Priyanka Chopra is a sweetheart, says Bobby Deol

Sep 2, 2008 Subhash K Jha

Mumbai, Sep 2 (IANS) Actor Bobby Deol says he would've been in a fix if Priyanka Chopra hadn't agreed to play a deglamourised role in his recently released home production "Chamku", in which he has an author-backed role.

"Priyanka is a sweetheart. She plays a deglamourised role in 'Chamku'. Most heroines wouldn't want to get into that deglamourous space, especially in a film that's driven by my character. But she agreed," Bobby told IANS.

While Bobby plays the title role of a Maoist in the film, Priyanka, who is his love interest in the movie, is a schoolteacher and is seen mainly in plain chiffons.

Bobby's elder brother Sunny too had serious problems finding a female lead for his home production, "The Man". It was Shilpa Shetty who came to Sunny's rescue.

Apart from Priyanka, Bobby is thankful to Riteish Deshmukh who plays a cameo in "Chamku".

"Riteish was very sweet. He agreed to play the small part of my friend in 'Chamku' without a second thought at a time when he's busy doing major projects," said Bobby who had once agreed to play Riteish's elder brother in Vikram Bhatt's "Bardasht".

Bobby has now another problem at hand. After losing 10 kg for his role in "Chamku", he is now heavily into chocolates. And his family is very worried.

"It wasn't easy for me to lose weight. But once I made up my mind, I did it. But now I'm trying to make back that weight and bingeing on chocolates. I'm even stealing them from my sons," laughed Bobby.

More dilemmas - Bobby had to cut his hair really short for the part.

"I was reluctant. But it was one of the pre-conditions for doing 'Chamku'. I was wondering if I should grow it back to the way it was. I've decided to stick to short hair. I feel I can play more characters this way. Also, my hair dries after a shower even before I towel it. I also don't have to use any hair product."

Released Friday, the brutal film about oppression, injustice and Maoist rebellion was more in the news for its unusual title.

Commenting on that, Bobby said: "I thought 'Chamku' was just a working title. But it's my character's name. And it completely fits in."

Bobby plays a guy from Bihar, who becomes a Naxalite after his family is brutally murdered.

"I play a guy who never gets choices in life. He has no beliefs, no desires until he meets a woman who makes him realise he has the right to happiness."

Bobby recently appeared on the reality show "Dus Ka Dum", being hosted by Salman Khan, and says it was his first ever appearance on any such show.

"It was my first reality show, and with Priyanka. In the beginning I was nervous. I've known Salman for years. He used to take me horse riding and for bike stunts. In 2000 and 2003 we did stage shows together. He made me comfortable on the show. So did Priyanka," he said.

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Chamku