“I want to be proud of my work”: Priyanka Chopra shines in 'Heads of State' with Idris Elba & John Cena

At the London premiere of her latest film, 'Heads of State,' Priyanka Chopra Jonas lit up the red carpet with more than just glamour. Priyanka Chopra opened up about her approach to choosing roles that offer substance over surface.



Not just a pretty face: Priyanka on owning the screen—"I “want to be proud of the work."


Speaking at the premiere to PTI, Priyanka emphasized that she chooses characters that are more than just decorative. “I want to be proud of the work I take on,” she said, adding that she prefers roles with agency—women who drive the story rather than decorate it. Heads of State, an action comedy, gave her just that: a sharp and fearless MI6 agent named Noel Bisset.


A mind-over-muscle heroine—“She’s 10 steps ahead.”


While the film features Hollywood heavyweights Idris Elba and John Cena as world leaders under threat, Priyanka’s character is the anchor of the team.


“She’s 10 steps ahead,” Priyanka said with a smile. “She’s always planning; she’s not impulsive. I love that about her.” The film gave her the chance to mix intelligence, wit, and action—a combination she’s proud to represent on screen.


Faith, failure & focus: Priyanka’s "advice—"People don’t matter."


Beyond the film, Priyanka shared a bit of hard-won wisdom from her journey. “Practice makes perfect,” she said. “You could fail multiple times trying to get there, but that doesn’t mean you give up.” For her, it’s about focusing on the outcome and tuning out the noise. “People don’t matter—they’re not putting food on your plate. Focus on the ones who love you,” she added.


'Heads of State,' directed by Ilya Naishuller ('Nobody' fame), also stars Paddy Considine, Carla Gugino, Jack Quaid, and others. Attending the premiere were Priyanka’s husband, Nick Jonas, and cousin, the Bollywood's talented actress Parineeti Chopra.