'They are being seen as global'

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) THERE HAS BEEN a positive influx of Indian talent in Hollywood projects and actress Freida Pinto, who was catapulted to fame after Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, says she is proud to see her country getting representation and recognition globally.

Actors like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Irrfan and Nimrat Kaur have bagged roles in international projects, thanks to the changing content be it in televison or films in the West. Freida has lauded the trend and said she is looking forward to seeing many more actors from the country find a footing in Hollywood in the coming years.

"I definitely feel so proud that our country is getting recognition and representation. They are all being seen as global actors. But there is more to come and that is all I can think of," Freida said.

The 31-year-old actress criticised the categorisation of the roles of Indian actors in international projects as small or big as she feels the fact that they managed to get into the bustling, crowded LA-based film industry is incredible.

"I understand the sentiment when people say 'chota role play kiya hain' (you've played a small role). That is very convenient to say. The fact that someone has actually got through the door is enormous in itself. What a massive lottery game it is to be in the film industry. Let us not separate the two," she said.

The actress herself has played non-lead roles in many films and says every small contribution by any performer helps the film and must be taken into consideration.

"Not all actors started off playing lead roles. Every little contribution by any actor has to be absolutely taken into consideration. You have to account for it. It does not matter how big or small the role is."

In her eight-year-long career, Freida has worked with the likes of Woody Allen, Danny Boyle, Michael Winterbottom, Tarsem Singh and Terrence Malick in Knight Of Cups.

Freida says everyday there is a constant need for validation, but she has learned not to chase projects and does not regret things which she had to let go of. "I don't think I would have done anything differently because I am still going on. There are many things, like first of all, the constant need for validation and expectations, awards and money as well. Earlier, I used to think 'I wish I could pick that (role)' but I have stopped doing that now. Everyone gets what they deserve. I believe everything happens in the right place at the right time. At the end of it you have to work hard."