Why Did Priyanka Chopra Initially Decline 'Christmas Karma'?
Synopsis
In an engaging discussion, filmmaker Gurinder Chadha reveals the story behind Priyanka Chopra Jonas's initial refusal to participate in 'Christmas Karma.' Discover how a playful conversation turned into a delightful collaboration that adds a unique flavor to the festive film, promising a fresh take on a classic tale.
Key Takeaways
Gurinder Chadha successfully collaborated with Priyanka Chopra Jonas for a unique song in Christmas Karma .
Priyanka initially turned down the opportunity due to her self-doubt as a singer.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Kunal Nayyar and Leo Suter .
Anushka Shankar contributed a beautiful sitar rendition of 'Last Christmas.' 'Christmas Karma' is a fresh take on a beloved holiday classic.
Mumbai, Dec 6 (NationPress) Renowned filmmaker Gurinder Chadha is gearing up for the Indian premiere of her latest film, The Christmas Karma, slated for release on December 12. In a recent conversation with IANS, she shared her success in enlisting global sensation Priyanka Chopra Jonas for a unique song in the movie.
Reflecting on her partnership with PeeCee, Gurinder revealed, "I reached out to Priyanka, whom I've known for years. She is a huge advocate for the diaspora and always supports our endeavors. However, she initially declined, saying, 'No, I can’t do this. I am not a singer. Are you mad?' I reassured her, 'It will be a blast! It's for the end credits. You know how I like to wrap things up with a full ‘Tamasha’ — we’ll have a fantastic time. My dog will join us, and it’ll be a great experience.'"
Gurinder continued, "Ultimately, Priyanka agreed, saying, 'Okay, this sounds fun.' Since she was in London, she came to the studio. She laughed and said, 'You’re mad, but let’s do it.' She even helped with some Hindi corrections and sang beautifully."
The filmmaker also mentioned the involvement of internationally acclaimed sitar player Anushka Shankar. "I called Anushka, who is also a friend, and invited her to join us. Anushka replied, 'You’re mad, but I’ll help you out.' She performed a stunning sitar rendition of 'Last Christmas.'"
For those unfamiliar, Priyanka Chopra Jonas has reimagined the song 'Last Christmas' with a desi twist, transforming Wham's classic into something uniquely her own. In a statement about the collaboration, Priyanka expressed, "Gurinder Chadha has been one of the few key figures in entertainment who authentically represents the Indian diaspora on a global scale. She is a dear friend, and I am thrilled to support her in my small way in Christmas Karma. I hope this desi version of a song that has been a Christmas staple for many resonates with audiences."
Christmas Karma is a festive, uplifting musical retelling of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, featuring Kunal Nayyar from The Big Bang Theory in the lead role. The film also stars Leo Suter, Pixie Lott, Charithra Chandran, Danny Dyer, and Hugh Bonneville.
Point of View
Her eventual participation highlights the importance of supporting one another within the diaspora. This film promises to bring a fresh perspective to a beloved classic, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the Indian community.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Christmas Karma' about?
Christmas Karma is a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol,' featuring a festive and feel-good storyline.
Why did Priyanka Chopra initially turn down the project?
Priyanka initially declined because she felt unqualified as a singer, but later agreed after a playful conversation with Gurinder Chadha.
Who else is involved in the film?
The film features Kunal Nayyar, Leo Suter, Pixie Lott, Charithra Chandran, Danny Dyer, and Hugh Bonneville.
When is the release date for 'Christmas Karma'?
The film is set to be released in India on December 12.
What unique element does Priyanka bring to the song?
Priyanka offers a desi twist to the classic 'Last Christmas,' making it uniquely hers while still honoring the original.
