Our Bureau
Mumbai
Priyanka Chopra Jonas has set a playful but firm tone for her high‑profile return to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s upcoming epic Varanasi, revealing that her only condition before signing the film was a full‑fledged dance sequence. After nearly six years away from Hindi and Telugu cinema, Chopra told the director she wanted to dance again, a request that ultimately roped in co‑star Mahesh Babu for what he now calls a “sensational” but gruelling song.
In recent interviews, Chopra recounted how she asked Rajamouli, “Will you make me dance?” during their first call, joking later that she “should not have asked” because the choreography turned out far more demanding than expected. Mahesh Babu, who plays the lead as Rudhra, quipped that Chopra’s demand forced him into the same routine, saying, “Because of you, I have to do it too,” while praising the number as a standout moment in the film.
Set against the backdrop of Varanasi and spanning multiple timelines, the fantasy‑action drama also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran as the antagonist and positions Chopra as Mandakini in an action‑packed role. The film, which blends globetrotting spectacle with deep cultural roots, is slated for a summer 2027 release. For Chopra, the dance sequence symbolises more than just a return to song and step; it marks a homecoming to the rhythm and energy of Indian cinema after a string of Hollywood projects.
