By Subhash K. Jha

Mumbai, Sep 21 (IANS) Television channels were abuzz earlier this week with rumors that Priyanka Chopra had committed suicide on foreign shores, but the actress is alive and well in Australia -- and most amused.

"Arrey, why would I want to do something like that? Okay... my last film didn't do well. But so what?" she joked and burst into laughter.

"But seriously, who starts these death rumors? First it was Shah Rukh Khan and then Aishwarya Rai who were targeted. Now it's me. Whoever starts these rumors does a good job of it," Priyanka told IANS from Adelaide.

"News about my 'suicide' spread like wildfire. I had anxious inquiries all day long, including from the family. Fortunately, my bua (aunt) is here in Adelaide with me so she spent her time assuring everyone that I was alive."