Priyanka Chopra on married life, films she wants to make and finally accepting her father’s loss
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 25, 2019)

Early in the afternoon, Priyanka Chopra glides into Film City studio like a beam of sunshine and straightaway gets down to business. Excerpts from an interview:

Three years after Prakash Jha’s cop-drama Jai Gangaajal, you have another Hindi film coming up with The Sky Is Pink. How does it feel to be back to your first love, Bollywood?
It’s still my love. I couldn’t do a Hindi film earlier because three seasons of Quantico took up 11 months of a year and I just didn’t have the time or bandwidth. I love the new-wave films being made and how people are reacting to them. As a filmmaker and an actor who likes to do different things, I have a choice and was able to pick a film like The Sky Is Pink.

The film deals with the subject of loss. What drew you to it?
What moved me about this film was its take on family, relationships and loss. Indian culture teaches us to stay together as a family through all trials and this film underlines this even through the loss of a child. Instead of mourning death, Shonali (Bose, director) chooses to celebrate life. My mother, brother and I also agreed not to remember the last few moments before my dad passed away. We remember the man, his spirit and laughter, how he brought families together. Death is inevitable, yet we are afraid of it. Shonali changed my perspective through this film, healed me.

Shonali said recently that during a scene, you couldn’t stop crying even after she called “Cut”. Did it remind you of someone who is long gone?
In that particular scene Zaira’s (Wasim) character Aisha (Chaudhary) decides she’s not going to go in for surgery to extend her life because she doesn’t want to be bed-ridden for the rest of her life. My character Aditi agrees with the decision, but as Aisha’s mother during the scene, I kept thinking about what it must be like to lose a child. So, I just held Shonali and kept saying I was sorry she had to go through this, I couldn’t stop crying. You can empathise with the loss, but won’t really understand the feeling unless you have a child of your own. As a director’s actor, I spoke a lot to Shonali; I also spent a lot of time with Aditi Chaudhary (Aisha’s real mother) in London. The beauty of this film is that every family can relate to it because it’s about normal people with normal problems but extraordinary will.

Tell us about one such conversation with Shonali?
It was during a shoot in Delhi… We sat on a park bench and spoke for an hour. I was about to get married and was missing my dad. We had to shoot a difficult scene as well but we didn’t touch on it, just processed the loss. My dad had been ill and I knew it would happen but it was still painful. We spoke about the inevitability of loss and by the time we went back to the shoot, she didn’t even need to direct me.

Your on-screen daughter Zaira recently announced her retirement from acting, stating that her career was coming in the way of her religion. What do you think of her decision?
It’s a personal choice. Who are we to dictate what someone should and shouldn’t do? She is an amazing actor who has done incredible work. We will always wish her the best.

She has not been a part of the promotions, have you connected with her since her announcement?
I’ve spoken to her many times, but not about her decision to quit films. That’s none of my business. She’s an amazing artiste but maybe it was time for her…

In a recent interview, you spoke about wanting to have a baby. What is the one thing you really want to experience as a mother in real life?
The only thing I pray and wish for is a healthy child who can live life to the fullest.

What kind of a father will Nick Jonas make?
We will find out. It’s a hypothetical question about a hypothetical future.

Okay, what’s Nick like as a husband?
I can only relate to what I saw with my parents’ marriage. That was a marriage of equals, there was a lot of mutual respect and admiration. Nick and I have that too. He is the most considerate man I’ve ever met. In everything he does, Nick puts me first. It’s wonderful to wake up every day and know that there is this person who thinks about you even before you think about yourself. That’s eventually what you want, someone who loves you like a hug.

Did you see your dad in him?
The more I get to know him, yes. I feel I have married someone who is my dad’s chhavi. Not just the music, they are both very stable, solid, rooted and dependable.

Has Priyanka, as a person, changed much after the wedding?
(Laughs) I’ve become nicer and happier. This is the most content I’ve been in a really long time and full credit to my husband who is a calming presence while I run a million miles a minute. We are like each other’s Yin and Yang, that’s what you want to find in your partner.

