From being selected for the prestigious National Opus Honour Choir (at the US state level), to winning the ‘Miss India’ and ‘Miss World’ crowns, and now getting into a vocation that she never imagined she would be in some day… acting, destiny has played a big hand in shaping Priyanka’s life. But it is also through sheer hard work and dedication that she has converted these opportunities into success. Here are excerpts of an interview she gave to an international magazine:
I am Priyanka Chopra and positivity is my middle name, and this reflects in everything I do.
I give complete credit for this to my parents who made sure I had a wonderful childhood.
I was born in Jamshedpur. Both my parents are doctors - my dad, Captain Dr Ashok Chopra, was a commissioned officer and surgeon in the Indian Army Medical Corps and my mum, Dr Madhu, is a noted gynaecologist and cosmetologist. I also have a brother Sidharth, who is seven years younger to me.
Our entire family and extended family are very closely knit and there is always a lot of love, laughter and joy whenever we are together. As a kid, I led a very carefree and happy life. I enjoyed every moment of being a child.
We were army-ites and I remember moving from state to state every two years - each time my dad got transferred.
Constantly moving also meant that I kept changing schools. I studied in some of the best schools across India, did my 10th grade from Newton’s Newton North High School in Boston.
I was academically inclined and topped my class most of the time. I was especially good in English and extra-curricular activities. In USA, I was selected at the state level for the National Opus Honour Choir, which is indeed a major feat.
Acting, stardom and Bollywood were alien terms for me, as nobody in my family has ever been a part of the film industry.
It all started with the Miss India contest. I was very young then - just 17! My mom sent my photographs for the contest without my knowledge. But when I got a call from them that I was short-listed, I came to Mumbai. The competition was tough but I thrive best when I am pushed to the edge. I won the ‘Miss India’ title!
For quite some time, I used to sleep with my crown because I was scared someone would rob it.
After that, films happened. I tasted success early - with ‘Andaaz’ and ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, which was one of the biggest grosser of the year. The turning point in my film career happened with ‘Aitraaz’, in which I played a negative role.
I’ve never had any problems with any of my co-stars and as long as I’m comfortable with my role, I’m happy!
Currently, I am doing Ashutosh Gowarikar’s What’s Your Raashee?’, Yash Raj’s ‘Pyaar Impossible’ and Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’ with Shahid Kapur.
I agree rumours, controversies and gossip are part ‘n’ parcel of an actor’s life. Day in and day out, according to the media, we are either having catfights with other heroines or being linked with somebody -sometimes with people we have not even met. I guess this is an occupational hazard. But I am not prepared for it and I’ll never be prepared. So what if I am an actress? I am a girl and I am answerable to my parents too. I have made it my principle to never talk about my personal life.
What I do want to talk about are some of the social causes I support, like education of the girl child.
It is imperative that the girl child is encouraged and nurtured. The true sign of progress is when the girl child flourishes.
Another cause that is very close to my heart is the need to give masses proper medical information. My dad was very ill and we really felt the need for such information. We need to spread awareness so that more people are helped…
Life shows you so many amazing experiences - some good, some bad. But I love being me and I would never want to be anybody else, ever! On the downside, I’m just an over emotional fool. But besides this, I am fine!
I am Priyanka Chopra and positivity is my middle name, and this reflects in everything I do.I give complete credit for this to my parents who made sure I had a wonderful childhood.
I was born in Jamshedpur. Both my parents are doctors - my dad, Captain Dr Ashok Chopra, was a commissioned officer and surgeon in the Indian Army Medical Corps and my mum, Dr Madhu, is a noted gynaecologist and cosmetologist. I also have a brother Sidharth, who is seven years younger to me.
Our entire family and extended family are very closely knit and there is always a lot of love, laughter and joy whenever we are together. As a kid, I led a very carefree and happy life. I enjoyed every moment of being a child.
We were army-ites and I remember moving from state to state every two years - each time my dad got transferred.
Constantly moving also meant that I kept changing schools. I studied in some of the best schools across India, did my 10th grade from Newton’s Newton North High School in Boston.
I was academically inclined and topped my class most of the time. I was especially good in English and extra-curricular activities. In USA, I was selected at the state level for the National Opus Honour Choir, which is indeed a major feat.
Acting, stardom and Bollywood were alien terms for me, as nobody in my family has ever been a part of the film industry.
It all started with the Miss India contest. I was very young then - just 17! My mom sent my photographs for the contest without my knowledge. But when I got a call from them that I was short-listed, I came to Mumbai. The competition was tough but I thrive best when I am pushed to the edge. I won the ‘Miss India’ title!
For quite some time, I used to sleep with my crown because I was scared someone would rob it.
After that, films happened. I tasted success early - with ‘Andaaz’ and ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, which was one of the biggest grosser of the year. The turning point in my film career happened with ‘Aitraaz’, in which I played a negative role.
I’ve never had any problems with any of my co-stars and as long as I’m comfortable with my role, I’m happy!
Currently, I am doing Ashutosh Gowarikar’s What’s Your Raashee?’, Yash Raj’s ‘Pyaar Impossible’ and Vishal Bhardwaj’s ‘Kaminey’ with Shahid Kapur.
I agree rumours, controversies and gossip are part ‘n’ parcel of an actor’s life. Day in and day out, according to the media, we are either having catfights with other heroines or being linked with somebody -sometimes with people we have not even met. I guess this is an occupational hazard. But I am not prepared for it and I’ll never be prepared. So what if I am an actress? I am a girl and I am answerable to my parents too. I have made it my principle to never talk about my personal life.
What I do want to talk about are some of the social causes I support, like education of the girl child.
It is imperative that the girl child is encouraged and nurtured. The true sign of progress is when the girl child flourishes.
Another cause that is very close to my heart is the need to give masses proper medical information. My dad was very ill and we really felt the need for such information. We need to spread awareness so that more people are helped…
Life shows you so many amazing experiences - some good, some bad. But I love being me and I would never want to be anybody else, ever! On the downside, I’m just an over emotional fool. But besides this, I am fine!
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