The day Priyanka Chopra created a record by playing 12 different characters

Every actor hopes that the character he/she is playing in a film should challenge him/her as a performer. In Bollywood, there are very few actors who get this opportunity to surprise the audiences by playing different characters in the same film itself. And what if one actor gets to play not one, two or three but twelve different characters in a single film? It is definitely a record in itself. This impossible feat was achieved in Bollywood by none other than actress Priyanka Chopra with her film ‘What’s Your Raashee?’ that released in 2009. It was today on September 25 that this film was released showcasing Priyanka in 12 different avatars.

Directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, the film was based on the Gujarati novel ‘Kimball Ravenswood’. Thanks to the unique plot, this film was quite special for Priyanka. While there have been quite a few actresses who have played a double role in the past, this was the first time when an actress got a chance to play 12 different roles. Since Ashutosh was against using prosthetics to create the twelve characters, Priyanka worked on her body language and her voice to make her characters distinct. (Also Check: Bow down to the ‘Queen’ of trail dresses, Priyanka Chopra!)

The actress had played the role of the twelve potential brides, one from each zodiac sign. Harman Baweja played the role of the Gujarati NRI groom, who is in search for his bride and must marry in ten days to save his brother from harm. The actor delivered a sincere performance, but was surely overshadowed by his co-star and the leading lady of this film.

After working in ‘What’s Your Raashee?’, Priyanka went on to break the record set by versatile performer Kamal Haasan, who played ten roles in ‘Dashavtar’ (2008) and late veteran actor Sanjeev Kumar, who played nine roles in ‘Naya Din Nai Raat’ (1974). Even, The Guinness Book of Records went to honour the actress with a position in it for playing these 12 distinct roles. Indeed, it was yet another achievement for Priyanka as an actress.

Upon its release, the film received mixed reviews from critics, and it couldn’t live up to the expectations. Ultimately, the film couldn’t become a huge box office success. But, without a doubt it was Priyanka Chopra’s bang on transformation for each character and performance that is still remembered from this film.

Indeed, this day remains a special one. Priyanka breathed life into not one but 12 distinct characters. This day will always be remembered for Priyanka, who took up a challenge and showed her versatility taking her performance to another level.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.