Speaking to Firstpost and during a powerful fireside chat at the 2026 India Conference at Harvard University, Priyanka clarified that her transition was less about an exit and more about an evolution fueled by a lack of creative air.
The "Pushed Out" Revelation
For years, fans speculated about the "invisible walls" Priyanka hit in India. She has now put those rumors to rest with startling honesty:
The "Limited" Feeling: "I don’t think I ever wanted to leave Bollywood," she stated. "I felt limited for many reasons when I was working in Hindi films. I was kind of pushed into wanting to look for opportunities that would be exciting to me as an artiste."
Survival vs. Ambition: She revealed that while she was at the top of her game in India, she was "dealing with a lot" behind the scenes. Moving to the U.S. wasn't just a career move; it was a way to find a space where her value wasn't being suppressed by industry politics or nepotism.
The Newbie Grind: At Harvard, she recalled the humility of her early Hollywood days—waiting 15 hours on set only for the shot to be postponed, something she hadn't experienced as a superstar in India. "I was okay to do it because I was going for the long-term... I was going for that legacy."
Redefining "Legacy" at 43
In 2016, Priyanka famously said she wanted to build a "legacy." Ten years later, her perspective has shifted significantly.
"What legacy meant to my 30-year-old self is completely different from what it means to me now. Now, a 'win' is being able to do work that pushes me as an artist while still being present for my family."
"Varanasi": The Homecoming
Despite her global dominance—with Citadel Season 2 in the works and The Bluff set to premiere on February 25, 2026—Priyanka insists she will never choose one industry over the other.
The Project: She is officially returning to Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated film, Varanasi.
The Cast: She will share the screen with Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran in what is being called a "multilingual epic."
Dual Identity: "I love my Indian films. My brain can work in two different ways now. It’s a unique, amazing, fun thing to be able to do."
The Current Pulse: Promoting The Bluff
As she gears up for the Prime Video release of The Bluff, Priyanka has been blending her dual identities through fashion.
The Look: She recently turned heads in a "modern saree" by designer Gaurav Gupta, which she called an ode to her character, Ercell "Bloody Mary" Bodden—a former pirate fighting to protect her family.
The Message: For Priyanka, the outfit represents the "growing global scope of Indian fashion," much like her own career trajectory.
