Priyanka Chopra’s move to the United States and the impact of on-screen sexualization
In recent remarks captured by media outlets, Indian actor Priyanka Chopra described a pivotal moment in her early career when she began considering a move abroad as a response to the way women were sexualized in some film productions. The narrative, reported by Daily Mail, highlights how industry expectations around appearance began to shape her choices and mindset about her work in cinema.
Chopra recalled a specific incident during a conversation with a director who asserted that visual details of a character, including what a woman wears or exposes, were essential to drawing audiences. The director reportedly explained this emphasis in a way that made Chopra feel uncomfortable, remarking that such imagery would determine whether people would be drawn to the movie. Chopra described the moment as inhumane and troubling, noting that the comment came from the stylist in the director’s presence rather than from a private discussion.
From Chopra’s perspective, this encounter underscored a broader pattern in which her artistic choices and creative input seemed marginalized or dismissed. She indicated that after the exchange, her sense of professional worth in that project diminished, and she chose to exit the film two days later. The decision carried a personal cost, as she was required to contribute compensation from her own funds. Despite facing pressure from the production side, she did not feel empowered to press further or contest the director’s stance at that moment.
Chopra described feeling cornered and unsettled by the surrounding dynamics. She recalled repeated barriers in auditions and an environment where disagreements and intrigue appeared to limit her opportunities. In hindsight, she explained that she needed a break to regroup and to safeguard her well-being, recognizing the toll that such workplace pressures could take on a performer’s confidence and creative drive.
These experiences contributed to a broader decision to pursue opportunities beyond her home country. Over time, Chopra chose to relocate to the United States, seeking new avenues for her career and a space where she could continue to grow as an artist while navigating the evolving landscape of global cinema. The move marked a transition from a challenging chapter within the local industry to a broader stage in which she could continue to express her talents with greater autonomy.
Earlier in her public life, Chopra had also engaged in lighter public discourse, including a moment when she joked about a public figure, Kate Middleton, while appearing on The Citadel. This earlier episode demonstrated the complex interplay between celebrity, media scrutiny, and audience reception that often accompanies high-profile careers.