Priyanka Chopra’s Manager Recalls Being Mocked for Introducing Her as a “Brown Bollywood Star” in Hollywood
Priyanka Chopra’s journey from Bollywood stardom to global recognition was not without its skeptics, according to her longtime manager Anjula Acharia. In a recent podcast appearance, Acharia recounted how people in the entertainment industry initially mocked her belief that Chopra could succeed in the American market, even calling her idea “stupid.”
At a time when Chopra was preparing to break into Hollywood, Acharia faced sharp criticism and disbelief from some quarters. Many doubted that a “brown Bollywood star” could find success in the United States, where South Asian actors were seldom seen in leading television or film roles. Acharia said she was repeatedly told that her vision was unrealistic and dismissive comments about her decision were common.
Acharia shared that these negative reactions even made her doubt herself briefly. During a moment of insecurity, she reached out to industry mentor Jimmy Iovine to express her concerns about the backlash. Iovine reassured her by reminding her of his own past when people thought he was crazy for backing a then-unknown white rapper named Eminem, a reference to another now-celebrated entertainment success story. The comparison helped Acharia stay confident in her belief in Chopra’s potential.
Chopra’s eventual breakthrough came when she was cast as the lead in the American TV series Quantico. Her role as an FBI recruit made her the first South Asian woman to headline a major American network drama series, a milestone that significantly raised her international profile. From there, her Hollywood career expanded to include roles in feature films and streaming series, solidifying her global appeal.
The manager’s reflections underline the challenges that South Asian actors have historically faced in breaking into Western entertainment markets. At the time, the notion that a Bollywood actress could succeed on the global stage was met with skepticism, rooted in industry reluctance to embrace diversity and unfamiliar faces in mainstream American projects.
Chopra’s rise — from a leading figure in Indian cinema to a name recognised worldwide — has refuted those early doubts, demonstrating how talent and persistence can reshape industry perceptions. Her success in Hollywood projects such as Quantico, Baywatch and The Matrix Resurrections, as well as streaming shows like Citadel, has showcased her versatility and international appeal.
Reflecting on the early criticism, Acharia’s story not only highlights Chopra’s accomplishments but also illustrates how important belief and support from key advocates can be in overcoming industry barriers. Today, Chopra continues to straddle both Indian and global film industries, proving that a “brown Bollywood star” can indeed make it big on the world stage.
At a time when Chopra was preparing to break into Hollywood, Acharia faced sharp criticism and disbelief from some quarters. Many doubted that a “brown Bollywood star” could find success in the United States, where South Asian actors were seldom seen in leading television or film roles. Acharia said she was repeatedly told that her vision was unrealistic and dismissive comments about her decision were common.
Acharia shared that these negative reactions even made her doubt herself briefly. During a moment of insecurity, she reached out to industry mentor Jimmy Iovine to express her concerns about the backlash. Iovine reassured her by reminding her of his own past when people thought he was crazy for backing a then-unknown white rapper named Eminem, a reference to another now-celebrated entertainment success story. The comparison helped Acharia stay confident in her belief in Chopra’s potential.
Chopra’s eventual breakthrough came when she was cast as the lead in the American TV series Quantico. Her role as an FBI recruit made her the first South Asian woman to headline a major American network drama series, a milestone that significantly raised her international profile. From there, her Hollywood career expanded to include roles in feature films and streaming series, solidifying her global appeal.
The manager’s reflections underline the challenges that South Asian actors have historically faced in breaking into Western entertainment markets. At the time, the notion that a Bollywood actress could succeed on the global stage was met with skepticism, rooted in industry reluctance to embrace diversity and unfamiliar faces in mainstream American projects.
Chopra’s rise — from a leading figure in Indian cinema to a name recognised worldwide — has refuted those early doubts, demonstrating how talent and persistence can reshape industry perceptions. Her success in Hollywood projects such as Quantico, Baywatch and The Matrix Resurrections, as well as streaming shows like Citadel, has showcased her versatility and international appeal.
Reflecting on the early criticism, Acharia’s story not only highlights Chopra’s accomplishments but also illustrates how important belief and support from key advocates can be in overcoming industry barriers. Today, Chopra continues to straddle both Indian and global film industries, proving that a “brown Bollywood star” can indeed make it big on the world stage.
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