'Awards tell you that you are doing it right'

Priyanka Chopra speaks to Sonal Chawla about becoming the first Indian to win the Nielsen Box Office Awards for outstanding contribution to Asian films and her reported plans to enter politics

Have you kept count of awards you won this year?
(Laughs). I just let them come in and fill my place. It was rocking. At the Nielsen Box Office Awards, I felt like a representative of the Indian film industry because there were Korean, Japanese, and Chinese films, among others, competing. There were four other Indian nominations. The only other Indian at the awards was Nitin Desai for Jodha Akbar.

What do awards mean to you?
They mean a lot. They encourage me to do better. After you work so hard, the award validates your work; it proves that you are doing it right.

Where do you keep your trophies?
My awards occupy a whole shelf in my office. It feels great about them. My parents are prouder at my winning the awards than I am. In fact, it's like getting a report card with A grades.

Which is your most cherished award?
My Miss India trophy, because that's where it all started, followed by my first Filmfare Award which I won for my debut film (Andaaz).

Are you part of the Tarun Mansukhani video that urges the youth to vote?
Yes, I just shot for it.

Where will you be on voting day?
I will be abroad, but I am trying to work out my dates. I have voted in the past, and if I am in the country, I will definitely do it again.u00a0

Will you campaign for a political party?
Never say never. Right now, I don't want to get into politics till I understand what I am going in for. I have to feel strongly about a party if I am campaigning for them. It's almost like being a brand ambassador.