How is Priyanka Chopra Jonas Challenging Casting Stereotypes in Hollywood?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Mumbai, Dec 9 (NationPress) Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who recently participated in the Bridge Summit in the UAE, has addressed the stereotypes that performers from eastern nations encounter in the western entertainment industry.
When discussing how actors manage to turn down lucrative opportunities that do not resonate with their long-term aspirations, similar to actor Matthew McConaughey rejecting multi-million dollar rom-com roles to seek more varied characters, the actress shared her own struggles with typecasting in America.
She remarked, "When I began seeking roles in America, I lost count of how many times I declined roles as the stereotypical Indian girl expected to speak with an exaggerated accent, merely being attractive and ornamental. I was amazed at how many characters were crafted with that stereotype. I had to battle that for a couple of years until I landed my role in Quantico, where I portrayed an FBI agent."
The actress stressed that her show Quantico was a game-changer because it was not written with ethnicity as a core aspect.
She elaborated, "I could have hailed from anywhere. My background could have been anything. It was scripted for an American person. I just had to play an American girl. I'm an actor, and I can do that. However, it took numerous refusals before I secured my first major role, which changed everything for me. I was then recognized as a commercial actor rather than just an Indian actor. Yet, it required fighting against that stereotype."
She added, "I know countless talented individuals from eastern countries who face similar casting stereotypes in Hollywood. Nevertheless, we are making strides. There are many of us excelling and creating remarkable work. It was indeed a challenging journey."
In her advice for aspiring actors and professionals, she stated, "You must determine which group you want to associate with, the environment you wish to work in, and the people you want around you. These decisions will shape your yeses and noes."