Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently revealed she never wanted to leave Bollywood but felt restricted in Hindi films. She explained that these limitations prompted her to seek more exciting opportunities in Hollywood, where she has built a successful career over the past decade.^[1][2][3] ### Chopra Sought Creative Freedom Chopra shared her journey in a recent interview, stating, "I don't think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood. I felt limited for many reasons when I was working in Hindi films."^[1][2][4] She emphasized a desire to expand her artistic horizons. This feeling of being constrained led her to look for work that would offer new challenges and creative fulfillment.^[5][4] The actress felt "pushed into wanting to look for opportunities that would be exciting to me as an artiste," she said.^[1][3] This pivotal decision ultimately led her to pursue a career in America. Her move to the West was not about abandoning Indian cinema but about finding avenues for artistic growth.^[2][5] ### Transition to Hollywood Chopra began exploring international waters around 2012, initially launching a music career.^[1][4] Soon after, she made her acting debut in the West, taking on the lead role in the American television series "Quantico."^[1][2][4] This marked a significant shift in her career trajectory. Following "Quantico," Chopra appeared in various Hollywood projects, including supporting roles in major films like "Baywatch" and "The Matrix Resurrections."^[1][4] After nearly 12 years in Hollywood, she feels she is now gaining momentum to choose "really amazing work," though she acknowledges it is "not easy."^[1][4] ### Challenges and Industry Politics Chopra previously spoke more candidly about the specific pressures she faced in Bollywood. In a March 2023 interview on Dax Shepard's "Armchair Expert" podcast, she revealed she was "pushed into a corner in the industry."^[6] She mentioned that some people were not casting her for various reasons, and she "had beef with people."^[6] The actress also expressed being "tired of the politics" within the Hindi film industry.^[6] She highlighted the difference in support for those from within the industry compared to outsiders. "I'm not a nepo baby. I didn't have the kind of support that exists in a big way in Bollywood movies," Chopra explained.^[7] She contrasted her experience with multi-generational actors who receive multiple opportunities, stating, "You don't have your uncle making a new movie for you just because the last one tanked. You have to hustle for it."^[7] ### Balancing Two Worlds Despite her successful transition to Hollywood, Chopra maintains a strong connection to Indian cinema. She expressed her love for Indian films and her reluctance to choose between the two industries. "I love my Indian films. I am really happy to be back in Varanasi, India, again, and I would hate to have to choose between the two," she stated.^[1][4] Chopra sees herself as someone who "straddles both worlds" and enjoys working in both industries.^[1][3] She finds the experience unique and fun, noting that her brain can now work in two different ways.^[1] This dual career path allows her to explore diverse creative landscapes.^[5] ### Upcoming Indian Project Chopra is set to make her return to Indian cinema after an eight-year break from Hindi films. Her last Hindi film was "The Sky is Pink" in 2019.^[7][8] She will appear in an upcoming Telugu film titled "Varanasi," directed by acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli.^[4][7][8] This project signifies her continued commitment to working in her home country's vibrant film industry, even as she continues to headline international ventures like "Citadel," "Heads of State," and her upcoming film "The Bluff."^[1][4] Chopra's journey reflects her ambition and resilience, allowing her to carve a unique path as a global star who seamlessly navigates both Bollywood and Hollywood.^[4]

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