From representing her country to attending the worlds biggest fashion shows. Earlier on in her career she appeared in other artists music videos and then a day came where she appeared in her very own music video. This lady has never once backed down in fear in fact her confidence has pushed her to such heights where perhaps not many would dare to go.
The actress we are talking about is none other than Priyanka Chopra Jonas who will be turning 39 this year. On that note, BizAsiaLive.com will look at five of her films that saw her confidently take on the role of a second leading lady.
‘Andaaz’ (2003)
There was a lot of buzz surrounding this film as two beauty queens were to star opposite Akshay Kumar in this romantic drama. Lara Dutta Bhupathi who became Miss Universe 2000 was making her entry into the world of Hindi Cinema while Jonas who was Miss World 2000, had already made her debut that very year with ‘Hero: the love story of a spy’ (2003) opposite Sunny Deol and Preity Zinta.
With this film both beauties managed to impress the audience and the critics so much that they received many awards and nominations. One of the awards that Jonas was nominated for was the best supporting actress award. Jonas’s character Jiya had various shades to her from a carefree girl to a jealous woman who plans to stop her fiance from leaving her side.
‘Aitraaz’ (2004)
Sonia Roy (Jonas) was a woman with meaning. She knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing to reach her goal even if it meant going against everything and everyone. While she believed her power and position could help her achieve her hearts desires, she didn’t realise that not everyone was willing to break certain boundaries as she would. Unlike her they couldn’t hurt people selfishly to satisfy their own needs. Someone who shows her the mirror is Priya Saxena (Kareena Kapoor Khan) a lawyer who takes on her husband’s case after he is falsely accused by Sonia.
It was the first time that Jonas was seen in a negative role and she was fabulous at being bad. In fact where other actresses might have worried about doing a second lead film and then on top of that doing a negative role, Jonas did the opposite. She didn’t care and rightly so because she walked away with the applause and the awards.
‘Fashion’ (2008)
Even so earlier on in her career Kangana Ranaut was known to be an outstanding actress whose work spoke for itself. However Jonas did not feel threatened to be working alongside Ranaut nor did she feel her character would be inferior to hers. Jonas played the role of Meghna Mathur a young woman who dreams of becoming a super model. Ranaut played the role of Shonali Gujral, a super model who has a drug problem and while her career starts to decline Meghna’s begins to soar.
Over time Meghna’s dreams come true but her journey isn’t an easy one. On her way to the top she loses friends, love and even her own identity. It was a film that showed the harsh realities of the fashion industry with Jonas’s character experiencing the highs and the lows of this world.
‘Barfi’ (2012)
Ileana D’ Cruz made her Bollywood debut with this film after working in the South Indian film industry for many years. Her character Shruti realises she made a mistake marrying the man who gave her a comfortable life rather than marrying the man who would have made her happy. After many years she interacts with the man she once loved only to realise what she has lost when she finds he is in love with another woman.
The other woman is Jhilmil (Jonas) innocent, creative and full of life. Jhilmil is autistic and sees the world very differently from many. Her grandfather understands her and cares for her dearly whereas the rest of her family just fulfil their duty of caring for her needs but don’t give her the love she deserves. Jonas’s portrayal of an autistic woman won the hearts of all, it was hard to believe that this was the same actress that had been seen in previous films. Everyone adored Jhilmil and her curiosity. When both D’ Cruz and Jonas appeared in scenes together their characters showed jealousy towards one another and at times how they wished that they were in each others place.
‘Bajirao Mastani’ (2015)
Both actresses are known for their impressive film choices and their powerful acting. Almost every director would like to see them in their films, one such director was Sanjay Leela Bhansali who decided to cast both ladies in his period film. Deepika Padukone played the role of Mastani a young warrior princess who was very open minded and followed only her heart. While Jonas played the role of Kashibai, a daughter in law, a mother and wife to Peshwa Bajirao (Ranveer Singh). Kashibai was a woman who followed her duties rather than her heart.
It was an unforgettable moment when both actresses shared the screen together. Still Jonas managed to come away with a lot of appreciation for her role in this film. The pain she displayed of a dutiful wife who stuck by her husband through good and bad times and then to be replaced by another woman. The way Jonas said her dialogues made many feel her pain and understand the betrayal her character Kashibai felt. For her performance she received many awards one of them being the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.
The team at BizAsiaLive.com wishes Priyanka Chopra Jonas a very happy birthday!