Priyanka Chopra made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film Thamizhan playing the role of Priya, the love interest of the protaginist in the film played by Vijay. The film was praised for its wit, although the depth of Chopra’s character was seen as lacking.
Chopra also sang playback in the film, singing “Ullathai Killadhe” along with Vijay. In 2003, she appeared in her first Bollywood film, opposite Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta in the Anil Sharma film The Hero: Love Story of a Spy.
She played a supporting role as a doctor named Shaheen in the film that The New York Times described as “ripping its text from the seething border tensions between India and Pakistan, spicing its conflict with hot-tempered religious zealots bent on nuclear havoc”. Despite being one of the highest grossing films of that year, the overall film was not well received by critics. Chopra was awarded mostly good reviews for her debut Hindi performance.
Later that year she appeared in Raj Kanwar’s Andaaz, playing the character of Jiya who falls in love with Raj Malhotra, played by Akshay Kumar. The film was a success at the box office, earning her a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and a nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. Rediff.com said of her role, “Priyanka Chopra alone clicks with the audience, thanks to her skimpy outfits.”
Priyanka Chopra Personal Quotes
“I fail to understand why people would think I got a raw deal out of Krrish (2006), considering I was present all through the film, from the beginning till the end. And I don’t know where people get off really. ‘Krissh’ has done a business of Rupees 150 crores. It’s popular and is almost giving ‘Superman’ a run for its money, so what more convincing is required to get the point across? I’m very happy with the response I got fro the film. I’m happy with my role. I’ve learnt that you can’t always please everyone in any case. And ‘Krissh’ is my moment of success; I will not allow anyone to take that away from me.” (Stardust magazine, September 2006)
Once I knew I wasn’t going to be doing Umrao Jaan (2006), I completely disconnected from the film. And I cannot compare myself to Aishwarya Rai.
When I became Miss World, I couldn’t believe I had won it. I used to sleep with my crown because I was scared someone would steal it. In a minute the world changed for me. (July 2007)
I’m lucky. I don’t know whether I’m deserving or not. All I know is that I work damn hard for everything. And God helps those who help themselves. Every day is like an exam. I believe destiny and hard work go hand in hand. I was studying to be an engineer when my mom and my brother sent my pictures for the Miss India contest. I didn’t even know about it. If that isn’t destiny, what is? (July 2007)
Most outsiders look at the film world as something glamorous. But no one sees the hard work that goes into it. I haven’t taken a holiday in the last four years. I’m working 25 hours a day. There’s no time to sleep or to eat. (July 2007)
When asked what sets her apart from other actresses: “I don’t come from a film background. I haven’t learned anything about films or film-making. But I have a thirst to know everything about my profession. I want to learn about cinematography, about editing, about music recordings, about post-production. So when people in the know talk, I willingly listen. Also, I’m not scared of working 20 hours a day.”
I got into the movies by accident. When I got an offer, I thought let’s try this too. Everything in my life has happened by trial and error. I didn’t even think I would win the Miss India title so where’s the question of thinking I’d come this far. (July 2007)
I thoroughly believe in the institution of marriage, but there’s still a long way to go before I get married. Right now I want to concentrate on my career.
I adore watching movies; movie marathons are my favorite pastime. I can watch up to five movies back to back. I also love music and like reading whenever I get the time.
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