Parineeti Chopra: 'India has the perfect balance'

‘Most countries are either very modern and detached from their families and their culture, and they are only having fun in life, or they are very family-oriented. I think India has the perfect balance of both, which is amazing,' says actor Parineeti Chopra in our special series where well-known Indians tell Rediff.com what they love most about India.

In India there is an amazing balance between the independence of people and cultural integrity and family values. Most countries have one or the other.

Either they are very modern and detached from their families and their culture, and they are only having fun in life, or they are very family-oriented.

I think India has the perfect balance of both, which is amazing.

You have to admit that 20 years ago there were more taboos. We are getting better with time, and it is nothing to do with the movies.

People themselves are changing.

Their thoughts are changing, their lives are changing.

On the recent crimes against women in India:

I used to always say, take your male friend with you. Take somebody with you as everybody can’t afford bodyguards.

But, nowadays, even if you go with a male, he is beaten up first and the girl is raped!

The rape (in Mumbai recently) happened in the evening. The journalist had a male colleague with her, but such things are still happening.

You have to be vigilant.

Parineeti Chopra joined films after a stint in public relations at Yash Raj Films. Her third film, Shuddh Desi Romance, opens this week.

She spoke to Patcy N.

The complete series: Why I love India