Mannara Chopra, who secured the position of the second runner-up in Bigg Boss 17, is relishing the wave of success post the show's conclusion, as fans shower her with overwhelming love and support. Swiftly diving back into her work commitments, she recently sat down for an interview with ETimes TV, where the actress candidly discussed her initial apprehensions. Mannara revealed that she was initially wary of being unfairly judged, fearing that she might be perceived as having an easier path due to her relation to Priyanka and Parineeti Chopra. During the interview, she also disclosed her spontaneous approach to entering the show, opting to take along personal belongings from her own closet, without extensive planning.
Entering the Bigg Boss house, I left behind any emotional baggage or sense of obligation. To me, it was akin to taking on an assignment. Merely two days prior to stepping into the Bigg Boss domain, I had wrapped up shooting for my web series. After swiftly traveling to Hyderabad, I even managed to finish my dubbing sessions. With no detailed planning in mind, I ventured into the show with a spontaneous approach.
Prior to entering the show, I had no preparation whatsoever. Everything from my hair and makeup to my wardrobe was entirely unplanned. I simply grabbed my own belongings from my closet, including shoes, clothes, and other essentials. There was no designated person to manage my social media accounts either. In fact, I entrusted my phone to my sister. It was all completely spontaneous, without any prior arrangements.
When it came to informing Priyanka Chopra (di), I didn't even reach out to her before entering the show, not at all. I viewed it as my own personal journey. The offer to join Bigg Boss came based on my individual work profile, and I saw it as a promising opportunity for exploration. It wasn't about carrying any surname-related responsibility; instead, I was hesitant about being solely identified as someone's sister or family member.
I was apprehensive about the notion that, "Oh, it must have been easy for her to enter the industry because of her family connections." That was something I didn't want. If that had been the case, it would have deeply hurt me on a personal level. When I entered the industry and interacted with casting directors or producers, it was always on my own merit and not because of my familial ties. Every interaction was individual, and I've navigated it all independently. While my mother has been a constant support, she's never dictated my path. For us, the priority has always been for me to be recognized and accepted by the audience based on my own merits, without any preconceived notions or baggage.
I had this mindset that when I emerge from the show, my sole claim to fame or introduction shouldn't revolve around being someone's sister. Upon entering, I was determined to avoid that introduction because then everything would be seen from that perspective, which would have made me feel uneasy. However, Salman sir eased my discomfort regarding the topic and made me feel comfortable about it.
Receiving a message from Priyanka di was a meaningful milestone for me, signaling a sense of responsibility that now guides my actions. Ensuring that my work is cherished by both my family and audience has become paramount. I remain firmly grounded, with my sights set on achieving my goals through dedicated effort. Priyanka's genuine happiness and appreciation further motivate me to work diligently towards success.
