Been kicked out of films because someone else was recommended: Priyanka on nepotism

Mumbai: There are very few who make it to the top on their own and Priyanka Chopra is one of them. She is now an international icon and, according to a popular magazine, one of the 100 most influential people in the world. But before superstardom happened, PeeCee had to face the same fate like any struggling actor- rejection, failure and nepotism.

At a time when the showbiz industry is debating over the existence of nepotism, Priyanka’s tale of how she was ‘kicked out of films’ is testament to the fact that nepotism is indeed a reality in this glossy business.

In an interview with a leading tabloid, Priyanka, who was in India for a brief period before flying back to New York, was asked to comment on nepotism, to which she replied, “All kinds exist. There is nothing wrong in being born into a family that has a legacy. Outsiders don't have a foot-in-the-door access. Star kids have an insurmountable pressure of living up to the family name. Every star has their individual journey. In mine, I have faced a lot. I have been kicked out of films because someone else was recommended to the producer. I cried and got over it. Eventually, those who are meant to be success stories become that, despite all hindrances.”

Call it perseverance or her sheer dedication to the craft of acting but PeeCee has realised that both success and failure are transient. “I don't fear failure but I don't like it. I get grumpy when I fail, but I am not afraid to face it with the same sentiments of a debutante. I see the lives of celebrities as a marathon runner. There is a lot riding on us in terms of responsibility. If an actor falls sick and the shoot is cancelled, 300 people don't get paid that day. I treat it like a marathon. I have learnt to respect everyone's job. I treat myself as an athlete and acquire that discipline. I work holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries. I have trained myself accordingly. There's a set goal, which I want to achieve and to get that, I know what it takes. There are no free lunches in this world,” said the National Award winner.

Well, now you know why she is called a queen?