Priyanka Chopra Jonas. (Image Credit: Instagram)

In her early days in the film industry Priyanka Chopra was not so sure of which way to go with her career. The hunger to excel was always there. In the mornings before shooting started for her first few films (The Hero with Sunny Deol, Andaaz with Akshay Kumar) she attended Kathak and yoga classes.
Priyanka had set an actual time-frame for herself during which she was sure she would get to the top. During those early days, her father would often negotiate projects for Priyanka. J.P Dutta was casting for Umrao Jaan. Both Priyanka and her dad were very keen that she get the part. JP quietly signed Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Not once did I hear Priyanka crib.

Come to think of it,many parts that Priyanka has instinctively turned down or the ones that have been snatched away, have turned out to be turnips at the turnstiles.
“I work hard. And I’ve a good judgement of what works for me…I think women and men see something predatory about me,” she said.

Priyanka Chopra was crowned Miss World 2000.

Priyanka was far more street-smart and far stronger than all her competitors. She remained firm on her ground, no matter how slippery it got. Unarguably her worst time so far was when her father fell ill. On the day after she found out his condition, she was on the sets of Bluff Master shooting normally. No one had a clue about the turmoil she was going through.
Her co-star Abhishek Bachchan got to know about it only in the evening. “Why should I burden those around me with my pain?” she said. “I’m sure they’ve their own worries. I’ve mine to deal with. I wouldn’t like it if they started unburdening their problems on me.”

When Priyanka and Lara Dutt came into the film industry simultaneously, it was Lara who was seen as the potential star. Priyanka raced ahead, not just because of her talent but impeccable PR. She has the ability to be naturally charming to people around her. Being Ms Congeniality is not a role for her.

Exceprts From An Interview Priyanka Chopra Did When She Was 20

How has stardom changed your life?
I like being recognized. Even in Switzerland I was approached for pics and autographs. As the winner of an international beauty pageant I did get recognized. But as an actress it’s far more important to be recognized, because it’s far more difficult work. You’ve no idea how hard I worked in Andaaz. And then when people tell me they liked it, the feeling is amazing.

Priyanka Chopra with Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta in Andaaz (2003).

Is it tough to do two-heroine films?
Never. When I did The Hero with Preity Zinta she was quite cool to work with. With Lara Dutta there was obviously this issue about who among the two beauty queens would perform better. But it was a healthy competition. We even shopped together for our clothes.
Congrats, you’re now turning into a singer!
My Dad sings, though not professionally. I’m a big fan of my father’s singing. I love singing . Ever since I was a child I dreamt of getting in a white gown to sing on stage like Whitney Houston. I’ve been trained in Western classical singing. I used to sing soprano in a choir. I sang in a Tamil film when my co-star urged me to. But that’s it. Music companies have approached me. I don’t mind singing my songs in Hindi films. But if I do the song has to be special. I’d only do so if it’s a really special song and situation. Why just croon for crooning sake? Singing is very close to my heart. I actually wanted to be a rock star. Instead I came into movies. Hey, that isn’t so bad , is it? Instead of learning to sing more I started taking dancing lessons. That’s more essential for our cinema. I’ll cut an album. But I don’t know when or how. I need to do riyaaz for three months before I plunge into it.
ALSO READ: Priyanka Chopra Did Not Mind Playing Second Fiddle To Hrithik Roshan In Krrish: My Part Is Not Just Supporting…
What does a 20-year old do in her free time?
There’s no free time. I enjoy writing poetry in Hindi and English when I’m on the sets. Want to hear my latest effort: ‘The night is elusive/ It closes in/On every feeling that ever rises within/ it makes you see an illusion stretched into a turmoil /with every breath….’ Before I could write more I was called by Farah Khan for my shot.