When it comes to action-packed roles, Priyanka Chopra is no stranger to the spotlight. But her experience learning Tai Chi for her iconic role in Don revealed to her a deeper dimension of the craft; one where mind, body and spirit come together in harmony. At the recent Red Sea Film Festival 2024, Priyanka shared how this ancient martial art became a major part of her acting journey, helping her discover a new layer to her own physical and mental well-being. In Don, a 2006 Bollywood action thriller, Priyanka played Roma, a character that required both strength and grace. To prepare for the part, director Farhan Akhtar suggested she learn Tai Chi, known for its slow, fluid movements and meditative qualities.
“First time, I properly touched action was in the first Don. I remember properly learning Tai Chi for it,” Priyanka recalled, adding that she took classes for it and “really wanted it to go right.” The experience of learning Tai Chi for Priyanka Chopra was more than just a physical challenge. It was a transformative journey that made her realise the importance of focusing on her craft. “By the time I came to Don, I had realised that the most important thing to focus on is my craft, not your relationships with your director, co-actors, not how you behave on set, but what you do between action and cut.”
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For Priyanka, Tai Chi became more than just a technique for a fight scene; it was a way of grounding herself both physically and mentally. “I tasted blood a little bit with the action sequences, and I looked really good with a weapon in my hand,” she joked, referring to the action scenes in the film.
What Is Tai Chi And How Is It Beneficial?
Originating from ancient China, Tai Chi was initially a martial art but is now widely practised worldwide for its health benefits. It's often described as a “moving meditation” as it is a combination of fluid, circular movements and deep, controlled breathing, leading to harmony between the mind and body. Unlike many other forms of exercise, Tai Chi is as much about relaxation and concentration as it is about physical movement.
The practice revolves around cultivating the body's energy, known as qi, ensuring it flows smoothly and effortlessly through the body. It's a holistic experience that nourishes both the spirit and the body. The slow, graceful motions enhance balance and flexibility while calming the mind, making it an ideal practice for anyone seeking mental clarity, physical well-being, or stress relief. Tai Chi's balanced approach draws from the concept of yin and yang, where opposing forces, like stillness and motion, strength and softness, work together to create a harmonious flow.
For Priyanka Chopra, learning Tai Chi wasn't just about nailing an action sequence. It was about embracing a holistic approach to wellbeing. Through Tai Chi, she not only enhanced her performance in Don but also discovered a practice that nurtured both her physical fitness and mental clarity.
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