Priyanka Chopra Jonas: Breaking Barriers in Hollywood with Citadel
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a name synonymous with talent and resilience, is making waves in the entertainment industry once again with her role in the highly anticipated series Citadel. This show, reportedly the second most expensive production ever made, marks a significant milestone in Chopra Jonas’s career, particularly in terms of gender pay parity. As she continues to break barriers, her journey serves as an inspiration for many aspiring actors and actresses around the world.
A Landmark Moment for Pay Parity
In a recent interview, Chopra Jonas revealed that her role in Citadel was the first time she experienced pay parity with a male co-star. This revelation is particularly poignant in an industry where gender-based pay disparities have been a long-standing issue. "I have to say that it was the first time in my career that I received pay parity. It was not something I even thought was possible," she shared. The actress speculated that this change might be attributed to the leadership of women in the industry, hinting at the influence of a female studio head.
The Journey of a Global Star
Chopra Jonas’s rise to fame began 24 years ago when she won the Miss World title. Since then, she has become one of India’s highest-paid actresses, carving out a niche for herself in both Bollywood and Hollywood. Her production company, Purple Pebble Pictures, founded in 2015, reflects her ambition to create diverse stories and empower other artists.
Currently, she is filming the second season of Citadel in the UK, where she stars alongside Scottish actor Richard Madden. The first season, despite its hefty budget of around $300 million, received mixed reviews, holding a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 51%. However, the show’s innovative approach and international spin-offs have garnered enough interest for a second season, set to premiere next year.
The Physical Demands of Citadel
Chopra Jonas’s role as spy agent Nadia Sinh is not for the faint-hearted. Describing the physical demands of the character, Amazon Studios head Jen Salke noted that Chopra Jonas is "willing to do every stunt," often sending her images of "bloody faces" after intense scenes. This dedication to her craft showcases her commitment to portraying strong, complex characters, moving beyond traditional romantic leads.
A New Era of Storytelling
One of the most intriguing aspects of Citadel is its unique storytelling approach. Unlike many big-budget productions, Citadel is not based on existing intellectual property. Instead, it aims to create a fresh narrative that resonates with global audiences. The series also features local language spin-offs, such as Citadel: Diana, set in Italy, and Citadel: Honey Bunny, based in India. This innovative strategy of "internationalising and localising at the same time," as described by Salke, reflects a growing trend in the industry towards more inclusive and diverse storytelling.
Balancing Motherhood and Career
As a mother to her two-year-old daughter Malti, whom she shares with husband Joe Jonas, Chopra Jonas faces the challenge of balancing her demanding career with family life. She candidly discussed the societal pressures women often feel to prioritize others over themselves, stating, "As women, we generally tend to think about how, when we have to put ourselves first, we think about everybody else that it’s going to affect before we even think about ourselves." This self-reflection highlights the importance of self-advocacy and the need for women to embrace their ambitions without fear of judgment.
Overcoming Self-Sabotage
Chopra Jonas has also learned to combat self-sabotage, a common hurdle for many individuals in high-pressure environments. "I had to learn to not do that because that is so self-sabotaging," she explained. This mindset shift has empowered her to pursue roles that challenge her and expand her horizons, including her upcoming action-comedy film, Heads Of State, alongside John Cena and Idris Elba.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Citadel 2 set to release next year and her involvement in various other projects, Priyanka Chopra Jonas continues to redefine what it means to be a leading actress in today’s entertainment landscape. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of representation in the industry. As she forges ahead, Chopra Jonas not only paves the way for herself but also for countless others who aspire to follow in her footsteps.
In a world where stories are increasingly being told from diverse perspectives, Chopra Jonas stands at the forefront, proving that with talent, determination, and a commitment to equality, anything is possible.