Priyanka Chopra Champions Fierceness as Essential for Young Girls
Global icon Priyanka Chopra has consistently championed themes of strength, ambition, and women's empowerment throughout her career. In a recent candid interview, she delved deeper into why cultivating fierceness is not merely desirable but absolutely crucial, particularly for young girls navigating today's world.
Early Self-Belief and Finding Your Voice
Speaking with India Today, Priyanka stressed the foundational importance of developing self-belief from an early age. "It's very important for girls to be fierce," she asserted. "It's very important for us to find agency, find our voice very early. It's important for us to be surrounded by confidence." She elaborated that this mindset helps girls build resilience and assertiveness in a society that often sends mixed signals.
Lessons from 'The Bluff': Vulnerability Meets Power
During the conversation, Priyanka shared a poignant moment from her upcoming film, 'The Bluff', which beautifully captures the delicate balance between vulnerability and power. She recalled a scene where her character, in the midst of a tense fight sequence, reassures her child by saying, "Mama is okay." This instance, she explained, shaped her perspective on how strength can be expressed even in moments of uncertainty, serving as a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of fierceness.
Father's Influence: Encouraging Fearlessness
Priyanka revealed that this fierce outlook was actively nurtured at home, thanks to her father's unwavering support. "My dad used to always tell me to be the fiercest one in the room, and not be afraid if someone tells you that you're too fierce, because that's what happens to girls," she recounted. His guidance instilled in her the courage to embrace her ambitions without apology, a lesson she now passionately advocates for others.
Societal Double Standards and Advocacy
She highlighted the frustrating double standards women often face, noting that qualities praised in men are frequently criticized in women. "We are told we are too tenacious, too ambitious, too fierce, too intelligent, but men are called like, what a boss," Priyanka observed. This stark contrast continues to motivate her to speak louder for gender equality and to foster confidence among women globally. She views fierceness as both a form of advocacy and a tool for self-preservation.
Fierceness in Practice: Self-Belief Amid Uncertainty
Even when confronting doubts, Priyanka channels her inner strength. "So whether I'm unsure about where I'm going, I always try to have a belief in me, and I think that's the fierceness you're talking about, and I advocate that for girls everywhere," she explained. She added a sobering reminder about the realities women face daily: "We live in a world where if you don't stand up for yourself and set the tone, it might be very hard for other people to stand up for you, unfortunately."
Excitement for 'Varanasi' and Collaboration with SS Rajamouli
Turning to her professional endeavors, Priyanka expressed immense enthusiasm for her upcoming project, 'Varanasi'. At a recent premiere event, she shared her excitement about working with acclaimed filmmaker S. S. Rajamouli. "Well, the filmmaker's name is SS Rajamouli sir, and he is one of the best that we have in India. His movie is going to be really career-defining for me, I think, and I'm very excited about it," she said. The film stars Mahesh Babu, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Priyanka Chopra in lead roles, promising a significant milestone in her illustrious career.
Through her words and actions, Priyanka Chopra continues to inspire a generation, emphasizing that fierceness is not just a trait but a necessary shield and sword for women in today's complex world.
