Actress Parineeti Chopra, who will be performing at the first Arab Indo Bollywood Awards in Dubai on May 29. AFP
Actress Parineeti Chopra, who will be performing at the first Arab Indo Bollywood Awards in Dubai on May 29. AFP

Dubai is my second home, says Bollywood star Parineeti Chopra



The inaugural Arab Indo Bollywood Awards will be held in Dubai on Friday, May 29. The event is set to be a star-studded, red-carpet extravaganza, hosted by Karan Johar and Manish Paul.

The show will feature performances from stars including Jacqueline Fernandez, Priyanka Chopra, Varun Dhawan and Parineeti Chopra.

We caught up with Chopra for a quick chat about her thoughts on Dubai abd what fans can look forward to from her at the awards ceremony.

You are back in Dubai for the first AIBA ceremony. What do you think of the city?

Dubai is a city I am very close to, in fact, it’s like my second home and in that sense it’s very special to me. Actually, my best friend lives here so and I come here very often. I have a lot of fun memories attached to Dubai and I have always had a great time when I am here. I am sure this time would be no different.

What can we expect from your performance at AIBA? Are you looking forward to the event?

I am very excited to be participating in these inaugural AIBA Awards. It’s a one-of-a-kind venture in the sense that it’s a sincere effort to connect two cultures – the Arab and the Indian – and promote our cinema to this part of the world. I am sure this will open up many opportunities in the future.

As for my performance – I have something very special lined up for the show. My team and I have worked really hard on putting a routine together that I hope the audience enjoys as much as we have enjoyed developing it. The audience reaction on Friday will be a judge of that.

The Arab Indo Bollywood Awards ceremony is at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai on May 29. Visit www.aibagulf.com for more details and ticket information

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Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

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Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain

Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude

Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE

Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally

Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science

A little about CVRL

Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.

One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases. 

The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.