Mumbai: Pernia Qureshi’s big Bollywood debut, Jaanisaar, directed by Muzaffar Ali released today. The renowned fashion entrepreneur Pernia who has been receiving good response from the industry and critics, will be heading on a nationwide Kuchipudi dance tour later this year.
Before Jaanisaar went on floors, Pernia trained with Kathak maestro, Pandit Birju Maharaj in Delhi to prepare for her character. “Not all dancers are great teachers but Maharajji is both. We grew close during the course of our one-on-one dance sessions and I will cherish his teachings forever,” says Pernia, recalling how she kept looking towards Muzaffar Ali for approval when they were shooting a Kathak dance, but he kept a poker face, only complimenting her after the shoot was over. “His opinion really matters because I know Muzaffar sir never says anything flattering or frivolous. But he has always made his women look sensual and I trust him implicitly.”
On the movie front, Pernia admits she’s not in a rush to sign films, instead she says, “I’d rather wait and do a great film with a director I look up to than one just for the heck of it.”