Priyanka Chopra, who began her journey in Indian cinema in the early 2000s, has established herself as a prominent figure in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Despite her success, the actress has been candid about the challenges she faced due to nepotism, lobbying, and industry camps that limited her opportunities in Bollywood. In a recent interview promoting her upcoming project, The Bluff, Priyanka shared how she felt compelled to explore options beyond Hindi cinema.
Reflecting on her departure from Bollywood, Chopra stated, “I never intended to leave Bollywood. However, I felt constrained for various reasons while working in Hindi films. I was being pushed into certain roles, and I craved opportunities that excited me artistically, which led me to the American film industry. After 12 years, I’m finally finding my footing in selecting the right projects.”
She expressed her enthusiasm about returning to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s ambitious saga, saying, “I cherish my work in India and am thrilled to be part of Varanasi again. I would hate to have to choose between the two worlds. I thrive in both industries, which are distinct yet similar in many ways, allowing me to think creatively in different ways. It’s an incredible experience to navigate both realms.”
Recently, Priyanka was a guest at Harvard University, where she opened up about her Hollywood journey. She shared the challenges she faced, including waiting for 15 hours on set without filming, all in pursuit of building a lasting legacy.
“I encountered numerous challenges in India, and survival was my focus. My aspiration was to create a legacy, which motivated me to endure long waits and lesser roles, something I had never experienced in my home country. The thought of aiming for the long term kept me going each day,” she shared.
Excitement surrounds her upcoming project, as her first look as Mandakini from Varanasi has been revealed. The film, featuring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in key roles, is set to hit theaters in April 2027.
