My Career Has Been My Film Set, I Created It On Hustle: Priyanka Chopra Jonas

India's true crossover success, who tops the most influential list as much as she remains a fan favourite across industries, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is well aware of her status as a global brand ambassador.

Dressed in an off-white and black patterned saree, the actor who is also Chairperson of the Jio MAMI, Mumbai Film Festival, held a masterclass on"The mind of an actor", hosted by Bhumi Pednekar.

The wonderful thing about listening to an actor like Priyanka Chopra is she is candid, and no-holds-barred when it comes to sharing her stories and struggles.
From unaccommodating co-stars to being called problematic, she says a lesson well learnt is to surround oneself with your champions, and not those who are sceptical of your success and your capabilities.

For an actor who confesses she never had a roadmap when she made her debut in the film industry at 18 years of age soon after winning the Miss World Crown in 2000, has
a lot to show for herself in the 23 years. But she says the right to pick and choose projects was never hers for a long time.

"I think after Krrish in 2006, I realised I had a say. Before that was always waiting for what opportunity would come my way, I picked from what came to me. Films like Krrish and Aitraaz gave me a solid foundation, and that was the time when I started seeking work that would challenge me. Like Fashion ( 2008) people told me female-oriented films are done towards the end of your career, but I stayed true to my conviction".

Fashion may have won her the national award for best actress, but her journey in Bollywood came with its share of struggles. Despite box office hits and critical acclaim in films like Kaminey, Saath Khoon Maaf, and Mary Kom, the actor says she has shared screen space with costars who regarded films as their solo performances.

Well aware, she had piqued the audience's interest when she narrated an incident of how a co-actor in a monologue which involved the two, would not let her get a word in. "You all can guess who it is, but I did go to the director and say this is getting very tough for me, I should be allowed to say my line. I feel after a time when you have proven yourself and done successful films, you should never allow a co-actor to make you feel they are better than you. I don't like being bullied and don't take bullying sitting down. But neither do I fight aggressively", she says.

She is one of the most searched celebrities with nearly 90 million followers on Instagram. However, she says it is sad when people disconnect the star and their reality as ordinary people, and she has removed the weight of expectations off her shoulders. " My job is my job, it is not my existence, nor is it my designation. Our jobs are tough it can consume you, social media is a boon and a bane, and the world is a tough place".

Though she says standing up for the things she believes in is important, it comes with its variations. "There are times when I have, there are times when I can't, but I have. It is tough because as a public person, you are expected to have an opinion on everything, but it is not true. You may not know everything. I was opinionated when I was young, but now am discerning. I done follow trends, I set them", she says self assuredly".

The actor who had said being a leading lady in Hollywood at the age of 40, was something she had never imagined. There was a lot she had not explored in intentionally. Her last dystopian spy thriller "Citadel" opened to mixed reviews."I am getting amazing opportunities, hopefully, I will and am in this place where I want to challenge myself. Hopefully, when things resolve with the strike I can find something to sink my teeth into and do the kind of work I did in Hindi cinema".

Talking about her process, she says it is changed over time, depending upon the circumstances. "Like there are times when movies come to me, while there are times when I have to fight and audition for them, and even contact filmmakers if I learn they are doing something that's of interest to me".

A strong advocate for the representation of women, Priyanka Chopra had received equal pay with her Citadel co-star Richard Madden, something that she had described as unimaginable for her. However, she does voice the concern of all female actors on the pressure of leading films. "We have such few female lead films, though we are seeing successes. But, when it does not do well, I feel bad because I feel it is a collective failure for everyone. So few of us get the opportunity to do it. But, women should not take it personally".

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is in Mumbai along with her daughter Malti Marie, whom she admits is a huge fan of Indian food.