Filmmaker Gurinder Chadha Praises Priyanka Chopra's Work Ethic in Hollywood

Gurinder Chadha, the acclaimed director of "Bend It Like Beckham," has lauded Priyanka Chopra Jonas for her resilience and talent in navigating the complexities of the Hollywood system. Their long-standing friendship recently culminated in a creative collaboration for Chadha's upcoming film, "Christmas Karma," where Chopra lends her voice to a "desi" version of the holiday classic, "Last Christmas".

Chadha expressed her appreciation for Chopra's unwavering support and willingness to champion filmmakers from the South Asian community. According to Chadha, Chopra immediately agreed to collaborate on the project with just one phone call. Chadha highlighted Chopra's commitment to using her platform to support filmmakers from their community. This collaboration marks Chopra's return to singing after nearly a decade, much to the delight of her fans.

"Christmas Karma," a Bollywood musical-inspired adaptation of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," is set to release in India on December 12. The film features Kunal Nayyar as Mr. Sood, a modern-day Scrooge, guided by the Ghosts of Christmas, played by Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, and Boy George. The movie's soundtrack is a vibrant mix of gospel, bhangra, Christmas carols, rap, and pop, with performances by Gary Barlow, Chopra Jonas, Porter, Shaznay Lewis, Pixie Lott, Boy George, and Malkit Singh.

Chopra herself expressed her admiration for Chadha, acknowledging her as a "stalwart in entertainment" who consistently champions stories of the Indian diaspora with authenticity and heart. She conveyed her excitement in supporting Chadha and hopes that their "desi twist" on "Last Christmas" resonates with audiences.

Chadha also shared her gratitude to George Michael's estate for allowing a unique interpretation of the classic song. She fondly recalled that George Michael had invited her for tea after watching "Bend It Like Beckham". She hopes he will enjoy their version of "Last Christmas".

Priyanka Chopra's "desi" rendition of "Last Christmas" is a testament to her versatility and her dedication to supporting meaningful projects. Her willingness to lend her voice and platform to uplift fellow filmmakers exemplifies her influence in the entertainment industry. This collaboration with Gurinder Chadha not only celebrates their friendship but also highlights the importance of diverse voices and stories in Hollywood and beyond.