What is your usual day in Los Angeles like?
We don’t have one as both of us travel a lot. Right now, we are based in New York a lot more than LA. When we have a day off, we don’t access our phones, just grab lunch, chat for hours, watch a movie, take Diana (their pet) for a walk… Nick loves walking in NY and I’m trying to learn how to do that since I’m not much of a walker. But there is something romantic about it, apparently.

What’s happening on the work front in the US?
I’ve just wrapped up a kiddie superhero movie with (director) Robert Rodriguez. It also has Pedro Pascal, Christian Slater and a bunch of other actors and 11 kids. Then, there’s the adapation of the book, The White Tiger and a romcom with Mindy Kaling inspired by my own wedding which I’m producing. I’m a huge fan and when I met her for lunch, we started talking about my wedding, her relationship with India and the story just came out from there. It’s a buddy comedy between two girls and travels from the US to India for an enormous wedding like mine. We are still writing that one. I’m also in talks for an American TV show but can’t divulge details. I’m producing two other TV shows in the US too but won’t be acting in them.

What’s happening with the show on Madhuri Dixit’s life in Denver?
We were developing that, but I don’t know what’s the status on it. It was a sitcom inspired from MD’s life, an Indian actor who moves to the US and what happens next.

Madhuri’s back in the Bay. Do you miss Mumbai?
Of course, I do, but I come back every two-three months because I have a home and work here. So, it’s not like I’m really gone. But I miss the city when I am away. Today I had fresh idlis after three months and it was a great start to my morning.

You are house-hunting in Los Angeles, we’re told...
Yup, we sold our house and are looking for another one. My work dictates my life in both countries so it’s important to have a base in India and the US. It will be Nick and my first home together and that makes it exciting.

Your brother Siddharth has reportedly found love again in South Indian actress Neelam Upadhyay…
Like I said with Zaira, I don’t speak about other people’s life because it’s not my business. You should ask him when you meet him next.

After you stepped out of Bharat, buzz was Salman Khan got upset and took jibes at you while promoting the film. Have you spoken to him since?
The only thing I’d say is that if there was a reaction required you’d have had it by now. Salman is amazing. I’ve always admired him. He came for Nick and my reception, we went to his house, I’m really close to his sister (Arpita Khan). So, there’s never an issue with him.

After Dil Dhadakne Do you’ve reunited with Farhan Akhtar for The Sky Is Pink. Can we hope to see you return with Don 3?
You will have to ask the producers that. No one has spoken to me about it, it’s been almost 10 years.

With this film you’ve made your debut as a Hindi film producer. Any plans to revive the Kalpana Chawla biopic?
I don’t believe in projects, I believe in stories. We are working on the script, when it’s ready, we will green-light it.

Meanwhile you’re playing Ma Anand Sheela in a film adaptation of a 2018 documentary on the Rajneesh cult…
That’s another script we are developing. I am doing it with Barry Levinson who directed Rain Man. I will be producing it.

Buzz is, another favourite director of yours, Sanjay Leela Bhansali, has approached you for his dream project, Gangubai, one of the mafia queens of Mumbai. Simultaneously, it’s also been reported that Alia Bhatt is doing the film.
I have no idea. I haven’t signed a Hindi film yet because the two I’m doing in the US and the one I’m starting next year, are taking up my time. Now, it’s time to go shopping for the next film I’d want to do. I wanted to finish The Sky Is Pink first. I’m a fan of Sanjay Bhansali in whatever he makes, I’ll always be his fan.

MUMBAI MIRROR (September 5, 2019)

A few months after his wedding was abruptly called off with Ishita Kumar, Priyanka Chopra’s brother Siddharth is in the news again. He was spotted with a ‘mystery girl’ at a Ganesh pooja earlier this week. The suspense around the duo continued until Siddharth revealed her identity in his Instagram story. The lady in question is actress Neelam Upadhyaya, who made her debut with the 2012 Telugu film Mr 7, followed by a Tamil debut with Unnodu Oru Naal in 2013.

For the pooja, the duo turned up colour-coordinated in blue. While Siddharth wore a blue bandhgala, Neelam opted for a salwar-kameez. Looks like her family approves of the budding friendship too, as Pinky Rajput, who is Neelam’s sister-in-law, and did her make-up and hair for the do, put up an exultant post as well.

