Chopra, Priyanka << CHOH pruh, pree YAHN kuh >> (1982-…), is an Indian actress and singer known for her beauty. She became one of Bollywood’s most popular stars in the early 2000’s. Bollywood is the name for India’s motion-picture industry. In 2015, Chopra became the first South Asian actor to headline an American television series when she began starring in the crime drama “Quantico.” In the series, Chopra portrays a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recruit who is suspected of a terrorist attack. Chopra has won a number of Filmfare Awards for acting. Filmfare Awards are presented annually for artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking in the Hindi language. The Indian magazine Filmfare presents the awards.
Priyanka Chopra was born on July 18, 1982, in what is now Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. At age 13, she visited the United States and attended schools in several places, including Newton, Massachusetts; and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Chopra returned to India four years later. In 2000, she won the Miss India and Miss World beauty pageants. In 2002, Chopra made her motion-picture acting debut in the Tamil-language action drama Thamizhan. The following year, she starred in her first Hindi-language film, the thriller The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. She then starred in the musical Andaaz (2003) and the romantic comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004). Both were box-office hits in India. Later in 2004, Chopra gained notice for her role as a woman involved in a love triangle in the romantic thriller Aitraaz (2004). In 2015, she won acclaim for her portrayal of Kashibai, the first wife of the Maratha general Peshwa Bajirao I, in the epic historical romance Bajirao Mastani. Marathas are Hindu people who live in the central and southwestern parts of India. The film became one of the highest grossing Indian films of all time.
Chopra’s other notable films include Bluffmaster! (2005); Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005); Don (2006) and its sequel, Don 2 (2011); Krrish (2006) and the sequel Krrish 3 (2013); Fashion (2008); Kaminey and What’s Your Raashee? (both 2009); 7 Khoon Maaf (2011); Barfi! (2012); Mary Kom (2014); and Dil Dhadakne Do (2015).
Chopra is also a singer. Her first recording, “Ullathai Killathe,” was featured in Thamizhan. She also recorded “In My City” (2012), featuring the American rap artist will.i.am. It became a hit in India soon after its release. Her other recordings include “Exotic” (2013), featuring the American rap artist Pitbull , and “I Can’t Make You Love Me” (2014), a remake of the 1991 hit song by the American singer Bonnie Raitt.
In 2010, Chopra was appointed an international goodwill ambassador for child rights for UNICEF. UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations. In 2016, Chopra was awarded the Padma Shri, one of the Indian government’s highest civilian honors.
In 2018, Chopra married the American singer and actor Nick Jonas .
