Priyanka Chopra Jonas, renowned for her role in the television series "Quantico," recently shared her perspective on transitioning from India to the United States and compared Hollywood stardom to that of Bollywood.
Having achieved fame after winning Miss World 2000, Chopra Jonas was one of Bollywood's biggest stars for over a decade before relocating to Los Angeles in 2015.
During an interview on the Armchair Expert podcast with Dax Shepard, she discussed her decision to leave Bollywood and pursue a career in Hollywood. Chopra Jonas expressed her admiration for Bollywood and the immense stardom it bestows upon its top actors.
She stated, "I don't think you guys have witnessed that level of stardom. I don't think Tom Cruise has experienced it. I may not be on that level, but we have actors with that kind of loyalty and adoration."
While Chopra Jonas holds Bollywood in high regard, she also had personal reasons for her move to America. Her singing career, which allowed her to collaborate with top artists like Pitbull and Beyoncé, opened doors in Hollywood. Signing with CAA, becoming the first-ever Indian artist to do so, she landed the leading role in ABC Studios' "Quantico."
However, Chopra Jonas faced controversies during her transition to Hollywood. She admitted to having conflicts with people and being a polarizing figure. Responding to being called "the most hated woman in Bollywood" in an interview with GQ India, she expressed, "I believe I'm interesting, and that's why people talk about me. I think the gossip surrounding me stems from the fact that I'm a very private person. I simply choose not to discuss my personal life in the media."
Despite the criticism, Chopra Jonas takes pride in her ethnicity and aims to create more opportunities for people of color in the entertainment industry. She recognizes the lack of representation and wants to contribute to the change.
Chopra Jonas also highlighted the differences between the politics of Hollywood and Bollywood. While appreciating the Indian film industry, she criticized its political landscape, describing it as "archaic" during her time there. She recounted having to face a room full of 25 people, introduce herself, state her name, and discuss her accomplishments, comparing it to an auction. In contrast, she emphasized the more collaborative approach to politics in Hollywood.
Additionally, Chopra Jonas addressed the issue of representation in Hollywood. While acknowledging some positive progress, she believes there is still a long way to go. She stated, "More people are now conscious, but representation is still lacking. We still have to fight for it." Chopra Jonas aspires to be part of the solution by creating more opportunities for people of color in the industry.
Despite her transition to Hollywood, Chopra Jonas remains deeply connected to her Indian roots. She discussed her work with UNICEF and its significance in giving back to her country. She emphasized the importance of staying connected to her heritage and culture.
In conclusion, Priyanka Chopra Jonas discussed her decision to leave Bollywood and pursue a career in Hollywood. She shared insights into the disparities between the two industries, including politics and stardom. Despite the challenges she faced during her transition, Chopra Jonas remains proud of her heritage and strives to create greater inclusivity and representation for people of color in the entertainment industry.
