy so I try to be involved in different projects without taking any breaks. So, that’s that!

What are the pros and cons of being such an enormous media personality?

The pros, you are loved, celebrated, looked up as a role model and people want to be like you. That is a great feeling. The cons, you lose your personal life, everything becomes public, you are watched, criticized and it makes you vulnerable and sensitive. It’s really important, I think, to stay grounded and you’ve got to keep your head straight.

Who is the person that has influenced you the most?

Marilyn Monroe. I love her courage, her strength and the power she showed in doing what she felt like doing.

As a person, what would you consider your strongest trait?

My tolerance and patience.

What is the biggest regret you wish you could amend?

Don’t have any. I think every experience be it good, or bad, is a lesson learnt and it helps to shape your life.

What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever done to you?

Oh god! Someone left me a blood letter at my gate. It’s creepy that he/she knows where I live!

MARILYN MONROE. I LOVE HER COURAGE, HER STRENGTH AND THE POWER SHE SHOWED IN DOING WHAT SHE FELT LIKE DOING.

What’s your one annoying habit?

I have anxiety and I think too much. So, when I have something bothering me, I become distant, and I keep talking about the same issue.

Tell us one thing about you that most people don’t know.

I sing.

When you meet someone for the first time, what do you usually notice and what impresses you?

Their sense of style and fashion, the confidence and the personali ty. Well dressed people impress me. There is a certain class that comes with that which I like.

One thing you can’t stand in a man.

Body Odor