When Mirror reached out to Siddharth, he neither confirmed nor denied if they are dating, simply refusing to comment on the matter.

Siddharth’s wedding with Ishita, which was to take place in April, had been postponed, reportedly because his then bride-to-be had to undergo an emergency surgery. She had later posted a picture from a resto-bar, this time with the cryptic caption, “Cheers to new beginnings. With a goodbye kiss to beautiful endings,” which fuelled rumours of a break-up.

They got engaged in March with family and friends, including Priyanka and Nick Jonas, by their side. Priyanka, who had reportedly flown down to Mumbai for the wedding on April 24, left on April 30 after casting her vote and inaugurating her mother Madhu Chopra’s clinic. Soon after, she unfollowed Ishita on Instagram. 

After Madhu Chopra stated ceremony was postponed because the bride was ailing, Ishita posts about “new beginnings and beautiful endings”
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; May 3, 2019)

Mirror had earlier reported (April 30) that Priyanka Chopra’s brother Siddharth’s wedding, which was to take place last weekend has been postponed, reportedly because the bride-to-be had to undergo an emergency surgery and needed time to recuperate. Ishita even posted a picture from the hospital a week ago, stating, “Recovering from surgery. Very painful but glad it’s over.”

On Thursday, she posted another picture of herself at a resto-bar, this time with the cryptic caption, “Cheers to new beginnings. With a goodbye kiss to beautiful endings.”

Followers reacted with messages cheering her up and telling her to “stay strong and beautiful”. Her mother, Nidhi Kumar, advised, “Close old book and write new story” while father Anirudh stated, “We are with you; Feel the expanse of the universe and be the star you were born to be.”

Mysteriously, pictures from her roka ceremony have gone missing from her Instagram handle, except for a solo picture. There is not a single picture of her with her groom-to-be on the handle. Interestingly, just a few days ago, Ishita had shared a picture with friends from her bridal shower, stating, “Last night was so much fun. Thank you for making it so special. Can’t believe it I’m getting married.”

Priyanka, who had reportedly arrived for the wedding on April 24, left six days later, on April 30, after casting her vote and inaugurating her mother Madhu Chopra’s clinic with Siddharth. The trio did not speak of the impending wedding, instead PeeCee was spotted partying with new bride Isha Ambani and cousin Parineeti Chopra.

Soon after her return to the US, the actress unfollowed Ishita on Instagram. However, PeeCee’s dog, Bailey Chopra, continues to ‘follow’ her.

The engagement ceremony in March was a family affair in the capital city. Priyanka and Nick who had tied the knot just three months ago, had flown down from Los Angeles for it. PeeCee welcomed Ishita into the family, rhapsodising over pictures of the couple, “You r so beautiful together… I wish you both the best for the future.” An ecstatic Ishita had also shared pictures of the gifts from the couple, along with a handwritten note from ‘NP’ informing that these were just some fun things to welcome her. “It’s a kit to be a bride. We love you,” the note stated. Siddharth and Ishita were reportedly in a relationship for a while before they agreed to take the plunge.

Earlier, in October 2014, Siddharth had got engaged to longtime girlfriend Kanika Mathur. The couple was to marry in Feb 2015, in Goa. A status on Siddharth’s Facebook page on Dec 4, 2014 read, “Wedding plans. Early Morning flight to Goa.” But before the year was out, he put up another post to say, “Single. Ready to mingle. Go Goa Gone. Wish everyone a very happy 2015.”

That time too, it was said that the wedding had only been delayed and not cancelled. “Siddharth wants to concentrate on his career and his new venture (a pub-lounge in Pune). Pushing it ahead was a big decision for both the families,” a source close to the family was quoted as saying. Priyanka was not in the country at that time and it was said, the wedding could not take place without her.

On Thursday, on the wedding being “postponed” Madhu Chopra, had told Bombay Times, “We are disappointed but what can you do when a person is unwell? We wish Ishita a speedy recovery.”

