Priyanka Chopra Held Her Own On Set As Her Dad Fought Cancer, Says Co-Star: 'Very Strong Girl'

News18

28-05-2025

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Arjan Bajwa recalls how Priyanka Chopra supported him on Fashion sets while quietly coping with her father's cancer.
Priyanka Chopra has carved out an impressive space for herself globally—balancing Bollywood success, international film roles, and chart-topping music collaborations. But long before becoming a global icon, Priyanka was a pillar of quiet strength on the sets of Fashion.
Actor Arjan Bajwa, who played a key role alongside Chopra in the 2008 film, recently revisited those days in a candid chat with Siddharth Kannan. He recalled being at a low point in his life after the sudden death of his father, politician SS Bajwa. His father had tragically fallen from the terrace of their home following an attack by monkeys.
The emotional toll made it difficult for Arjan to return to acting—until filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar stepped in. 'He gave me an opportunity when all doors were closed to me, and that's why I will always hold him in the highest regard. I tell him to this day that when I was out of everything, he said to me, 'Come on board,'" Bajwa said.
Despite the big break, he admitted that his heart wasn't fully in the shoot. He was going through the movie half-heartedly, he confessed, adding that the team on set was aware of what he was dealing with. However, it was Priyanka Chopra who offered him unexpected comfort, as she too was facing a personal crisis.
'Priyanka and I were sitting and talking while the shot was getting ready, and her father had just been diagnosed with cancer. We were sitting together and discussing our fathers, and she was also going through something very difficult, but she is a very strong girl, and I never saw her vulnerable or breaking down on the set."
Despite the emotional weight both actors were carrying, Priyanka Chopra never let her personal struggles affect her professionalism. Arjan Bajwa recalled being inspired by how composed and focused she remained, even in such a difficult time.
About Fashion
Fashion is a 2008 Bollywood drama directed by Madhur Bhandarkar. The film tells the story of Meghna, a small-town girl who becomes a top model in the fashion industry. Played by Priyanka Chopra, Meghna's journey shows both the glamorous and harsh sides of the modeling world. The film also stars Kangana Ranaut and Arjan Bajwa.
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