Smita Jaykar Thought Priyanka Chopra Couldn't Be A Heroine: ‘She Was Dark, Looked Like Nothing'
Priyanka Chopra has shattered countless stereotypes to become one of the most influential Indian actors in the world today. But her journey to stardom was anything but easy. In a recent interview, veteran actor Smita Jaykar, who worked with Priyanka in the 2004 film Kismat, recalled her first impression of the actress and how Chopra's incredible transformation left her stunned.
Speaking to Filmymantra Media, Smita candidly shared, 'I did Priyanka's initial days' film with her, Kismat. She was very thin, skinny, dark. She was introduced to me and Mohan Joshi that she will be playing our daughter. When I saw her, I said, 'Oh My God'. She looked like nothing at that point of time. I thought how do these people come to become a heroine."
However, Smita admitted that her perception changed completely. 'Cut to, Priyanka Chopra was wow. I thought what has this girl gone and done. She became a diva completely. So, you can't judge somebody and say, 'Yaar, yeh kisko leke aaye ho'. Kuch maaloom nahi kiski kismat kab badal jaaye. What an actress, fab!"
Priyanka has always been vocal about her struggles with body image and skin colour. In an earlier interview with BBC, the Quantico star had said, 'I was called 'black cat', 'dusky'. I mean, what does 'dusky' even mean in a country where we are literally all are brown? I thought I was not pretty enough, I believed that I would have to work a lot harder, even though I thought I was probably a little bit more talented than my fellow actors who were lighter skinned."
Despite the challenges, Priyanka has carved a unique path in global entertainment. She was last seen in Heads of State, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on July 2. The action-comedy features her as MI6 agent Noel Bisset, alongside Idris Elba and John Cena. Meanwhile, Smita Jaykar will next appear in Maa Lapataa and the third season of web series Romeo.
First Published:
July 05, 2025, 01:08 IST
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