She was living among film stars. Priyanka Chopra?s cousin and the publicist for Anushka Sharma, Ranveer Singh and Maneesh Sharma at Yash Raj Films, Parineeti Chopra had seen the makings of film stars from dust to glitz from close. Yet, never did she imagine that her life would take a similar turn. ?But soon after Band Baaja Baaraat released, Maneesh started scouting for the ?ladies? for his Ricky Bahl and for some reason, he thought I fit the character of Dimple, the chirpy Panjaban, perfectly. That changed my life,? recounts an ecstatic Parineeti, now nominated for Ladies Vs Ricky Bahl in the Most Promising Newcomer (Female) category at the 18th Annual Colors Screen Awards. ?While working for the film, I never thought about awards. But when I received good feedback for my performance, I was hopeful,? confesses Chopra whose relationship with her well-known cousin was unknown till she bagged the film.
In Bollywood, where only star-kid debuts dot headlines, 2011 changed the rules of the game. It challenged Bollywood?s inclusive agendas. Chopra?s only contender in the category is yet another outsider, Poorna Jagannath. A US-born Indian actress, popular as Saya Katdare in the American TV series Royal Pain, Jagannath?s role as Tashi as an spunky, independent journalist in Delhi Belly was widely acclaimed.
Among second generation Indians who made notable debuts in Bollywood this year is Sendhil Ramamurthy nominated in the male category for his performance as the NRI Abhay with dark secrets to keep in Shor in the City. Known for his role as a scientist in the popular TV series Heroes, his was always a much- anticipated debut. His co-actor Pitobash too, has secured a nomination for his witty yet dark role in the film.
However, it was Rana Daggubatti?s act in Dum Maaro Dum that surprised many. A known name in the Telugu film industry, the actor impressed many with his easy body language in his very first Bollywood film.
The most comprehensive review for a debutant, however, came in for Divyendu Sharma, who plays to smooth perfection, the role of Liquid, a loser-with-a-golden-heart, in Pyaar Ka Punchnama (PKP). Divyendu, an FTII graduate, came to Mumbai five years ago, chasing his dream of becoming an actor. ? PKP happened after years of struggle. I was called to audition by Luv (Ranjan, director) after he saw the Virgin Mobiles ad where I play a Sikh,? he recalls. On the other hand, Saqib Salim of Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge had to plead with his father to let him try his luck in films instead of studying for an MBA degree. ?The fact that I have been recognised is an award in itself,? smiles Saqib.
For filmmakers who have bagged nominations this year in the Best Director category, it is a recognition of their patience and persistence. While Amole Gupte had wanted to turn director with Taare Zameen Par , which he had written, his directorial debut happened only last year with the heart-warming Stanley Ka Dabba . This wasn?t the only children?s film to bring home a nomination for its director. Nila Madhab Panda?s I Am Kalam , which released after gaining acclaim in the festival circuit, revolved around children too. Nupur Asthana?s Mujhse Fraandship Karoge and Bejoy Nambiar?s Shaitan explored relationships amongst modern youth, whereas Kiran Rao?s Dhobi Ghat , explored the Maximum city as its protagonist.