Renowned filmmaker Gurinder Chadha has expressed immense admiration for actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas's remarkable career trajectory in Hollywood, following their recent collaboration on a song for the new film 'Christmas Karma'. Chadha revealed she would eagerly work with Chopra Jonas on a full-length feature film, hinting that discussions are already underway.
From Hesitation to Harmonious Collaboration
The collaboration began with a unique proposition from the George Michael Estate. During a lunch meeting, they suggested Chadha use the iconic song 'Last Christmas' for her festive film and even proposed a Bollywood-style version. "I was like, ‘What?’ It was their idea," Chadha recounted in an interview with PTI.
Chadha immediately thought of Priyanka Chopra Jonas to sing the Hindi version. However, the global star was initially reluctant. "She said, 'Are you mad? No, I'm not a singer anymore. I'm in a different space'," Chadha shared. The director persuaded her by framing it as a fun addition to the film's end titles. Ultimately, Chopra Jonas agreed out of support for Chadha, whom she has backed for years.
Mutual Respect and Future Film Plans
Chadha did not hold back in praising Chopra Jonas's professional journey. "I really take my hat off to her. She's done incredibly well," she stated, acknowledging the challenge of transitioning from the peak of Hindi cinema to building a career from scratch in Hollywood.
When asked about a potential movie collaboration, Chadha confirmed active interest. "I would love to do that, too. And there are definitely plans," she said. The duo have met several times to discuss story ideas. Chadha cited Chopra Jonas's performance in 'Barfi' as her favourite and expressed a desire to find the perfect project for her.
A Friendship Beyond the Glamour
Beyond professional admiration, Chadha values their personal bond as fellow Punjabis. She offered a glimpse into Chopra Jonas's life away from the spotlight, particularly her role as a mother to daughter Malti Marie. "Seeing Priyanka as a mother is a wonderful thing," Chadha said, describing intimate moments spent with the family. She emphasized that this nurturing side is something the public rarely sees but is truly special.
The film 'Christmas Karma', an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol', features Kunal Nayyar of 'Big Bang Theory' fame as the desi Scrooge. For the background score, Chadha enlisted the legendary sitarist Anoushka Shankar. The movie is currently running in theatres, with Priyanka Chopra Jonas's rendition of 'Last Christmas' adding a unique Bollywood flair to the Christmas classic.
