Versatility drives Mannara

Although she began her career as a cousin of Priyanka Chopra, and perhaps lived in her shadows in the initial days, which is but natural, it took a mere two years for her to evolve as a model-actress and eventual an individual identity. Today, Mannara Chopra is blossoming as an actress, particularly in Tollywood; her debut however, was in Bollywood as an obsessive lover was Anubhav Sinha's ‘Zid’, co-starring Karanvir Sharma and Shraddha Das in 2014.

An arc-lights and grease-paint career beckoned her in the sense that acting is ingrained in her genes what with Parineeti Chopra and Meera Chopra also among her cousins. Born as Barbie Handa, Mannara is elated at the way her career is shaping up. “I am happy with the progress since ‘Prema Geema Jantha Nai’ hit the screens in 2014. My talent has come in for praise from all those in the industry. I am enjoying the best phase of my life, which I hope will become more exciting,” points out the actress, who is adept at both hip-hop and belly dancing.

After ‘Prema…’, ‘Zid Maya’, ‘Sandamarutham’, ‘Kaaval’ and ‘Jakkanna’, Mannara is confident that the upcoming movie, ‘Thikka’ will establish her credentials as a dependable actress. “I have enjoyed working in multilingual cinema. There has been a family-like atmosphere all around. There may be a difference in the style of functioning in Bollywood and Tollywood but, at the end of the day, they bring professional satisfaction of a similar nature. I am looking forward to working with Jagannath Puri,” says Mannara.

On survival in the industry, the petite face reasons that one needs talent to survive. “There is scope for everyone out there. What is required is the spirit to improve and constantly endeavour to polish one’s talent. As for me, I believe in getting established as a versatile artiste. I am open to experimentation and willing to don a multitude of roles,” says Mannara, who is learning Telugu to such an extent that she now gives bytes to regional channels in Telugu.