Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

‘I’m the happiest on set’

MAKING it big in the fiercely competitive Indian film industry is tough and even more difficult for those who live overseas, but Priya Banerjee rose up to the challenge.

Born and brought up in Canada, the actress has made an impressive mark in India by starring in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films. The versatile actress has also appeared in web serials and is looking


forward to taking on more acting challenges.

Eastern Eye caught up with Priya to find out more about her.

What first connected you to acting?

I have always enjoyed watching movies, especially Bollywood ones. I’ve somehow loved watching Indian films even though I grew up in Canada, where no one spoke Hindi much, so that was the first connection I had.

Which projects have given you the greatest joy?

All my projects hold a very special place in my heart. I’ve enjoyed portraying all the characters I’ve played till date and I’m sure I’ll continue to do so.

What was the most challenging role you played?

They’ve all been challenging in their own ways and luckily all my roles have been very different from the other. As a newcomer, I’ve been lucky enough to portray different strong female protagonists.

Does your approach to acting change with different languages?

A little bit as the culture and gestures differ. There are also a lot of changes in the background of the character you’re playing.

What can we expect next from you?

Hopefully, a lot this year. My year started with the release of (web movie) Dheet Patangey on Hotstar, which has been well reviewed by the audience so far.

What would be your dream role?

I would love to work in a Sanjay Leela Bhansali movie as everything about his movies is so grand and he always has strong female protagonists.

What is the secret of moving to another country and being successful there?

(Laughs) Honestly, there is no secret or shortcut to success. I believe hard work and perseverance is the only key. You have to believe in your dreams and work hardest to achieve them.

What is the best advice you ever got?

The best advice that I got was ‘not to take success to your head and failure to your heart’.

What are your big passions away from work?

I love spending time with my family back home (in Canada), so whenever I’m not working I travel back.

Who is your own hero in cinema?

I’m a huge fan girl of Shah Rukh Khan.

What inspires you?

I believe I inspire myself the most. There are days when you have to push yourself harder than ever. I’m always doing that for myself even on the days I feel like doing nothing.

Why do you love being an actor?

The best way to answer that would be that I’m the happiest when I’m on set in front of the camera. I feel content and happy when I’m acting.

More For You

sugary drinks and ice cream

Researchers from the UK and US analysed data from American households between 2004 and 2019

iStock

Global warming may drive higher consumption of sugary drinks and ice cream, study warns

Highlights:

  • Hotter days linked to greater intake of sugary drinks and frozen desserts
  • Lower-income households most affected, research finds
  • Climate change could worsen health risks linked to sugar consumption
  • Study based on 15 years of US household food purchasing data

Sugary consumption rising with heat

People are more likely to consume sugary drinks and ice cream on warmer days, particularly in lower-income households, according to new research. The study warns that climate change could intensify this trend, adding to health risks as global temperatures continue to rise.

Sugar consumption is a major contributor to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and has surged worldwide in recent decades. The findings, published in Nature Climate Change, suggest that rising heat could be nudging more people towards high-sugar products such as soda, juice and ice cream.

Keep ReadingShow less
Camellia Panjabi's cookbook elevates
vegetables from sides to stars

Camellia Panjabi (Photo: Ursula Sierek)

Camellia Panjabi's cookbook elevates vegetables from sides to stars

RESTAURATEUR and writer Camellia Panjabi puts the spotlight on vegetables in her new book, as she said they were never given the status of a “hero” in the way fish, chicken or prawns are.

Panjabi’s Vegetables: The Indian Way features more than 120 recipes, with notes on nutrition, Ayurvedic insights and cooking methods that support digestion.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spotting the signs of dementia

Priya Mulji with her father

Spotting the signs of dementia

How noticing the changes in my father taught me the importance of early action, patience, and love

I don’t understand people who don’t talk or see their parents often. Unless they have done something to ruin your lives or you had a traumatic childhood, there is no reason you shouldn’t be checking in with them at least every few days if you don’t live with them.

Keep ReadingShow less
HH Guruji performed the Dhwaja Ritual at Ambaji Temple

HH Guruji performed the Dhwaja Ritual at Ambaji Temple

Mahesh Liloriya

The holy town of Ambaji witnessed a spiritually significant day on Sunday as His Holiness Siri Rajrajeshwar Guruji, head of the International Siddhashram Shakti Centre, London, performed the Dhwaja ritual at the historic Ambaji Temple in Gujarat, one of the most revered Shakti Peeths of India.

Keep ReadingShow less
Eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav at Harrow’s Siddhashram Shakti Centre

Eco-friendly Ganesh Utsav at Harrow’s Siddhashram Shakti Centre

Mahesh Liloriya

The International Siddhashram Shakti Centre in Harrow witnessed an inspiring and environmentally responsible celebration of Ganesh Utsav 2025, which concluded on Saturday, 6 September, with the Ganesh Visarjan ritual performed on the sacred occasion of Anant Chaturdashi.

Keep ReadingShow less