Priyanka Chopra Jonas on Embracing Change, Overcoming Fear, and Finding Strength in Vulnerability
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is a global superstar, but her journey has been anything but conventional. From winning Miss World at 18 to becoming one of Hollywood’s most influential actors, her path is filled with lessons on resilience, reinvention, and the power of embracing change. In a candid conversation with Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, Priyanka opens up about her new memoir Unfinished, the importance of self-acceptance, and how she overcame obstacles to forge her own destiny.
Embracing Change: ‘Be Like Water’
One of the most profound lessons Priyanka shares is the philosophy her father taught her: be like water.
“Water can be as powerful as a waterfall, breaking rocks, but it can also be as still as a teacup, offering warmth,” she explains. “My dad told me, ‘Find out who you are and then just take the shape of your circumstances and your environments.’”
This mindset has been pivotal in her ability to adapt and thrive in different industries and cultures. Whether navigating Hollywood or Bollywood, she believes that flexibility is key to growth and success.
Turning Differences into Strengths
Priyanka’s journey to success was not always smooth. Growing up, she moved frequently due to her parents’ military careers, living in multiple cities in India before eventually attending school in the United States. These experiences, though challenging, taught her resilience.
“When I first moved back to India from the U.S., I realized people were looking at me like I was different. Instead of hiding from that, I decided to own it—I wanted to be the shiniest anomaly around.”
Her message is clear: what makes you different is what makes you powerful.
Standing Up for Yourself, Even When It’s Hard
Priyanka is no stranger to adversity. She recalls an early experience in her acting career where she had to walk away from a film because of inappropriate treatment by the director.
“I was told, like most women are, that we need to work within the system or we’ll get a bad reputation. But I asked myself, ‘Can I live with going to work every day knowing this person sees me this way?’ The answer was no.”
She acknowledges that standing up for yourself isn’t always easy, but she encourages women to trust their instincts and never let fear dictate their decisions.
Navigating Grief: ‘Let Yourself Feel It’
One of the most personal topics Priyanka touches on is grief—something she experienced deeply after losing her father. Her advice? Don’t fight it.
“Grief is like quicksand. The more you resist it, the more it pulls you in. Let yourself feel it, mourn, and talk to someone. When you access that emotion and share it, you take away its power.”
She explains that while grief never fully disappears, it can transition from something that consumes you to something that exists beside you.
The Power of Representation in Film
Priyanka’s latest film, The White Tiger, is a gripping story about class struggle in India. She chased after the role not just as an actor, but as an executive producer, to ensure the film had the global platform it deserved.
“In Hollywood, we don’t see enough people who look like me as leading ladies or leading men. I wanted to be behind the helm of that change.”
The film, which became a global success on Netflix, highlights the stark realities of poverty and privilege, a topic Priyanka is passionate about shedding light on.
Final Thoughts: Owning Your Journey
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is proof that success isn’t about fitting into a mold—it’s about breaking the mold entirely. Her journey serves as a reminder that we are never truly finished evolving, and that every challenge presents an opportunity for reinvention.
For more empowering stories and wellness tips, subscribe to Heal Squad with Maria Menounos on YouTube or Apple Podcasts.
