Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra today said efforts were made to cast people from the North East in the biopic 'Mary Kom' in which she essays the role of the Olympic boxer from Manipur.
To give an authentic look to the film "a deliberate attempt was made to cast people from the North East region and Nepal. My coach was also from Nepal... It was also important that the cast was from the North East as it was a story about Mary (from Manipur)" Priyanka, who came here to promote the film 'Mary Kom', said.
When asked why she had been chosen for the lead role and not someone from the region, the 32-year-old 'Barfi' actress said, "The producers of the film settled for me.
"Nobody represents the Northeast in Bollywood among the top few actors. We have shed a lot of light on the region which has always reeled under darkness," Priyanka said.
Priyanka described working with Mary Kom and boxing coaches from Manipur as fun.
"I had been to Manipur 3-4 times, stayed with Mary and her family, went to her boxing academy, her church. As I wanted to bring out her personality, I would call her for details. She was happy for me being cast in the role," Priyanka said.
Asked if it was difficult preparing for the role of the Olympic boxer, Priyanka said, "As a girl it was very difficult to build those muscles. I had to build them in three months what Mary did in 15 years.
