Priyanka Chopra Says She Didn’t Want to Leave Bollywood, Was ‘Pushed’ Toward Hollywood: “I Felt Limited”

Actor Priyanka Chopra, one of India’s most globally recognized stars, has reflected on her transition from Bollywood to Hollywood, saying she never intended to leave Hindi cinema but felt compelled to explore opportunities abroad.

In a recent interview with Firstpost, Priyanka spoke candidly about her career shift. “I don’t think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood,” she said, explaining that while working in Hindi films she often felt constrained. “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 acknowledged that rebuilding a career in the United States was far from easy. “After almost 12 years, I am now finding the momentum to pick and choose really amazing work, and that’s not easy,” she noted.

Despite her success in international projects, Priyanka emphasized her continued connection to Indian cinema. “I love my Indian films. I would hate to have to choose between the two,” she said, adding that she enjoys navigating both industries. “They are both different to work in, just as cultures are, but it’s a unique and amazing experience to straddle both worlds.”

Priyanka began exploring global opportunities alongside her music career in 2012 before making her Western acting debut with the series Quantico. She later appeared in films such as Baywatch and The Matrix Resurrections, and has since taken on leading roles in high-profile projects including Citadel.

Among her upcoming releases is The Bluff, a pirate adventure directed by Frank E. Flowers, which is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on February 25.

Priyanka is also preparing for her return to Indian cinema with a project directed by S. S. Rajamouli, co-starring Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran. The film, currently in development, is expected to release in theatres in 2027.