Trending @Accenture; Bench Period and Hard lock queries

It's been 4 months since no project assigned. Earlier was hard locked to a project on DOJ but no project assigned by management. Now they have moved me to the bench.

When I checked with my previous project Manager, he said 'You are still under me and willy get project soon'. I am concerned about the Soon word now.

I have people in Bench since an year. Now I am confused. Shall I wait for project assignment or start preparing for interview?