Priyanka Chopra praises ICON Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan for Hollywood break: 'I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists that came before me'

Priyanka Chopra over the weekend, made an appearance at a student-led initiative hosted at Harvard University, where she delivered a speech and opened up about her journey from Bollywood to Hollywood.

At the annual gathering, Priyanka joined politician Shashi Tharoor among other leaders across Indian business, policy, technology, finance, literature, culture and sport. While taking to the stage to share her journey, she won hearts for her nod to fellow Indian artists who broke into Hollywood years before her, and made their mark.




Priyanka Chopra showers praise on Aishwarya Rai and Irrfan Khan

Speaking about the performers who helped reprisent India on the global stage, long before her break in 2015, she said, “I really do believe that I stand on the shoulders of amazing artists and talents that came before me. Aishwarya Rai, icon when she was working in Hollywood. Irrfan Khan, of course, Mindy Kaling..."



She went on to say, "I was able to push the door open and stand up for what I believe in, because they did what they did."

Priyanka Chopra on her Harvard appearance

Chopra also took to her handle to share glimpses from the event and penned a note about her time at the university. She informed fans that the topic for the day was 'The India we imagine'.

Reflecting on her day spent with the young minds and talens, she said, "Looking out into the audience, I only had one thought - You are the India I imagined. Let me explain."



She began, "When my 12 year old self landed in a high school in Cedar Rapids Iowa, and subsequently to Newton North High School in Massachusetts in the mid 90s, there were not many looked like me around." Chopra then went on to add, "I would have never imagined in 30 something years, I would be speaking to you, the future of not just India, but our culture and our world, on this stage, in this iconic chamber, where so many incredible people have not only spoken, but where so many leaders of the world as we know it, were born. The audience was packed… and we were Desi… and Desi allies!"


In a note to the students, she said, "Meeting you all, I can tell that you have the empathy and the courage to be the best versions of yourselves. Be kind as well. To others and to yourselves. Thank you for the love. It was my honour and privilege to share this afternoon and this Valentines weekend with you."


Priyanka Chopra on her Hollywood journey

Videos from the chat that went viral online, included her heartfelt discussion on building a “legacy”. Reflecting on her early years in America, the actress said, “I was dealing with a lot when it comes to my work back in India, and I was trying to survive, and I think my goal was, I want another magazine, and that's the only way I could wake up every morning and go through the small role that I have to do."

Opening up about her difficult time during her early years in Hollywood, she said, "I would wait for like 15 hours and not be shot that day. Those are things I hadn't experienced in my career back home. And, I was okay to do it every morning because I was like, I'm going for that long term. I'm going for that legacy."


Priyanka Chopra on the meaning of success

Sharing her new meaning of ‘success’, she added, “My redefinition of success is being able to spend time with my family, to be able to pick up my daughter from school, to have the luxury to pick and choose work where I can craft time around my family and friends, while I navigate this insane career."

On the work front, Priyanka will be seen next in the Hollywood OTT release 'The Bluff'. The film also starring Karl Urban, will release online on February 26.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”