Endorsements have of late become a big-time lucrative business for Indian film stars. Actors like John Abraham and Preity Zinta who shied off from endorsements earlier have changed their minds. Now rising star Priyanka Chopra has also jumped into the fray.

May be it's the zeroes on the cheques. Or maybe it's just the visibility factor.

"Or maybe it's just the fact that besides the money, you also get to endorse a product that you like or believe in. At least that's why I've signed the Pepsi deal," Priyanka told IANS.

"I've signed a two-year deal. I'm excited because it's my first endorsement deal."

She does not want to reveal the amount she's getting. But the whistle inducing figure one learns is well in keeping with the growing star status Priyanka has acquired in the last six months.

Says Priyanka: "I thought this was a good time to start endorsements. Though I don't intend to do too many of them, Pepsi was a good place to start. They're a great team to work with.

"During the time that we negotiated I really liked the creative ideas they came up with. I can see myself doing some really classy ads in the near future."

How many more ads in near future?

"I don't know! I don't have that much time. I just want to endorse the products I believe in."