Bollywood's Priyanka Chopra targets stereotypes in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES: Bollywoodactress Priyanka Chopra has a higher mission
than just making it in Hollywood: she wants to break down stereotypes
of Indians in Tinseltown's eyes and maybe make things easier for her
compatriots who live in the United States.
Here's her first lesson:"We don't travel on elephants, there aren't
any snake charmers on the side of the road, everybody doesn't talk
like Apu from 'The Simpsons,'" the actress says, with a bit of a
laugh.
Chopra, 31, is one of the biggest stars to emerge in Indian film in
recent years, alongsideBollywood heavyweightsShah Rukh Khan and
Hrithik Roshan, with big budget franchises such as "Krrish" and "Don."
She has also won plaudits for taking on unconventional roles, most
recently playing anautistic woman in 2012's"Barfi!"
But in her latest role asan eye-catching animated racing airplanein
Disney's global adventure "Planes," Chopra said she is hoping to cross
the boundaries of Bollywoodto Hollywood.
"This is a very global movie. You have characters from all across the
world, and I think for kids, it's greatto understand that there's so
many different kinds of culture and people out there," the actress
told Reuters on Thursday.
Chopra first rose to fame in 2000, winning the Miss World beauty
pageant and transitioning into Bollywood film. But the journey has not
come easily for the actress, who said she had to learn the ropes of
acting.
"I was 17 years old, I didn't know anything. I just went with my gut
and I wanted to take a chance," she said, adding "I've made so many
mistakes along the way."
Chopra is currently in production on a biopic about Indian Olympic
boxing champion Mary Kom, and learning to box herself, Chopra said the
role was "the most difficult film I've ever done."
"Mary is a national icon.She's a five-time world champion, a mother of
three kids, an Olympic medalist and she has anincredible story," the
actress said.
"The challenge was thatI have to learn a completely new sport and play
a living, breathing person," she added.
Chopra, who was born and raised in India and also spent a few years
living in the United States in her teens, hasconquered the ranks of
Bollywood, but cracking into Hollywood has presented its own
challenges.
"There is a very big stereotype with Indian actors, and you get only
Indian parts. Thereis a stereotype that there's a certain accent and
there's a certain vibe and how is that cool. I felt a lot of that and
I really want to be able to change that, for people to be proud of
their roots," the actress said.
POP ALBUM, TOP PRODUCER
Chopra's step into Hollywood coincides withher foray into pop music,
releasing her first single, "Exotic", featuring rapper Pitbull from
her upcoming yet-to-be-titled album.
The album is being overseen by renowned pop music producer RedOne, who
has worked with Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez, and is
expected in early 2014. It will feature more collaborations with other
artists, although Chopra said it was too early to reveal any names.
"My album is like me - eclectic in my taste." said Chopra. "I like a
little bit of everything, so my album has ballad,mid tempos, pop, a
little rap, EDM...a little bit of everything."
With her music and film career expanding outside of Bollywood, Chopra
said she was now in a position to change common misconceptions that
people may have about India.
"It was really hard for me when I went to school in America, and I
don't want that to happen to any more kids or people who come from my
part of the world. So if I can do something to change that perception,
I'd be happy," she said.