16 years of Priyanka Chopra: Most inspiring quotes by the global icon

Priyanka Chopra is not just another Bollywood stars whose name is known even across international waters, but she is a global icon who has established herself a successful career even in Hollywood. From getting accolades for her music to earning a full-fledged American TV show to signing 3 Hollywood films, PeeCee has surely raised the bar of getting recognised internationally. Despite several failures, Priyanka kept going with her beliefs and values eventually proving herself to the entire world. As she completes 16 glorious years in the entertainment scene, here are 10 of her best quotes which will leave you inspired.

Priyanka is the most popular brown face in America and we all know that. She has broken all stereotypes by becoming a successful Hollywood actress despite hailing from Indian cinema. On quashing norms about brown actors in Hollywood, Priyanka said, “When I grew up in America, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on TV. I feel overwhelmed with the things that people have said to me. When I meet Indian Americans who’ve lived here all their lives, it’s overwhelming people holding me and crying. Someone said to me, ‘Thank you for making us relevant.’ It’s such a big thing.”

From being Miss World to a global icon, Priyanka has surely come a long way. She paved her way to success owing to her immense talent and dedication from the mere age of 17. Priyanka shares a motivational anecdote from her journey when she won the beauty pageant. “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. I wasn't even prepared to be an actress. I was 17 when I came out of high school, and suddenly became Miss World and then I became an actress.”

Even celebrities have flaws but it’s only that they don’t get as highlighted by the media. Often because of these flaws they are trolled online. Priyanka’s take on embracing flaws will make you fall in love with the global icon all the more. “I think it's great to be flawed. I am hugely flawed, and I like it this way. That's the fun of life. You fall, get up, make mistakes, learn from them, be human and be you.”

Being a celebrity comes with its own disadvantages and being constantly under scrutiny of the media and public is one them. Speaking on those lines, PeeCee said, “The media here is hugely intrigued with who I am and what I do. I am different and they find that fascinating. I have never wanted to be anybody else, from anywhere else. Bruce Springsteen once said, "I don't want to be rich, I don't want to be famous and I don't even want to be happy. I want to be great. That is exactly what I am looking for.”

Priyanka Chopra has been handling both Bollywood and Hollywood rather perfectly. While it must be taking a toll on her, she never refrains from putting a smile on her face and keep going. Here’s what she has to say about managing two things simultaneously. “I know that I am straddling two careers.. It was my choice and I have to do it. So even if I am shooting in Montreal for my television show, I have a responsibility to promote my film in India. Yes, it is physically tiring, but I don't have the luxury to complain, and I can't be hypocritical! Every movie that I do, I always try and better myself in the next one and try and find a part which is more challenging. It’s a little vulnerable to do that, to always push the envelope. You position yourself for a lot more flack or a lot more critique because you’re trying to do something different. Sometimes you’re good at it and sometimes you’re not, but it’s a chance you have to take to make life exciting.”

In the time of actors getting replaced easily in projects, Priyanka gives a strong take on being dispensable. “My choice of films has never been because of a certain hero. I depend on myself, my part and the director. My career is the sum of the decisions I have made. Everyone can work hard, but I work on my own terms. I stand my ground, and once I have committed to anything, I give my 150 per cent. I don’t take my work for granted, ever. I know that, forget me, no matter where anyone is, everyone is dispensable. Why would I think I am indispensable then?”

Priyanka’s take on being in a relationship is on point. “It is terrible. I believe you should be with the one you love and with whomever you find happiness — this applies to men and women. There are no excuses if you are unhappy in a relationship. I am sorry, but I am a 21st century girl and that's how I feel. There is enough pressure by society to be a certain way and behave a certain way, especially for women. For eons, women have been told how to be and what not to be. I don't think you should be in the relationship when your partner feels for someone else. It is also about one's self-respect.”

Despite being an outside, Priyanka made a place for herself in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Thus, she knows how to respect the fame that she has earned with sheer hardwork and dedication. “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.”

Priyanka Chopra roots for feminism and that’s no news. Her strong opinions and take on women’s status in the society are unconventional and extremely motivational. Here’s her opinion on how great the time is for feminism. “I think we have reached a point where certain women are standing up for themselves and demanding to be taken seriously for their jobs, on merit. I think it is a great time for feminism, there are so many people standing up for women's rights. So yes, this is a global problem.”

Priyanka Chopra has always been open about her views and has never refrained from speaking her mind. When she was asked about having an opinion, she said, “Bans based on baseless propaganda.. Holding films ransom just before they release so that publicity can be garnered for certain agendas by forcing a producer to their knees.. How does no one speak up for what is right? How is this fair? People think films are just fun and games to make?! They are made with blood sweat and tears for entertainment!! Please stand by the filmmakers who put in their life’s money and hard work to make people laugh and smile. Don’t let them be blackmailed and threatened by holding their films ransom just before release. Speak up before if there is an issue! Everyone has a right to an opinion. The timing right before release just seems very suspect!! I know I may get into trouble for saying all this but I can’t be a silent witness to character defamation based on opinions anymore.. That is not what, the India I grew up, taught me.”