Priyanka Chopra is not only a global icon but also a great ambassador of Indian culture in the West. The former Miss World and Bollywood actor has not only made her mark in the Indian film industry but has also carved a niche for herself in Hollywood. She has been a part of many popular films and TV series, including Baywatch, Quantico, and Isn’t It Romantic. Recently, she has opened up on why she likes to invite her Indian colleagues to dine with her at her Los Angeles home.
Priyanka Chopra has always been vocal about her love for her country and culture. Despite being away from her homeland for most of the time, she has kept herself connected to her roots. Her love for Indian cuisine is evident in the fact that she has a special kitchen in her LA home, where she cooks authentic Indian dishes.
In a recent interview with IndiaTV, Priyanka talked about her experience of making a career in the West and how difficult it was for her to leave her family, friends, and community behind. She said that the loneliness of being away from home can be overwhelming, and that’s why she likes to invite her Indian colleagues to her home to make them feel at home.
Priyanka said, “Mujhe phone aata hai aur main chahti bhi hu ki phone aaye. Aap kisi ko nahi jaante hain, aap set pe jaate hain, kaam kar rahe hain, ghar aarahe hain aur phir kya? Deewarein kaatne ko aati hain. Apni community ko chhod ke, apne khaane ko chhod ke, apni family ko chhod ke, familiraity, friends sab kujh chhod ke waha jana. Bahut mushkil tha mere liye (People do call me and I want them to call me. You know no one, you reach the set, work, go home and then what? The loneliness come to bite you. Leaving my community, my cuisine, family, familiarity, friends, everything…it was very difficult for me).”
Priyanka’s love for her colleagues is evident in the fact that she likes to invite them over for lunch or dinner whenever they are in LA. She said, “Isiliye mere liye bahut zaruri hai mera ghar jo hai na, meri industry ke logo ke liye …ki dekho hamari ladki hai waha pe, aajao mere ghar khana khane ke liye. Boney ji aajao aajao (that is why it is important for me that my house is always open for those from my industry, they can say that it’s our girl. Come over to my house for lunch/dinner. Boney ji come).”
Priyanka’s hospitality is not limited to her Indian colleagues only. She is known to be a great host and loves to entertain her guests. She has hosted many Hollywood celebrities at her home, including Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex.
Priyanka’s love for her culture and community is not limited to just her hospitality. She has been actively involved in many philanthropic activities, including education, health, and women’s rights. She has also been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2010 and has worked tirelessly for the betterment of children’s lives.
Priyanka’s latest project is the upcoming web series, Citadel. She recently attended the London premiere of the series, where she looked stunning in a red dress. She had also visited India with her daughter Malti Marie for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic started. She shared her experience of being back in her home country and spending time with her family.