Priyanka Bose: Chasing the Dream

Priyanka's life was never easy, but that doesn't mean she gave up on her dream. We take a look at the long and winding path that has brought Priyanka to where she is today, and how she continues to struggle with the importance of money in her life.

As an artist or an actor, it's important to have the opportunity to choose roles and projects that resonate with you. But when you're young, alone in the city, and out of cash, sometimes you have to do whatever it takes to make ends meet. Priyanka Bose has had to make some hard choices in her life, but she's always done what she believes is right.

When she was a little girl, Priyanka learnt to set small goals for herself. These were daily goals- such as learning how to climb a tree, or winning a race. At the tender age of 8, she was filled with a deep sense of doing the right thing. She had a few chosen friends, but since she felt it was important to call out the hypocrisy she witnessed around her, it probably isolated her from her peers even further. Her dreams changed every day, but she always remained true to herself.

Priyanka knew she wanted to be an actor, and it was a dream she had to work for alone. As the actor herself says, " I made a decision and went with it. I decided a long time ago that it is not my parents'  place to propel my dreams." She started working when she was 15 years old, and lived hand-to-mouth for a little while. Even though life was hard, she came to Mumbai hoping to achieve her dream of performing, either onstage or on the big screen. There were times she had to live in her car, and once she was even thrown out of her PG accommodation for being unable to pay her rent.

At that point, when she was completely down and out, Priyanka took a moment to reflect on her life. She thought about all the decisions that had led her to where she was today, and she decided she was going to listen to her heart. At that time, her heart wanted a child, and Priyanka started a family with her partner, Paresh Kamath. Priyanka's small family was tested many times in different ways, but together they overcame every adversity, and after many years, she was once again able to follow her dream of being a performer.

Priyanka never came from money, and it isn't something she chases, but she knows it's a necessary evil that can help her meet her other goals of travelling, educating herself further, and helping out in the society. There are times when she has refused work that she didn't believe in, and she waited for several years till she finally landed a role that meant something to her, a role in an Oscar-nominated film,Lion, that turned heads the world over.

Priyanka never outgrew her habit of setting daily goals. While she still keeps her final aim in mind, that of being a good actor, on some days she's happy to celebrate the small victories, like nailing an apple pie. The same goes withmoney. We may have a big goal, such as owning our dream house one day, but it's equally important for us to set a daily budget. And on days when we end up with some extra savings, that's worth celebrating as well.