Every role, a hit; every frame, unforgettable; Priyanka Chopra’s magic never fades.
The ever-iconic ‘Desi Girl’ of Bollywood, Priyanka Chopra, turns 43 today! With a career spanning over 25 years, she has carved a remarkable path—not just in Bollywood, but also in Hollywood, where she continues to dazzle audiences with her performances and unmatched versatility. From breaking records to setting new standards, her journey is truly legendary. On her birthday, we revisit some of her most memorable on-screen roles from a career that has consistently redefined stardom across borders.
Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ‘Bajirao Mastani’ is an epic historical tragedy that features Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Priyanka Chopra in pivotal roles. Adapted from Nagnath S. Inamdar’s Marathi novel ‘Rau’, the film recounts the tale of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (1700–1740) and his passionate relationship with his second wife, Mastani. Priyanka Chopra delivers a compelling performance as Kashibai, Bajirao’s devoted and heartbroken first wife. Despite having less screen time, her portrayal leaves a lasting impression, infusing the narrative with emotional depth and making Kashibai one of the most unforgettable characters in this Bhansali’s film.
‘Barfi!’ is a period romantic comedy directed and co-written by Anurag Basu, featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, and marking Ileana D'Cruz’s Hindi film debut. Priyanka Chopra delivers a deeply moving performance as Jhilmil Chatterjee, a young woman with autism—a role she has often described as one of the most personal of her career. To portray Jhilmil authentically, Chopra spent months observing individuals with autism in specialized institutions. Her portrayal remains a powerful example of her commitment to embracing complex, challenging characters with sensitivity and depth.
Directed by Omung Kumar, ‘Mary Kom’ is a biographical sports drama that traces the inspiring journey of boxing champion Mary Kom, from her early days in the ring to her win at the 2008 World Boxing Championships in Ningbo. The role required immense physical commitment, and Priyanka Chopra rose to the challenge with remarkable dedication. Her powerful portrayal of the fierce and unwavering athlete not only brought Kom’s story to life but also underscored Chopra’s impressive range and versatility as an actor.
Written and directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, ‘Fashion’ features Priyanka Chopra as Meghna Mathur, a small-town girl whose meteoric rise in the fashion world comes with harsh realities and personal costs. As Meghna navigates the glamorous yet unforgiving industry, she learns the true price of fame and ambition. This role marked a turning point in Chopra’s career, earning her widespread critical acclaim and her first National Award for Best Actress.
Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, ‘7 Khoon Maaf’ is a black comedy that unravels the dark and intriguing tale of Susanna Anna-Marie Johannes, an Anglo-Indian woman whose relentless search for true love leads to the deaths of her seven husbands. Priyanka Chopra takes on the complex role of Susanna, delivering a haunting and layered performance as the femme fatale whose love turns lethal. Adapted from Ruskin Bond’s short story, this film is widely regarded as one of Chopra’s finest performances.
