- Priyanka Chopra won the Miss World title in 2000, leading to numerous film offers.
- Despite her success, her hometown, Bareilly, did not warmly welcome her return.
- Upon her return to Mumbai, she was warmly welcomed and received numerous film offers.
Madhu Chopra, the proud mother of global sensation Priyanka Chopra, reflected on her daughter’s Miss World win during a conversation on the “Something Bigger Show” on YouTube. She recalled the moment in 2000 when Priyanka brought home the prestigious crown but sadly revealed that people in Bareilly were not ready to welcome her upon her return.
Explaining the reason, Priyanka Chopra’s mother shared, “At that time, a trend or a bad wind was blowing that all these beauty pageants were for “naari shoshan” (oppression or exploitation of women).” She added that people believed pageants objectified and shamed women. As a result, the organizers struggled to secure permission for Priyanka’s visit, which eventually took place under strict limitations.
Eventually, the authorities allowed Priyanka to visit, but only within the Army area. She could hold her welcome party exclusively at the Army club, with only Army officers in attendance and no civilians. Madhu expressed that winning the title at that time was a significant achievement, yet “her home state didn’t welcome her.” Despite all this, the actress remained unfazed.
Madhu clarified that Priyanka was not exploited and did everything on her terms. The “Bajirao Mastani” star seized the opportunity and excelled, as only she could. When Priyanka flew to Mumbai, she was warmly welcomed. Her admirers greeted her enthusiastically, and she was inundated with film offers.
Although Priyanka Chopra was initially reluctant and prioritized her education, she eventually signed her debut movie, “Thamizhan”, opposite South Indian actor Vijay. In 2003, she made her Hindi film debut with “The Hero: Love Story of a Spy”.
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