Priyanka Chopra, a name that resonates across the globe, has garnered international recognition for her accomplishments. Her fan-following identifies her as an icon of empowerment who has been breaking barriers, and making life-changing decisions. She is one of the few Bollywood celebrities who went on to work and represent India in Hollywood. There are several life-changing decisions that led her to make this transition to an international stage. After all, she was just a regular Army kid.
Born in the city of Jamshedpur, Bihar (now Jharkhand), she was all set to pursue a career in aerospace engineering. During the same time, she entered the Femina Miss India Pageant in 2000 and as luck would have it, she was crowned a runner-up. While this was unexpected, she followed this win with another by bagging the Miss World crown in the same year. This paved her way into Bollywood and eventually Hollywood as an international sensation.
This blog dives into five pivotal decisions made by Priyanka Chopra that have had a profound impact on her life and heavily influenced her success today.
Out of Her Comfort Zone: Priyanka Chopra’s Miss India & Miss World Pageants
Priyanka Chopra’s journey began when she decided to participate in the Femina Miss India pageant. She was just 18 and according to countless interviews, she had to work really hard for both. Representing your country on the international stage comes with responsibilities of its own as well. This bold move required immense courage, determination, and hard work. Her win got her into the limelight and that’s when she was cast in 2 feature films, eventually leading to a successful acting career.
Breaking Out of the Box: Priyanka’s Singing Stint
Never one to settle for mediocrity, Priyanka Chopra dared to explore a completely new field by signing with Interscope Records. She launched her first international song – In My City – with Will.I.Am in 2012 and then Exotic, with Pitbull, in 2012. This decision not only showcased her versatility but also brought her into the spotlight on an international stage. It paved the way for significant projects, including her groundbreaking role as the first India-born star of South Asian descent on American TV with the hit series Quantico (2015-2018). Her decision to do more and break out of the box was one that led her to bigger things.
Continuously Seeking Discomfort: Priyanka’s Relocation to the USA
While enjoying success in India, Priyanka Chopra made a bold move by relocating to the USA during her shoot for Quantico. During this time, she also dated and eventually married famous pop singer Nick Jonas. Priyanka put herself in an uncomfortable situation by moving to a completely different culture. While the decision was primarily about career growth, Priyanka also used this as an opportunity to advocate for gender equality. In an industry where women often face pay disparities, Priyanka boldly spoke out about the wage gap and fought for equal pay. Her determination and unwavering commitment to feminism have solidified her status as a proud advocate for women’s rights on a global platform. While her move was criticised by her Indian audience, her consistent attempt to move out of her comfort zone continues to be an inspiration to many.
Starting Purple Pebble Pictures: Empowering Regional Indian Cinema
In 2015, Priyanka Chopra established her production company, Purple Pebble Pictures. With this venture, she aimed to promote regional Indian cinema and provide a platform for emerging talent. This decision showcased her dedication to expanding her creative influence beyond acting. Through Purple Pebble Pictures, she has produced acclaimed films that celebrate the rich diversity of Indian cinema and give a voice to untold stories.
Sharing Her Story: Priyanka Chopra’s Memoir
Priyanka Chopra realized the power of her own story and decided to share it with the world through her memoir, Unfinished (2021). This candid and heartfelt account not only connected her with fans in India and America but also bridged gaps and shattered preconceived notions about the actor. The memoir was published at a time when Chopra’s Indian fans were criticising her decision to move to the USA. By baring her vulnerabilities, challenges, and triumphs, she inspired countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness and strive for their dreams. Priyanka made a decision to be vulnerable by sharing her story and in turn building more connections that she could have imagined.
Priyanka Chopra’s life-changing decisions reflect her fearless pursuit of growth, breaking stereotypes, and empowering others. From venturing into uncharted territories to championing equality and embracing diversity, she has become an inspiration for millions around the world. Through her choices, she has proven that success knows no boundaries and that it’s essential to embrace discomfort in order to grow.
