Madhu Chopra hails daughter Priyanka's Hollywood journey: ‘Not the first Indian'; what it means to create identity in a new setup

Indian Express

4 days ago

Madhu Chopra, who has witnessed daughter Priyanka Chopra's success (and failures) from close quarters, recently opened up about the actor's journey in Hollywood. 'She was not the first Indian and will not be the last Indian. But she has been the most consistent,' Madhu said.
'She has kept her head down. Followed the rules and did everything exactly how she was supposed to behave. She didn't bring Bollywood baggage there. She went as a beginner. She came with a lot of talent that nobody can deny,' Madhu told Filmygyan.
Taking a leaf out of her diary, let's explore what it entails to make a mark in a new setting.
Any unfamiliar territory – new jobs, new relationships, new expectations — breeds anxiousness. 'The pattern is always the same: the fear of not being enough, the pressure to prove themselves overnight, the frustration of being overlooked,' said Delnna Rrajesh, psychotherapist, and relationship life coach.
'Madhu Chopra's praise for Priyanka's ability to keep her head down and work her way up in Hollywood isn't just a compliment, it's a blueprint for every woman who has ever stepped into a new world – be it a new career, a new country, or a new phase in life – with nothing but her skills, her resilience, and an unwavering belief in herself,' added Rrajesh.
Taking some inspiration, here's what you can do.
Master before you market
Before demanding recognition, become so good they can't ignore you.
Let your work speak before you do
The loudest person in the room isn't always the most respected. 'In a new setup, listen more than you speak. Observe the culture, understand the rules, and then—show brilliance with results, not words,' said Rrajesh.
Build quietly, shine loudly
The most potent transformations happen when no one is watching. Priyanka took years to prove her talent before Hollywood recognised her. 'Build in silence, so when the world watches, you're already unstoppable,' shared Rrajesh.
Play the long game
Creating an identity isn't about going viral; it's about being undeniable. 'The world notices consistency, not noise. You don't need to prove yourself in a day – improve yourself every day,' shared Rrajesh.
Own your story – don't apologise for it
You'll be judged, doubted, and underestimated in a new space. 'Let them. Instead of proving your worth to others, prove it to yourself first. Confidence isn't about being loud – it's about being unshakable,' mentioned Rrajesh.
Respect the hustle, not just the spotlight
So, if you're in a new space and feeling unseen or unheard, keep your head down, do the work, and one day, the world will look up and see you standing tall, mentioned Rrajesh.