Priyanka Chopra Jonas is no stranger to stardom, but her transition from Bollywood to Hollywood hasn’t been all glitz and glamour, the actress revealed candidly at the Cannes Lions conference. The 43-year-old star admitted that her Hollywood career hasn’t offered the breadth of opportunities that she enjoyed in her Bollywood days. Back home, she flourished, working with top-tier directors and starring in films that spanned multiple genres.
“In my Hindi-language career, I've worked with all the best filmmakers and the best actors, I've told amazing stories and done a variety of genres. Whereas in America, in Hollywood, in my English-language work, I haven't really done that as much,” she said.
Determined to bring that same variety to her roles in Hollywood, Priyanka is on a mission. She’s not just waiting for the right roles to come her way – she’s creating them. By producing her own films, she’s carving out leading roles that defy the usual expectations for Indian actors.
Marriage and motherhood have significantly reshaped Priyanka's priorities. The actress is married to singer Nick Jonas, and together they have a daughter, Malti. This new chapter in her life has prompted her to be more selective about how she spends her time.
She shared insights into her life-altering experiences: "Your priorities really change. I don't just pack my bags and go off for a movie anymore. I don't do five films a year. I don't travel the way I used to. I'm really, really selective about the time I spend and who I spend it with... I'm navigating working-mom life. I have so much more respect for my mother now."
Priyanka’s decision to step away from Bollywood at the height of her career was driven by a desire for greater creative freedom. Speaking candidly on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, she reflected on feeling constrained in India and her need to explore new horizons.
She eloquently put it: "Nothing is an easy ride. We all have battles we deal with. I'm just someone who doesn't like staying in the s*** because then you get used to the smell. I believe strongly in pivoting."
Globally, Priyanka’s credits boast roles in films like Baywatch and The Matrix Resurrections, and hit series like Quantico and Citadel. She’s set to appear in SS Rajamouli's Varanasi and work alongside Orlando Bloom.
Additionally, she has exciting projects lined up with renowned personalities like filmmaker Mira Nair and Hollywood royalty Angelina Jolie. Although details of her collaboration with Jolie remain under wraps, Priyanka's international presence continues to grow, sparking curiosity and excitement among fans worldwide.