‘My mom sent the photos’: When Priyanka Chopra spoke about her unplanned path to stardom

A stunned Priyanka wondered aloud, “How could Femina know I live in Bareilly — and know my name?” It was only after some gentle prodding that her mother sheepishly confessed: “You know, I sent those pictures.”

Priyanka Chopra won the Miss World title in 2000. (Pic: Priyanka/Instagram)

When asked by Simi whether her mother was fulfilling a hidden dream for her, Priyanka answered thoughtfully, “I don’t think it was either. Nobody in my entire khandaan had ever been part of showbiz or anything like that. When you’re from a small place like Bareilly, you don’t even think about stardom. It just happened. My brother — who was just ten years old at the time — had said, ‘Oh didi is beautiful and she is 5’6’ So my mom just said, ‘Yeah, why not.'”

That fateful decision would catapult a 17-year-old Priyanka into a world she had never imagined. She even recalled being among the first to walk into the pageant’s infamous bikini round — a nerve-wracking experience for the teenager. “I was most nervous about the fact that, ‘Oh my god, I have to wear a swimming costume in front of these judges. What must they be thinking?’ I was totally nervous. I think I must have scored my lowest ever during that round.”

Psychotherapist Malika Chandra notes that Priyanka’s story underscores key strategies for adapting to a new and overwhelming environment. According to Chandra, believing in one’s ability to adjust — using previous instances of successful adaptation — is crucial. “It’s about reminding yourself that you’ve done hard things before,” she says.

Chandra also stresses the importance of seeking social support, whether through familiar relationships or by building new connections. “Keeping your support system close, even as you step into the unknown, makes all the difference,” she explains.

Continuing self-care practices, reframing challenges as opportunities for growth, and remaining mindful of emotional shifts are also vital tools. “Practicing emotional regulation is not about denying fear or anxiety — it’s about acknowledging it and choosing how to respond,” Chandra adds.

In Priyanka’s case, what started as a nerve-wracking leap turned into an extraordinary story of resilience, self-belief, and ultimate success. A perfect reminder that sometimes, the unexpected journeys are the ones that shape us the most.