Father’s Day 2023: I have imbibed lots of qualities from my father, says Priya Banerjee| EXCLUSIVE

After attaining her International Marketing and Computer Science degree, the Canada born Priya Banerjee went onto pursue her true calling- acting. That explains the reason as to why she left her family back home and packed her bags and came to Mumbai to listen to the call of her heart. After having made her acting debut in the 2013 Telugu film ‘KISS: Keep It Simple Stupid’, Priya went onto do other films like ‘Joru’, ‘Asura’ and ‘Loukyam’ in the south. On the other hand, she debuted in Bollywood with the crime thriller ‘Jazbaa’, a film which starred the legendary Irrfan Khan alongwith Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. This was followed by films like ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, ‘Naam Shabana’ and ‘Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas’. Besides being an actress, Priya Banerjee is an equally talented dancer and singer.

On the occasion of ‘Father’s Day’, OTTplay caught up with the actress for an exclusive interview.

Today is Father’s Day. How would you describe your bond with your father over the years?
Oh, he is extremely special. I’ve always been told I’m just like my father, and as I grew older, I started to realize I truly am, and I feel blessed for that.

How are you planning to celebrate Father's Day?
I was just back home in Canada for my dad’s birthday. But unfortunately, I won’t be there for Father’s Day. I am feeling very sad for that. I just came back after spending lots of quality time with him. So, I am very happy for him now.

What are the qualities of your father which inspire you to be a better human being? Or let me ask you the other way round. What qualities of your father you feel that you have imbibed from him?
Of course, I have imbibed lots of qualities from my father. Right from his honesty, selflessness, generosity to his inspiring nature of being extremely hard-working individua. The best part is that, he loves staying busy all the time. He definitely inspires me a lot without him even knowing.

What is it about your father that you miss the most when you are away from him?
Well, I have spent a lot of time away from him since I moved to India. But, I definitely miss listening to him sing every night before going to bed. That’s one of his hidden talents (smiles).

In what way has your father's encouragement been instrumental in shaping up your career as an actor?
As I said, my father has always been extremely inspiring and motivating in my life. When I told him about pursuing acting as a career and moving to an entirely new city and country, he never discouraged me even once. He has always been my constant support in every possible way. Not sure what I would do without him.