Global icon Priyanka Chopra Jonas, known for her advocacy of diversity and representation in entertainment, recently opened up about a disheartening experience in Hollywood where she was rejected for a role based on her ethnicity. The incident, shared during a candid interview at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2017, has reignited conversations around inclusivity in the film industry.
“Too Ethnic” for a Role
Priyanka revealed that she was turned down for a mainstream American role because the decision-makers deemed her “too ethnic.” She recalled how even her agent struggled to convey the reason for her rejection, eventually admitting, “Priyanka, I don’t know how to say this in 2017, but that was actually the reason.”
What stood out to the actress was the blatant nature of the rejection. Priyanka pointed out that the explanation was rooted in a lack of willingness to embrace diversity, as the creators claimed they would need to justify her character’s background if she were cast. “They said they would have to explain where her parents came from and why she was in America, as if that wasn’t already a reality in a diverse country like the U.S.,” Priyanka said.
Calling for Industry Change
Despite her personal challenges, Priyanka highlighted the importance of breaking barriers for future generations. She passionately emphasized that actors of color must continue pushing for change so the next wave of talent doesn’t face the same roadblocks. “Whether it happens for me or not, I really hope that the next generation doesn’t have to deal with this because of what we are doing today,” she stated.
Rising Beyond Barriers
Despite setbacks, Priyanka has achieved immense success in Hollywood with notable projects like Baywatch, The Matrix Resurrections, and Citadel. Her upcoming films, Heads of State and The Bluff, promise to further showcase her versatile talent.
Priyanka Chopra’s journey serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for greater diversity and inclusivity in global cinema, inspiring countless individuals to challenge the status quo and demand better representation in entertainment.
