Priyanka Khantwal, a rising dance sensation and actress, is all set to make her big debut in the highly anticipated film Wild Tiger Safari, featuring stars B.S. Avinash, Achyuth Kumar, Dharmesh Yelande, Sushant Poojari, and written by the acclaimed filmmaker M Chandramouli. Her entry into the big screen marks a new chapter in her already impressive career, and she is prepared to leave an indelible mark on the industry.
Trained under the legendary Terence Lewis, Priyanka embodies strength, resilience, and artistry — traits that have propelled her from a talented dancer to an emerging star with a bright future.
Recently, Priyanka spoke to IWM Buzz in an exclusive chat, where she spoke about her debut and more.
Read on.
Congratulations on your upcoming song Trendingg in Wild Tiger Safari. What was it like to share the screen with Dharmesh Yelande and Sushant Pujari?
Sharing the screen with Dharmesh Sir and Sushant Sir was truly a dream come true and a transformative experience for me. Having followed their journeys for years, getting the opportunity to perform alongside them felt like a major professional milestone. Their discipline on set is infectious, and the artistic insights I gained from them were truly eye-opening. It wasn’t just about the choreography; it was about the creative synergy and the electric energy we shared while bringing ‘Trendingg’ to life. I feel honoured to have started this new chapter with such legends.
Your dance skills have been showcased on shows like Dance + 5, DID Champions, and Dhee Jodi 11. How did your experience on these reality shows prepare you for your film debut?
Reality shows were the ultimate training grounds for me. They teach you how to remain calm in high-pressure environments and how to command the camera’s attention instantly. That technical foundation and the relentless discipline I learned on those stages gave me the confidence to transition into films. I now approach every shot with the same competitive spirit and precision that I gave to the judges.
Your debut song Trendingg from Wild Tiger Safari is already creating buzz. What inspired this song, and what can audiences expect from your performance in the film?
Trendingg is inspired by the fusion of modern beats and the fierce energy of the South Indian ‘Mass’ style. My goal was to bring a unique charisma to the screen that stays with the viewers long after the song ends. In the film, audiences can expect a performance that is both graceful and high-octane. It’s about making a statement and showing the world my versatility as both a dancer and an actor.
Trained under the legendary Terence Lewis, you’ve been praised for your fierce energy and stage presence. How do you balance your dance background with acting in a film like Wild Tiger Safari?
Training under the legendary Terence Lewis Sir taught me that dance is storytelling through the body. In acting, you use your voice, but that same fierce energy and technical alignment from my dance background help me bring a unique physical presence to my characters. In Wild Tiger Safari, I used the rhythm of dance to help with my character’s body language and emotional expression.
Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
I am currently in discussions for some very exciting projects across the South Indian and Hindi film industries. My goal is to establish a versatile identity that resonates with audiences across all regions. I am also working on some unique digital collaborations that I’ll be announcing very soon. I’m just getting started!