Mirror contacted Priyanka’s publicity manager and also mother Madhu Chopra on the conflicting reports about Siddharth and Ishita’s wedding. Despite repeated texts and calls, both chose not to comment. 

Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 30, 2019)

While Priyanka Chopra had arrived in Mumbai last week for brother Siddharth Chopra’s wedding with Ishita Kumar, it looks like the celebrations will have to wait. According to a source, the wedding, which was to be held last weekend, has been postponed as the bride-to-be had to undergo an emergency surgery just days before the ceremony. “There are rumours that the wedding has been called off, but it is not true. Ishita needs some time to recuperate from her surgery and the families are looking for another mahurat,” the source added.

Siddharth and Ishita had their roka ceremony on February 27 in Delhi. Welcoming her future sister-in-law into the family, Priyanka had shared on her Instagram, “So proud of my baby brother. You are so beautiful together...”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; December 4, 2018)

Nick Jonas and Priyanka Chopra’s lavish wedding at the Umaid Bhawan Palace was a beautiful blend of Indian and Western culture. The couple had a Christian wedding on December 1 followed by a Hindu ceremony the next day.

On Sunday evening, as the regal baraat procession reached the Baradari Lawns, Priyanka’s mom, Madhu, performed an aarti to welcome the groom. The men among the baraatis were dressed in sherwanis and Rajasthani saafas, while women wore lehenga-cholis. Before the wedding, PC’s cousin, Parineeti, hid Nick’s shoes as per the joota chupai ceremony and demanded Rs 5 lakh to return the same.

A source says, “Both the families accepted and followed each other’s customs wholeheartedly. During the Hindu wedding, Priyanka’s younger sibling, Siddharth, explained every ritual and its significance to Nick’s family. Siddharth and Nick’s brothers — Kevin, Joe and Frankie — also had a fun-filled competition where they picked up the bride and groom to a certain height, right before the varmalas (garlands) were exchanged.”

Nick was quite intrigued with the Hindu rituals. “When he was told that the saat pheras imply a vow taken by the bride and groom to spend seven lifetimes together, the latter exclaimed, ‘We should take seven more’. Everyone cheered after he made this remark.” Right after the wedding celebrations wrapped up, the American singer-songwriter also took the mic to give a short speech about his beloved wife, which left the latter teary-eyed. “He vowed to stay true to his promise and take care of her forever. At the end, PC was quite overwhelmed with Nick’s sweet gesture,” adds the source. After the nuptials, the guests partied till late.

Yesterday, both the families left for Delhi where Nickyanka will have their first reception tonight. A Bollywood reception is also on the cards, but the newlyweds are yet to lock in on a date and venue.

— With inputs from Sangeeta Sharma


(The newly-weds at Jodhpur airport. —Pic: Yogen Shah)

MUMBAI MIRROR (August 17, 2018)

Priyanka Chopra who was flaunting her ring at Manish Malhotra’s house party on Tuesday, is one step away from announcing that Nick Jonas and she are engaged. While her 25-year-old pop singer beau let it slip when he accepted congratulations from a fan at an event in the US recently, PeeCee has been tight-lipped on the subject, surreptitiously slipping the engagement ring off her finger while arrivng in India from Singalore last week.

Now, buzz is, in keeping with the desi girl’s wishes, Nick and his parivaar are flying down to Mumbai this weekend for a roka ceremony which will be hosted by Priyanka’s mother, Madhu Chopra, and brother Siddharth. Nick was in India in June. He stayed at his fiancee’s Juhu bungalow and met her friends before taking off with her to Goa for a vacation. The couple returned to Mumbai to attend the pre-engagement ceremony of Akash Ambani and Shloka Mehta before heading back to LA. And while PeeCee had spent some time with Nick, his brother Joe and his fiancee, Sophie Turner during the Fourth of July weekend, this is the first time that the two families will be meeting and mingling with Bollywood in attendance.

