The actress who turns 28 on Saturday has just returned from a break and after wrapping up one film; will get started on Homi Adajania's next from November

On Monday Parineeti Chopra announced thet she has begun reading sessions for Homi Adajania's Takadum with co-star Sushant Singh Rajput. The film which she describes as a dramatic love story with music at its core, kick-start in the first week of November in Mumbai. "Its a fantastic script, an intense film with a stellar cast and Homi will be in his elements," she promises, admitting it requires a lot of prep. "But everyone on board is passionate about the project and i am sure we will have a great time shooting for it."

The actress collaborates with Sushant for the second time, after Maneesh Sharma's 2013 romcom Shuddh Desi Romance and asserts that he is one of her favourite co-actors. "He is extremely talented and very dedicated towards his craft. I never have to nudge him and say, ' Come on, lets do this and lets try that'. He's so charged up and motivated all the time. He keeps me on my toes,' she exults, adding that they kept their phones switched off during the reading sessions. "We know each other rhythm a lot better now and it will be great collaboration."

Irrfan Khan plays Sushant's rock star-mentor and she is both nervous and excited to work with the internationally acclaimed actor. "It's gong to be a challenge but in a beautiful way," says Parineeti who is open to singing in this film too even though she is not playing a singer. "I might just do it for fun."

The actress will bring in her 28th birthday on October 22 and though she is not a party person and usually celebrates with a lunch with family and friends, this time it'll be a small house party on the night of October 21 with a few friends. "We'll catch up, dance and probably go out. I have been on a strict diet and have been waiting for my birthday because on that one day i can eat whatever i want," she laughs. Last year was dedicated to fitness and getting into prep mode. Now it's going to be all work. She's just wrapped up a film with Ayushmann Khurrana in which she plays an aspiring singer.


Buzz is, she's doing Farah Khan's next, with Alia Bhatt, but Parineeti refuses to discuss about the projects she is in talks for. "You should ask Farah that question," she says shortly.

Her metamorphosis which began in February when she had signed up for Martial arts training, has got her a lot of appreciation. And the actress admits it has changed her life in many ways, starting from superficial tings like wearing better clothes and looking better on screen, to feeling more fit and fresh.

"My stamina has increased. I can work 18 hrs now as opposed to the six - hour shift before," she says, informing that people walk up to her at airports, restaurants and even knock on her car window at traffic signals to compliment her on her look. "Boys tell me they have shared my pictures with their sisters to inspire them and that makes me happy. I took a break from movies for a year and then I was working. It was a risk but it was worth it."

She caught up with sister Priyanka Chopra while in the US for a concert tour. "I'd met her three weeks before that as well. It was amazing. She is doing a great job but i haven't been able to see the second season of Quantico as yet. I just haven't had the time, but i soon will," she signs off.