Veteran actress Smita Jaykar recently shared her initial impressions of Priyanka Chopra during the early days of the latter's career, sparking discussions about beauty standards and the transformative power of talent. Jaykar, known for her supporting roles in numerous Bollywood films and TV shows, recalled working with Chopra in the 2004 film Kismat.
According to Jaykar, her first impression of Chopra was far from glamorous. In an interview with Filmymantra, Jaykar stated that Chopra appeared "very thin, skinny, dark" and looked like "nothing" at that point in time. She admitted to wondering how someone like that could become a heroine.
Despite her initial reservations, Jaykar acknowledged Chopra's stunning transformation and immense talent. She expressed amazement at Chopra's evolution, noting how she became a "diva completely". Jaykar emphasized that one cannot judge someone based on initial appearances, as fate can change in an instant. She lauded Chopra as a fantastic actress.
Priyanka Chopra herself has spoken about facing colorism and body shaming during her early career. In a BBC interview, she recounted being called "black cat" and "dusky," which made her feel inadequate. Chopra believed she had to work harder than her lighter-skinned peers, despite feeling more talented. She noted that such biases were normalized, leading her to accept them as reality.
Smita Jaykar is a well-known Indian actress who has played supporting roles in Hindi movies and TV shows. She was born on June 29, 1964, in Mumbai. She began her Bollywood career after acting in the Gujarati film industry. She has appeared in over 23 Bollywood films, including Devdas, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahaani. She has also written two books and given inspirational talks at TEDx.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, born on July 18, 1982, is an Indian actress, model, and singer who has achieved global recognition. Crowned Miss World in 2000, she debuted in the Tamil film Thamizhan in 2002. Her Bollywood debut came in 2003 with The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. Chopra gained prominence with roles in Andaaz, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Aitraaz. She has starred in commercially successful films like Krrish and Don.
Chopra's career expanded to Hollywood, where she starred in the TV series Quantico, becoming the first South Asian woman to lead an American network drama. She has also appeared in Hollywood films such as Baywatch, Isn't It Romantic, and The White Tiger. In addition to her acting career, Chopra is a producer and entrepreneur. She founded Purple Pebble Pictures to support new talent and regional cinema in India. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Smita Jaykar's remarks highlight the challenges Priyanka Chopra overcame to achieve her current status as a global icon. Chopra's journey demonstrates that talent and determination can triumph over societal biases and initial impressions. Despite early criticisms regarding her appearance, she has proven her mettle as a versatile and accomplished actress, inspiring many with her success story.
