She enjoys Indian music and dance; flair for writing poetry and short stories; reading, especially biographies; and has worked for a lot of social-welfare programs. She aims for the stars after completing her education. She is a movie buff and would love to join the galaxy if a good offer comes.
Mini Biography
Priyanka was born on July 18, 1982, in the Chopra family consisting of her dad, Dr. Ashok and mom, Dr. Madhu (nee Akhauri), and has one younger brother. Her dad is Punjabi-speaking, while her mom is from Bihar. As a child, she suffered from Asthma and was very close to her dad. Her family affectionately called her Mimi.
While she was born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, she also spent her childhood in Rae Barreilly, in Uttar Pradesh as well as in Lucknow, where she was enrolled in the La Martiniere Girls' School. These frequent re-locations took place as Ashok was a doctor in the Indian Army. She subsequently re-located to the U.S. where she studied in Newton's Newton North High School and then in Cedar Rapid's John F. Kennedy High School in Massachusetts and Iowa respectively.
In 2000 she returned to India and enrolled in Jai Hind College and Basant Singh Institute of Science in Churchgate, Bombay, but had to leave abruptly as she was crowned Miss India. She was subsequently crowned Miss World in the same year - a year which proved to be a year for Indian Beauty Queens - as Lara Dutta and Dia Mirza were also crowned Miss Universe and Miss Asia Pacific respectively. Ironically, beauty pageants are banned in India's conservative state, Uttar Pradesh.
After completing her responsibilities as a Beauty Queen, she first appeared on the tinsel screen in India in a Tamil movie 'Thamizhan'.
She made her debut in Bollywood with 'The Hero' in 2002, and then went on to act in over 28 movies, as well as lent her voice as a playback singer in 'Barsaat (2005)'. She has won 11 awards to date for her performance in 'Andaaz', 'Aitraaz', 'The Hero', 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi', & 'Krrish'.
As of June 2007, she is involved in the filming of 'Sahib Biwi Aur Ghulam', 'Kajri', 'Drona', 'London Dreams', 'Qurbani', 'Chamki Chameli', 'Love Story 2050' amongst others.
Trade Mark
Her beautiful smile
Trivia
Winner of the Miss India and Miss World beauty pageants in 2000.
Father Capt. Dr. Ashok Chopra, mother Dr. Madhu Chopra.
Achievements: she is the only Indian in the USA to have been selected at the state level for the National Opus Honor Choir, extensive charity work back in India and the USA, and joined the CAF and CII in their literacy program and is their ambassador. Member of the support group for the Thalassemic children in U.P., India, participated in the adult education awareness program with the non-governmental organizations in the peripheral areas of Bareilly, joined the Indian Government-sponsored Polio Eradication Program as a volunteer. Raised funds for the destitute in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, by participating in a church program.
While shooting the song "Do Me A Favor, Let's Play Holi" in the movie Waqt: The Race Against Time (2005), she stepped on a live wire and received a shock. She was hospitalized for a day.
Did her schooling from La Martinière in Lucknow. She completed tenth grade in Boston and wanted to become a software engineer or a criminal psychologist.
Her father Ashok Chopra, who also manages her career, was diagnosed with a tumor in his liver. He had to undergo a complicated emergency surgery.
Has a younger brother.
Turned down the lead in Umrao Jaan (2006) to work in Bluffmaster! (2005).
Listed as number 2 of 'Top Bollywood Actresses' of 2006. (rediff.com, 8-25-2006)
Turned down a part in London Dreams (2009) because she could not provide the shooting dates as she was busy with other films.
Listed #1 by UK magazine Eastern Eye one of "Asia's Sexiest Women" (Sept/2006).
Appeared on the cover of the premiere issue of Maxim magazine, Indian version, released in 2006.
Personal Quotes
"I fail to understand why people would think I got a raw deal out of Krrish (2006), considering I was present all through the film, from the beginning till the end. And I don't know where people get off really. 'Krissh' has done a business of Rupees 150 crores. It's popular and is almost giving 'Superman' a run for its money, so what more convincing is required to get the point across? I'm very happy with the response I got fro the film. I'm happy with my role. I've learnt that you can't always please everyone in any case. And 'Krissh' is my moment of success; I will not allow anyone to take that away from me." (Stardust magazine, September 2006)
Once I knew I wasn't going to be doing Umrao Jaan (2006), I completely disconnected from the film. And I cannot compare myself to Aishwarya Rai.
When I became Miss World, I couldn't believe I had won it. I used to sleep with my crown because I was scared someone would steal it. In a minute the world changed for me. (July 2007)
I'm lucky. I don't know whether I'm deserving or not. All I know is that I work damn hard for everything. And God helps those who help themselves. Every day is like an exam. I believe destiny and hard work go hand in hand. I was studying to be an engineer when my mom and my brother sent my pictures for the Miss India contest. I didn't even know about it. If that isn't destiny, what is? (July 2007)
Most outsiders look at the film world as something glamorous. But no one sees the hard work that goes into it. I haven't taken a holiday in the last four years. I'm working 25 hours a day. There's no time to sleep or to eat. (July 2007)
When asked what sets her apart from other actresses: "I don't come from a film background. I haven't learned anything about films or film-making. But I have a thirst to know everything about my profession. I want to learn about cinematography, about editing, about music recordings, about post-production. So when people in the know talk, I willingly listen. Also, I'm not scared of working 20 hours a day."
I got into the movies by accident. When I got an offer, I thought let's try this too. Everything in my life has happened by trial and error. I didn't even think I would win the Miss India title so where's the question of thinking I'd come this far. (July 2007)
I thoroughly believe in the institution of marriage, but there's still a long way to go before I get married. Right now I want to concentrate on my career.
I adore watching movies; movie marathons are my favorite pastime. I can watch up to five movies back to back. I also love music and like reading whenever I get the time.
Date of Birth
18 July 1982, Jamshedpur, Bihar, India
Nickname
Sunshine
Mimi
Height
5' 8" (1.73 m)
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