
Priyanka Chopra Reveals She Was ‘Overawed By This Mani Ratnam Classic In Her Teens'
Priyanka Chopra, making waves for her latest film Heads of State, has come a long way since her crowning moment as Miss World 2000 at just 18. In a recent conversation, the actress fondly recalled a pivotal moment that showcased the magic of cinema. When asked if the power of films had ever swept her away, Priyanka revealed a cherished memory of watching Mani Ratnam's 1995 masterpiece, Bombay.
Recalling her early days, Priyanka Chopra shared a poignant memory of watching Mani Ratnam's 'Bombay" in, fittingly, the city of Bombay. She told India Today, 'I didn't grow up watching a lot of movies. We always had music because my dad was a big fan of Bollywood music. We used to play that at home all day. But I remember the very pivotal moment when I watched the movie Bombay in Bombay."
This candid reflection offers a glimpse into Priyanka's upbringing and the film that left a lasting impression on her. 'I was 12 or something, in my early teens. It was just a really heavy movie for a young person, but I was just overawed by it and every time I still watch it, I go back to that. It was my first experience, and it was in a movie theatre. So the collective experience of watching something that was so powerful with people… I will never forget that feeling," she went on to add.
A Timeless Classic: Mani Ratnam's Bombay
Mani Ratnam's 1995 masterpiece, Bombay, is a Tamil musical drama starring Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala. This critically acclaimed film is the second instalment in Ratnam's acclaimed trilogy, which explores the complexities of Indian politics, alongside Roja (1992) and Dil Se (1998).
The film's soundtrack, composed by the legendary AR Rahman, became an instant hit, with its songs achieving cult status. Bombay also received widespread critical acclaim, winning two National Awards: Best Feature Film on National Integration and Best Editing.
On Priyanka Chopra's work front, she will be seen in Heads of State, an Amazon Prime Video film that brings together an impressive ensemble cast, including Idris Elba and John Cena. The film premiered on Prime Video on July 2.
With a diverse range of projects in the pipeline, Priyanka is set to take on the swashbuckling role of a 19th-century Caribbean pirate in The Bluff. Fans can also look forward to seeing her in the highly anticipated web series Citadel, although the second season's release has been pushed to spring 2026.
Additionally, Priyanka is reportedly slated to star alongside Mahesh Babu in SS Rajamouli's upcoming film, promising yet another exciting collaboration.
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