Priyanka Chopra stands out as one of the few Indian actors to successfully establish herself in both Bollywood and Hollywood, evolving into a global entertainment figure. At the height of her success in Hindi cinema, she chose to relocate to the United States to pursue international opportunities — a decision that required her to rebuild her career from the ground up.
In a recent conversation with Firstpost, Priyanka Chopra addressed ongoing assumptions about her move westward, clarifying that stepping away from Bollywood was never part of her plan.
“Leaving Bollywood Was Never the Goal” : Priyanka Chopra
Looking back at that transition, Priyanka Chopra explained that while she never intended to exit Hindi films, she began to feel creatively restricted at the time.
“I don’t think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood,” she said. “While working in Hindi films, for various reasons, I felt limited. I wanted to evolve. I was encouraged to explore opportunities that were creatively fulfilling and exciting for me as an artist.”
She acknowledged that establishing herself in the U.S. entertainment industry was challenging. However, nearly 12 years later, she believes she has finally gained the momentum and standing needed to choose projects that genuinely resonate with her.
“It definitely wasn’t easy,” she noted, adding that she now feels more confident selecting roles that are meaningful and impactful.
Balancing Two Film Industries
Priyanka Chopra also stressed that she has never seen her journey as a choice between Bollywood and Hollywood. Instead, she embraces being part of both worlds.
“I love my Indian films. I’m always happy to be back in India,” she shared. “I’ve never wanted to pick one over the other.”
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She pointed out that the two industries differ greatly in culture and working styles. Over time, however, she has adapted to both, describing the experience as creatively stimulating and uniquely rewarding.
Her International Breakthrough
Priyanka Chopra began testing international waters around 2012 with the launch of her music career. Her breakthrough acting role in the West came with the American television drama Quantico, where she headlined the series — a landmark moment for South Asian representation on American network TV.
She went on to appear in films such as Baywatch and The Matrix Resurrections. More recently, she featured in the global spy series Citadel, further cementing her international presence.
What’s Next
Priyanka Chopra will soon star in The Bluff, helmed by Frank E. Flowers. The pirate-themed adventure also includes performances by Ismael Cruz Córdova, Safia Oakley-Green, and Temuera Morrison. The film is slated to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on February 25.
She is also preparing for a return to Indian cinema in an upcoming project directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The film, co-starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran, is expected to hit theatres in April 2027.
Priyanka Chopra’s cross-continental career path highlights persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to step beyond familiar territory — qualities that have helped her evolve from a Bollywood star into a globally recognized performer.