While the gossip goes that the wedding is not too far away, and Nick has said he wants kids soon, Priyanka hasn’t quit on her first love yet. She has begun filming Shonali Bose’s The Sky is Pink with Farhan Akhtar and Zaira Wasim.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the actress paid a surprise visit to her Bajirao Mastani director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. After the release of their 2015 historical romance, there’s been talk of the two collaborating on another project, the biopic of Gangubai Kothewali. Speculation was rife that after exiting Salman Khan’s Bharat, she had left SLB in a lurch too but he has clarified that they had never discussed the project. So, why the visit? Maybe she was just there to invite Bhansali to her big day?

Raghuvendra Singh (TIMES LIFE; October 25, 2015)

And it's a Film wrap! Being a part of #BajiraoMastani is a milestone in my life! Thank u Sanjay Sir for being a dream.Thank you Team.left a part of me behind..

A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Oct 12, 2015 at 3:45am PDT

And the chopper takes off.. Leaving beautiful Wai and the unit that spent a year making this beautiful masterpiece with a sad goodbye but a song in my heart #BajiraoMastani

A photo posted by Priyanka Chopra (@priyankachopra) on Oct 12, 2015 at 3:57am PDT

Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 25, 2015)

Priyanka Chopra, who is filming ABC's FBI drama, Quantico, in Montreal was joined by her mother, Madhu, and brother Siddharth last Sunday.

On Monday, she will fly off with them to Los Angeles to shoot a special episode with actor-comedian Jimmy Kimmel on his talk show. The actress will also be seen on Good Morning America, this week. "And all this with some ghar ka khaana," says the 33-year-old-actress.

Referring to mama Chopra, PeeCee makes a puppy face, "Late nights upset me, but mommy's lap makes me happy. It's all about unconditional love."

She will fly back to Mumbai in October to shoot the climax of Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani.
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PC flew her mom and brother to Los Angeles for the premiere of Quantico
Harshada Rege (DNA; September 25, 2015)


While PC is already in the US to witness reactions to the show, she wanted her family to be with her to share her big moment. She flew her mother Madhu and brother Siddharth to Los Angeles so that they could be with her at this important turn of her career.

The family will catch the first show that airs on the ABC network at 10 pm together. The actress recently admitted that she was suffering from the butterflies-in-the-stomach syndrome and that she needed her mom around to quell them.

The show has her playing FBI recruit Alex Parrish. While it begins with a heavy-duty love-making scene between PC and co-star Jake McLaughlin, it soon takes a thrilling turn when she and the other recruits are looked upon as the prime suspects after a deadly terrorist attack takes place in New York City.

The show premieres in India on October 3. A week after the premiere in the US.

Sneha Mahadevan (DNA; March 5, 2015)


Our source reveals, “Priyanka has been travelling very frequently ever since she launched her international music album. Her singing career requires her to be in Los Angeles as that is where she records her songs. This time however, she is juggling singing and acting as she is currently working on her new show on ABC network, Quantico. Her brother was busy setting up his new restaurant in Pune so they couldn’t take off earlier. Now is the perfect time as they wanted to avoid the extreme climate in Los Angeles too. The two flew out to LA last night and will spend a couple of weeks with Priyanka. In fact, since they all will be there for Holi, they will also celebrate the festival together. In fact, they have a lot of extended family in the US so they plan to have a small get together on Holi. It will be a great way to spend some quality family time together.”

Gaurav Dubey (MID-DAY; February 13, 2015)

A few months ago, Priyanka Chopra had revealed big plans for the wedding of her younger brother, Siddharth. But going by the latest buzz, the nuptials have been called off.

A source says, "He was supposed to get married in Goa on February 25 and the preparations had started two months in advance. But the wedding is not happening due to some personal issues."

Siddharth got engaged to his long-time girlfriend Kanika Mathur last October. It was reported that unlike the 'roka', which was a simple, private affair, Piggy Chops would ensure that the wedding turns out to be a glitzy event.

On December 4 last year, Siddharth had posted about his wedding preparations online: "Wedding plans. Early Morning flight to Goa." However, a few weeks later, another post left netizens confused. It read: "Single. Ready to mingle. Go Goa Gone. Wish everyone a very happy 2015."

A source close to the Chopras, however, says that the wedding has only been postponed, not cancelled. "Siddharth wants to concentrate on his career and his new venture (a pub-lounge in Pune).

