Priyanka Chopra Credits ‘Icons’ Aishwarya Rai, Late Irrfan For Her Hollywood Debut; Says, “I Stand On Their Shoulders”

Global star Priyanka Chopra reflected on her journey from Bollywood to Hollywood during her address at the annual Harvard India Conference in the United States, offering heartfelt recognition to Indian icons who helped shape the path she walks today. Speaking to journalist Anjula Acharia, Chopra highlighted those who broke barriers long before she stepped onto the global stage, framing her own success as part of a larger movement built on the efforts of those who came before her.

Priyanka Chopra Credits Aishwarya Rai, Irrfan Khan For Hollywood Debut

The global icon credited stars such as Aishwarya Rai and the late Irrfan Khan, along with American creator Mindy Kaling, for creating opportunities for South Asian talent in global entertainment. “I really do believe that I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before me,” she said. “Aishwarya Rai, an icon when she was working in Hollywood, Irrfan Khan, of course, Mindy Kaling… and I was able to push the door open and stand up for what I believe in because they did what they did.”

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Priyanka’s remarks underscored a deep sense of gratitude toward these trailblazers whose work in international cinema set precedents and helped familiarise global audiences with Indian performers long before her own ventures. She described their pioneering roles as instrumental in shifting perceptions and normalising South Asian representation in Western film and television.

Her reflections also highlighted how visibility and representation have evolved over time, with figures like Aishwarya Rai securing roles in major Western projects such as Pink Panther 2 and The Last Legion, and Irrfan Khan earning widespread acclaim for powerful performances in films like Life of Pi embraced worldwide. Chopra’s acknowledgement comes as she prepares for her upcoming Hollywood release, The Bluff and continues to expand her presence on the global stage.

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Also Read: Priyanka Chopra Recalls Being FIRED From Bollywood Film By Male Co-Star On Salaam-E-Ishq Sets; Shares, “The Director Gave You The Script By Mistake”

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.