Priyanka Chopra Jonas discusses the stereotypes faced by Eastern actors in Western entertainment and reflects on her transformative role in ‘Quantico’ during the Bridge Summit in the UAE.
MUMBAI – Priyanka Chopra Jonas recently addressed the ongoing stereotypes that actors from Eastern backgrounds encounter in Western entertainment during her appearance at the Bridge Summit in the UAE.
When asked about her decision-making process regarding roles that do not align with her long-term goals, Chopra Jonas shared her experiences of turning down numerous offers that relied heavily on clichés. She expressed her frustration with the prevalence of characters that were often reduced to stereotypes, such as “the Indian girl with the exaggerated accent… pretty and ornamental.” She noted her surprise at the sheer number of roles written in this manner.
Chopra Jonas highlighted her breakthrough moment with the television series ‘Quantico,’ which she described as a transformative experience. She emphasized that her character was not defined by her ethnicity, stating that the role “could have been from anywhere.” Originally conceived as an American character, the absence of cultural qualifiers allowed her to portray an FBI agent, which significantly shifted how she was perceived within the industry and helped her move beyond the label of “the Indian actor.”
Despite her success, Chopra Jonas acknowledged that many talented performers from Eastern countries continue to face similar typecasting in Hollywood. She pointed out that, although their presence and accomplishments are on the rise, the industry still struggles with outdated stereotypes.
In offering advice to aspiring artists, Chopra Jonas encouraged them to be intentional about the environments they wish to be part of and the people they choose to collaborate with. She stressed that decisions should stem from a clear understanding of the community one wants to belong to, as well as discerning which opportunities merit acceptance or rejection.
Chopra Jonas’s insights reflect a broader conversation about representation and the need for more nuanced roles in the entertainment industry, particularly for actors from diverse backgrounds.
According to India West, her experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of challenging stereotypes and advocating for authentic representation in film and television.