Pushing it ahead was a big decision for both the families. Priyanka is also not in the country at the moment and the wedding cannot take place without her." Siddharth was unavailable for comment.

Asira Tarannum (MID-DAY; February 11, 2015)

A Pune nightspot opened last year by Priyanka Chopra’s brother, Siddharth, had been embroiled in a bitter dispute with a partner restaurant over space and licence. This had forced both the businesses to close down temporarily last November.

Now, it has emerged that Siddharth’s The Mugshot Lounge has lifted shutters and its partnership with one Sheetal Samat withdrawn. The deal was that Samat’s company would run out of the same space and in return, pay a certain sum to the Chopras every month. However, it reportedly defaulted on payment of Rs 15 lakh between June and October 2014.

Further, Samat’s restaurant — Sheetal Samudra — was allegedly running with the same licence granted to The Mugshot Lounge. When excise officials got wind of it, they initiated action. This led to mutual mud slinging, slapping legal notices on one another, and downing shutters eventually.

Siddharth says, “My lounge has re-opened. I am taking care of it; Sheetal is not a part of it. I am not sure if they have made the payment. We followed everything that was in the agreement, but they didn't. So, we decided to move forward.”

Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; February 7, 2015)


With sister PC camping in Los Angeles for her Rs 25 crore deal with ABC Network, it was Parineeti who immediately came to her brother’s rescue. “Priyanka is in LA for three months now. She will finalise the show with ABC network and will be busy shooting for it. Hence, she could not make it although she’s sent her love and best wishes. She has always been there for her brother and this time, she is feeling really bad that she could not be there” confirmed PC’s spokesperson. But Pari will zoom off to Pune today to make sure that everything goes well with Sid’s launch. “Parineeti has been very busy with her brand shoots, but she agreed to be a part of her brother’s ‘happy moment’ and decided to take an entire day off from her shoots and endorsements,” her spokesperson added.

“Parineeti and I are very close, we grew up together as we are of the same age and participated in singing sessions. It feels great that Parineeti has taken time out from her busy schedule to support my venture. It’s nice have family support, especially from my sisters,” said Siddharth, who also added that despite everything, Piggy Chops ‘will be missed’. “Priyanka has been a very important part of my life and has supported me in everything I have done. I really do miss her on this day but hope she will come down again,” he said.

Vickey Lalwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; November 12, 2014)

Priyanka Chopra may be in no hurry to get to the altar, but her younger brother Siddharth Chopra has set a date for himself. The 25-year-old Siddharth, who has just opened a pub lounge in Pune, is all set to tie the knot with his fiancee, Delhi-based Kanika Mathur, on February 25. The wedding will take place in Goa and Priyanka is supervising the preparations.

Siddharth and Kanika got engaged in October 2013 in Delhi. The ceremony was a private affair with only close relatives and friends present at the roka ceremony. Priyanka wants the wedding to be a glitzy affair with all the Bollywood biggies on the guest list.

Mirror has learnt that Moranis of Cineyug are going to be in charge of the celebrations which will go on for two days. And didi is going to leave no stone unturned to ensure that it is one of the most talked about events of the year.

Upala KBR (DNA; September 7, 2014)


Talking about it, Siddharth says, “I am doing it in partnership with Yug Tuli who was also at Les Roches with me. It is called The Mugshot Lounge as the idea is to have a lounge where there will be beer mugs and shots. One of the USPs is setting challenges where one has to consume a number of beers and shots within a time limit and the winner’s photo will be posted on the Mugshot Wall of Fame.”

While being a trained chef, Siddharth will focus more on the business side than whipping up culinary treats for his patrons. The young entrepreneur adds that his sister has been a major source of support and inspiration, “She’s been very involved in the entire set-up and has been giving me a lot of ideas. Not only is she very inspiring, but she has also been a motivational factor in my venture right from the start. My family has been very supportive about it. This is the first project we will be starting with. Once this is established, we do have other ventures along the same lines in the offing too.”

When quizzed about why is he opening a venture in Pune and not Mumbai, Siddharth says, “Pune is an upmarket city with a lot of high-profile people and is good for a start-up.”