Throwback: When Priyanka Chopra Was Rejected from a Hollywood Role for Being ‘Too Ethnic’

Priyanka Recalls Facing Racial Bias in the Industry, Says ‘It’s Our Duty to Change This

March 10, 2025: While Hollywood has come a long way in terms of diversity, it hasn’t been an easy road—and Priyanka Chopra Jonas knows that firsthand.

A throwback clip from the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has resurfaced, in which Priyanka candidly recalls how she was blatantly rejected from a Hollywood role because she was ‘too ethnic’.

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Priyanka Chopra on Facing Rejection in Hollywood

During the interview, Priyanka revealed a moment that left her stunned.

🗣️ “I was asked not to be part of a movie because I was ‘too ethnic’” she shared, adding that the reason seemed absurd and frustrating.

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She explained how her agent, struggling to break the news to her, finally admitted that casting directors found it difficult to justify having an Indian actress play a mainstream American character.

👀 “They said, ‘We’ll have to explain where her parents came from, and why she’s in America’,” Priyanka recalled, questioning why Hollywood felt the need to over-explain diversity in its storytelling.

Priyanka on Changing the Narrative

Rather than being discouraged, Priyanka said she took the rejection as motivation to push for change.

💬 “I didn’t realize how hard it was until I came here,” she admitted. “Now, I’ve taken it personally. Whether it happens for me or not, I want to ensure that future generations don’t face this.”

She emphasized that it is the responsibility of today’s actors and filmmakers to pave the way for a more inclusive and representative film industry.

Hollywood’s Diversity Debate: A Long Way to Go?

Priyanka’s experience is a reflection of a larger issue—even as Hollywood embraces diversity, many actors of color still face barriers in securing lead roles without being typecast.

Her journey from Bollywood to Hollywood—including major roles in Quantico, Baywatch, and The Matrix Resurrections—has made her a global icon, but her story highlights the ongoing struggles for fair representation in the entertainment industry.

What’s Next for Priyanka Chopra?

Priyanka Chopra will next be seen in the action-comedy Heads of State alongside Idris Elba and John Cena, as well as the period drama The Bluff, further cementing her place in Hollywood.

💭 What do you think about Priyanka’s experience? Should Hollywood be doing more to normalize diversity in leading roles? Let us know in the comments! 🎬✨

Tags: Priyanka Chopra, Hollywood Casting, Representation in Film, Racial Bias in Hollywood, Diversity in Cinema, Bollywood to Hollywood, Women in Film