PCJ’s Birthday Photos Draw Flak From ‘SSMB’ Fans

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who shared a series of pictures of her 43rd birthday celebrations in the Bahamas, including some that flaunted her beach look and captured intimate and affectionate moments with her husband Nick Jonas, has received mixed response for the photographs. The Instagram pictures won love from several fans and colleagues from Hollywood and Bollywood, including Kerry Washington, Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta, but a section of Netizens was less than impressed.

Specifically, fans of director SS Rajamouli and actor Mahesh Babu expressed displeasure over the pictures. (Priyanka is set to star opposite Mahesh Babu in Rajamouli’s SSMB2). This set of social media users felt the “overtly sensuous” images could damage the film’s image.

“Rajamouli Sir is making a huge mistake,” one user wrote. Another commented, “She’s exposing too much, this might go against the film.” One even wanted Rajamouli to ask Priyanka to maintain a low profile, and not put out such ‘daring’ images. Many Netizens hailed her for being a champion of body positivity, as well as embracing age. Some came to Priyanka’s defense, stating that the pictures were from a private vacation and should not be judged.

“It’s entirely her private space, she’s on the beach with her husband,” one supporter said. But others argued that as a public figure, especially one entering the world of South Indian cinema, she should be more mindful of cultural sensitivities. “The truth is, a section of the audience, particularly in the South, is more conservative. Public figures need to be cautious about how they present themselves,” felt one social media user.