Mumbai, Sept. 21 (AP): Popular Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra tore a muscle while filming a stunt for an action-packed role in her new movie, a newspaper reported Friday. 

In the film Chopra plays a bodyguard skilled in an ancient Sikh martial art, wielding a sword and a 'kirpan,' or dagger, traditionally carried by followers of the Sikh religion. 

``I was doing a somersault when I felt something give way inside my rib cage,'' The Times of India quoted her as saying. ``I've apparently suffered a tear in my abs.'' 

The former Miss World is among the few Indian actresses to take on action roles and do her own stunts. 

Although she was advised to rest, her busy schedule did not permit a break for the next few weeks _ she has dance scenes and more stunts to film. 

``It's so painful. I've no choice but to continue,'' she said in the newspaper interview. ``I don't know how I'll manage.'' 

Chopra said she was enjoying shooting for the role in the thriller, ``Drona,'' and has been announcing: ``I'm armed and dangerous'' every time she arrives on the set. 

Popular actor Abhishek Bachchan, who plays a superhero, and Kay Kay Menon, who is the villain, co-star in the film. 

manage.'' 

Chopra made her Bollywood debut five years ago and has starred in several hit movies. She played a mob member in her recent movie ``Don,'' and last year she was the female lead in India's first superhero movie, ``Krrish.''  Although advised rest, her busy schedule did not permit a break for the next few weeks with dance scenes and more stunts to film.  ``It's so painful. I've no choice but to continue,'' she told the newspaper. ``I don't know how I'll

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