Birthday Love: Priyanka Chopra’s five most powerful performances of all time
Known as one of the finest actors to grace the Indian film industry and achieve complete global domination, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is now one of the most loved artists all across the world. An epitome of sheer talent and indomitable skill with a kind heart and humble attitude, she is an inspiration to many and can certainly be deemed as the pride of Indian industry.
After winning the title of Miss World 2000, she made her mark in Bollywood through a series of incredible performances and memorable roles. Later, she established herself as a singer and actor in Hollywood and made it big out there! She is the recipient of numerous accolades including a National Film Award and five Filmfare Awards. She was also honoured with Padma Shri by the Government of India in 2016. She was named as Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in the same year. She was also listed as Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women in 2017 and 2018 consecutively. She has worked with UNICEF and was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador for Child Rights in 2010 and 2016, respectively. She has also contributed in promoting gender equality, feminism, women’s rights, health, education and a better environment.
As the multi-talented diva celebrate her 37th birthday, BizAsiaLive.com look back at some of her most powerful film performances among numerous such others:
Sonia Roy in ‘Aitraaz’ (2004) – Taking up a negative role in the initial days of one’s film career is anything but easy. Yet Chopra’s portrayal of the bold and ambitious antagonist in the film won millions of hearts far and wide. She was highly appreciated for her effortless performance in the film by critics and viewers alike. Breathing life to Sonia’s excessive ambitiousness, misuse of power, lust, desperation, vile obstinacy and the ultimate climax as she succumbs to her fate was indeed commendable. The role brought in her first Filmfare Award as Best Performance in a Negative Role, making her the second and final actress to ever win the same award. She also won other accolades like Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award for Best Actress and Screen Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role for her performance in the film.
Meghna Mathur in ‘Fashion’ (2008) – Considered to be one of her finest performances in Bollywood, this is a role that proved Priyanka Chopra is here to stay. Appreciated and acclaimed by critics and fans worldwide, her performance won her the National Film Awards for Best Actress and yet another Filmfare Award on the same category. The film completely revolves around Chopra’s character as she grows from a small town girl to a leading supermodel. Chopra completely justifies and rather excels in the responsibility handed over to her. Her power and dexterity in delivering the various struggles and experiences of a new girl with big dreams in the fashion industry is praiseworthy. Chopra makes all of Meghna’s hurdles, mistakes, emotions, failures and success, believable onscreen. This film certainly goes down as one of the bests in her career.
Jhilmil in ‘Barfi!’ (2012) – Perhaps one of her most loved role in Bollywood, Chopra’s portrayal of the autistic Jhilmil showcased her brilliant acting prowess yet again. Completely leaving behind the glamour quotient and diva image, she beautifully embraced the differently abled character and performed her part with great finesse. She proficiently brings out the minute behavioural patterns, the childlike innocence, the occasional outbursts and the subtle emotions of her character. She completely unites with the character onscreen and results in presenting a role that is remembered by all to this day.
Mary Kom in ‘Mary Kom’ (2014) – Chopra plays the titular role in this biographical sports film, which becomes another of her most highly appreciated performance of all time. She essays the role of legendary boxer Mary Kom and brilliantly traces her journey through the course of the film. It can be very rightly said that Chopra completely carried the entire film on her shoulders. Although taking up the biographical role of an existing sports icon was challenging in itself yet she did complete justice to the character. She underwent several months of extensive physical training and learnt Mary Kom’s distinct boxing method with utter zeal and dedication. The film received critical and commercial success with Chopra earning special recognition for her performance. She won the Screen Award for Best Actress once again as well as the Producers Guild Film Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Kashibai in ‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015) – Despite not being a part of the titular cast, Chopra’s character completely owns the iconic Sanjay Leela Bhansali period romance film. She is terrific in her portrayal of Bajirao’s wife and stands as an embodiment of dignity and self-respect till the very end. Her brilliant Marathi dialogue delivery, empowering expressions and strong layers of emotions reflect so brightly onscreen that Chopra shines through the visually appealing project. Priyanka won Best Supporting Actress once again at the 61st Filmfare Award alongside earning mass appreciation across the globe.
BizAsiaLive.com wishes the beloved desi-girl, a massive happy birthday and hopes she continues to rule the world like she rightly does!
– Varsha Roy
