Just over a decade ago, Priyanka Chopra’s presence in Hong Kong for a stage show in 2009 barely registered, as she was a relatively unknown figure among the Bollywood stars. Fast forward to today, and she boasts a staggering following of 54.8 million on Instagram, 47 million on Facebook, and 26.3 million on Twitter.
Chopra’s remarkable journey began in 1999 when her family submitted her name for the Miss India pageant without her knowledge. She secured the title of first runner-up, which led her to compete in Miss World 2000, where she emerged victorious.
As is common for beauty queens in India, Bollywood soon beckoned. She made her acting debut in the Hindi film The Hero: Love Story of a Spy in 2003, which performed well at the box office. Since then, she has appeared in nearly 50 Indian films and has been recognized with numerous awards.
What sets Chopra apart is her exceptional success in the West, a feat not easily achieved by many of her Bollywood peers. While notable names like Persis Khambatta and Aishwarya Rai have struggled to make a lasting impact in Hollywood, Chopra has become a household name.
Her influence extends to the covers of major Western publications, including a celebrated Vogue cover shot by Annie Leibovitz. She has graced popular talk shows, such as those hosted by Ellen DeGeneres and Jimmy Fallon, and starred in the hit TV series Quantico, earning two consecutive People’s Choice Awards. Chopra’s film credits include crowd-pleasers like Baywatch, Isn’t It Romantic, and A Kid Like Jake.
Her high-profile romance with Nick Jonas culminated in one of the most watched weddings of the decade. Draped in a stunning 75-foot tulle veil by Ralph Lauren, Chopra’s wedding at Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur captivated millions on social media.
In a profile piece for Time magazine, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson praised her, stating, “She has drive, ambition, self-respect, and she knows there’s no substitute for hard work.” Chopra’s journey from a young girl in India to an international superstar is a testament to her talent, determination, and relentless pursuit of her dreams.
