Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the "Desi Girl" who won Miss World in 2000, celebrates her 43rd birthday today, July 18, 2025. From Bollywood to Hollywood, she has captivated audiences with her talent and versatility. Here's a look at four landmark films that cemented her place as a box-office queen:

1. Fashion (2008)

Before "woke" cinema became the norm, Madhur Bhandarkar directed this female-centric film. Chopra portrayed Meghna Mathur, an ambitious small-town girl who dreams of becoming a supermodel. The film fearlessly exposed the dark underbelly of the fashion industry, including drug abuse, exploitation, and the superficiality that plagues the lives of those who chase fame. "Fashion" was a turning point in Chopra's career, earning her a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. This film was notable because, at the time, there weren't a ton of female-centric movies in India of this nature.

2. Barfi! (2012)

Directed by Anurag Basu, "Barfi!" is a heartwarming tale of love and acceptance. The film revolves around Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor), a hearing- and speech-impaired young man, and his relationships with two women: Shruti (Ileana D'Cruz) and Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra). Chopra's portrayal of Jhilmil, an autistic woman, was highly acclaimed for its sensitivity and authenticity. Her performance drew awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder. "Barfi!" was a major commercial success, crossing ₹1 billion (US$12 million) worldwide and remains one of her most memorable on-screen performances. The film is widely regarded as one of Jonas' best movies out of India.

3. Mary Kom (2014)

In this biographical sports drama, Chopra stepped into the shoes of Mangte Chungneijang Kom, the five-time world boxing champion and Olympic bronze medalist. "Mary Kom" chronicles the real-life struggles and triumphs of the Indian boxer, from her humble beginnings to her rise as a global icon. Chopra underwent rigorous training to physically transform herself into the athlete, and her dedication paid off. The film was a box-office success, grossing over ₹1 billion (US$12 million) worldwide and earned Chopra further praise for her portrayal of the inspirational figure.

4. Bajirao Mastani (2015)

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's historical romance "Bajirao Mastani" is a visual spectacle with a compelling narrative. Chopra played Kashibai, the first wife of Maratha Peshwa Bajirao I (Ranveer Singh), who finds her life and marriage challenged by the arrival of Mastani (Deepika Padukone). Despite being in a supporting role, Chopra's performance was lauded for its emotional depth and grace. "Bajirao Mastani" was a massive commercial success, earning ₹1.83 billion in India. It is one of the highest-grossing Indian films of all time.

These four films represent just a fraction of Priyanka Chopra's remarkable career. She continues to break barriers and inspire audiences worldwide.