Priyanka Chopra has often referred to the movie “Fashion” as the defining moment in her career. As the film marks its 15th anniversary, Priyanka reflects on the pivotal role it played in resurrecting her career. At the time of its release, she was facing a string of six box office failures, and the movie, co-starring Kangana Ranaut, became a turning point.
In a candid conversation with Dax Shepherd on the Armchair Expert podcast, Priyanka recounted the challenges she faced and the realization that she needed to take charge of her career. Faced with the risk of being forgotten in the male-dominated Hindi film industry, she took on the responsibility of carrying a film on her shoulders. This decision, she admitted, was born out of necessity but ultimately proved to be career-defining. Despite initial fear, six months of scriptwork, and skepticism from others, Priyanka collaborated with director Madhur Bhandarkar on “Fashion.”
During this period, Priyanka faced discouragement, including a magazine cover that boldly proclaimed ‘Finished’ across her face. However, the film not only silenced the critics but also earned her a National Film Award for Best Actress. In her conversation with YouTuber Prajakta Koli, Priyanka revealed the challenges of making a “smaller film” like “Fashion” that relied solely on her shoulders. Many advised her against such a move, suggesting that actresses typically take on such roles towards the end of their careers. Despite warnings that failure in this venture could mean the end of job opportunities, Priyanka persisted and took on the role of Meghna Mathur, an aspiring model, in the film.
“Fashion” portrayed Meghna’s journey from a newcomer in Mumbai to a successful model, exploring the compromises she made and her struggle to reconnect with her roots. Priyanka emphasized that the experience gave her a sense of agency in her career for the first time, reshaping her approach to subsequent projects. Despite the initial doubts and challenges, “Fashion” not only rejuvenated Priyanka’s career but also stands as a testament to her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
