Priyanka Chopra Opens Up About Feeling ‘Lost’ as an Outsider in Bollywood

Bollywood and Hollywood star Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently reflected on her early struggles in the Hindi film industry, recalling the sense of being an outsider when she first entered showbiz.

Winning Miss World 2000 at just 18, Priyanka soon transitioned to Bollywood, starring in hits like Andaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz, and Fashion. While she quickly became one of the top female stars of the 2010s, her early days in the industry were far from easy.

Speaking to PTI, Priyanka opened up about her choices as a producer:

“As a producer, I’m empathetic, and our ethos is about giving opportunities to newer filmmakers or those hitting a wall. My production side comes from what personally moves me.”

She further explained why she gravitates towards non-mainstream films and marginalized stories:

“I didn’t know why I was drawn to these filmmakers and stories that weren’t considered mainstream. Reflecting on it now, I think it comes from my own experience when I joined the industry—I didn’t have any guidance. I was navigating this crazy movie world mostly by myself, with parents who are doctors and had no experience in films. I felt really lost.”

BRIDGE Summit 2025 Appearance

Priyanka Chopra Jonas will headline a fireside conversation at BRIDGE Summit 2025, titled Mastering Your Craft in a World Obsessed with More, moderated by Anas Bukhash, founder of AB Talks. The session will take place on 9 December at 10:00 AM on the Forum Stage.

The discussion is expected to cover how Priyanka’s early exposure to global work, her demanding schedule, and industry transitions shaped her disciplined approach. She will also share insights on why focusing on fewer things with clarity is essential for sustaining high-quality creative output.

With decades of experience across Bollywood and Hollywood, Priyanka Chopra’s journey stands as a testament to resilience, intentionality, and creative perseverance.