"I was trying to navigate this crazy movie industry..."
Priyanka Chopra has opened up about the emotional challenges she faced during her early years in Bollywood, saying she often felt unsure of her place in the industry.
She admitted that entering showbiz as an outsider made the process especially overwhelming.
Priyanka said these experiences continue to shape her sensibilities as a producer today.
Her reflections highlight how personal struggles can evolve into creative motivation.
She shared her thoughts while promoting her latest documentary, Born Hungry.
The project reinforces her preference for emotionally rich and socially conscious stories.
Priyanka turned producer through her banner Purple Pebble Pictures, which focuses on independent and documentary films instead of mainstream commercial releases.
Her latest production, Born Hungry, highlights the remarkable life of celebrity chef Sash Simpson.
The documentary follows Simpson’s journey from being abandoned as a young boy in India to his adoption in Canada, where he becomes a celebrated chef.
It is currently streaming on JioHotstar for viewers in India.
Priyanka has previously produced acclaimed titles, including Paani and Ventilator.
She said her production choices are guided by instinct and meaning rather than trends.
In her interview with PTI, Priyanka described the values driving her work as a producer.
She said, “As a producer, I’m empathetic, and our ethos is a lot around wanting to give opportunities to newer filmmakers.”
She added that her team aims to support creators “that want to achieve something that they haven’t been able to or are hitting a wall somewhere.”
Priyanka explained that her producing instincts arise from stories that move her deeply.
She emphasised that authentic narratives matter more to her than commercial expectations.
Her approach reflects a growing interest in championing diverse voices.
Priyanka also discussed why she gravitates towards stories often considered non-mainstream.
She said, “I didn’t know why I was gravitating towards filmmakers and stories that were maybe marginalised or told that they’re not what is expected.”
Reflecting further, she linked this to her early Bollywood journey.
She recalled, “When I joined the industry, I didn’t have it. I was trying to navigate this crazy movie industry by myself with my parents, who were doctors and had no idea about the business.”
Priyanka added that she “kind of felt really lost,” describing how those feelings shaped her creative vision today.
Priyanka’s rise remains one of Bollywood’s most celebrated success stories.
Born to parents serving as doctors in the Indian Army, she had no entertainment connections while growing up.
Her career began after winning Miss World 2000 at eighteen.
This launched her into cinema, where she gained acclaim with films such as Andaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Aitraaz and Fashion.
Her consistent success during the 2010s confirmed her status as one of Bollywood’s leading female stars.
She later expanded globally by entering Hollywood in 2016.
Despite her international success, Priyanka continues to remain engaged with Indian storytelling through her production house.
Her projects reflect her interest in authenticity, emotional depth and meaningful cultural narratives.
Priyanka is preparing for her return to Indian cinema as an actor in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, releasing in 2027.
The film stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in major roles.
It marks her first Indian film release in eight years and has created considerable anticipation.
Fans are eager to see her re-enter Bollywood with a project of this scale.
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