Priyanka Chopra hails ‘Icons’ Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan as Hollywood trailblazers: ‘They did it first’

Priyanka Chopra hails ‘Icons’ Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan as Hollywood trailblazers: ‘They did it first’

• Priyanka credits Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan for paving her way
• She praised Mindy Kaling for normalizing South Asian presence
• Priyanka to star in The Bluff and return to Indian cinema in 2027

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Global star Priyanka Chopra has openly acknowledged that her successful Hollywood journey is built on the groundwork laid by several Indian icons who came before her. Speaking at the Harvard India Conference in the United States, Priyanka praised fellow actors Aishwarya Rai and the late Irrfan Khan for pioneering paths that helped Indian talent gain recognition on the global stage — long before she made her mark in Western entertainment.

She also mentioned American actor-creator Mindy Kaling as part of a broader lineage of trailblazers whose efforts enabled her own breakthroughs abroad.

Reflecting on her career, the actress said she “stands on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before” her, emphasising that the success of Aishwarya and Irfaan helped make opportunities possible for actors of Indian origin to take centre stage internationally.

Reflecting on her place in the industry, she told journalist Anjula Acharia, “I really do believe that I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before me. Aishwarya Rai, an icon when she was working in Hollywood, Irrfan Khan, of course, Mindy Kaling. And I was able to push the door open and stand up for what I believe in because they did what they did.”

The actress also highlighted the contributions of Mindy Kaling, whose success in American television and film has helped normalise South Asian presence in the global entertainment landscape.

Priyanka pointed out that Kaling’s achievements underscored the importance of diverse voices in mainstream media, shaping a more inclusive environment overall.

Priyanka’s comments come as she prepares for her upcoming Hollywood release, The Bluff, on Amazon Prime Video and continues to expand her global career. Her gratitude towards her predecessors underscores how representation and perseverance have been central to her evolution as a global artist.

Also read: Priyanka Chopra reveals she left Bollywood for 'legacy' despite Hollywood struggles: "I was trying to survive"

She is also set to star in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi, alongside Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film would mark her return to Indian cinema with a release scheduled for 2027.