Priyanka Chopra Jonas Says “She Never Wanted to Leave Bollywood”

Global actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas has addressed long-standing speculation about her transition from Hindi cinema to Hollywood, clarifying that she never intended to “leave” Bollywood at the height of her career.

In a recent interview with Firstpost, Chopra Jonas reflected on the period when she began exploring international opportunities and said the move stemmed from a desire for creative growth rather than a decision to step away from Indian films.

“I Felt Limited” in Hindi Cinema

Speaking about her career shift, Priyanka said she felt creatively restricted while working in Hindi films and wanted to expand her horizons as an artiste.

“I don’t think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood. I felt limited for many reasons when I was working in Hindi films. I wanted to expand. I was kind of pushed into wanting to look for opportunities that would be exciting to me as an artiste,” she said.

The actor added that nearly 12 years after beginning her journey in the United States, she now feels she has the momentum to choose meaningful projects across industries.

Building a Career in Hollywood

Priyanka began exploring international work around 2012 while launching her music career. She went on to make her American television debut with the series Quantico, which brought her global recognition.

She subsequently appeared in films such as Baywatch and The Matrix Resurrections, and later headlined projects including Citadel and Heads of State.

Her upcoming release, The Bluff, directed by Frank E. Flowers and co-starring Karl Urban, is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on February 25. The swashbuckler drama has generated anticipation among audiences eager to see her in an action-driven role.

‘I Straddle Both Worlds’

Despite establishing a strong presence internationally, Priyanka emphasized that her connection to Indian cinema remains intact.

“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. I never have. I feel like I straddle both worlds, and I enjoy working in both industries,” she said.

The actor noted that working across cultures has shaped her creative process, allowing her to adapt to different filmmaking styles while maintaining her roots.

Return to Indian Cinema

Priyanka is also preparing for her return to Indian cinema after her last theatrical Hindi release, The Sky Is Pink, co-starring Farhan Akhtar.

She is currently associated with an ambitious project tentatively titled Varanasi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli. The film also stars Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran and is slated for a theatrical release in April 2027.

Expanding Horizons, Not Choosing Sides

As she continues to balance projects in India and the United States, Priyanka Chopra Jonas maintains that her journey has been about growth rather than departure.

Her remarks reaffirm that her move to Hollywood was driven by the pursuit of challenging opportunities, while her association with Indian cinema remains an integral part of her career.