Superstar Priyanka Chopra is all set to receive India’s highest film award in a new category. Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards have introduced a category titled ‘Internationally Acclaimed Actress Award’, and its first recipient is the Quantico actress.
“Priyanka has made the country proud and hence, is the right choice for the award. It’s not yet confirmed if Priyanka will be present at the ceremony to collect her award. The event is on June 1 and the actor hasn’t returned to India yet. She has given her consent but whether or not she will be present, is not known,” Dharmendra Mehra, General Secretary of Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards told indianexpress.com.
The former Miss World has found success in the USA with roles in the FBI drama Quantico and as the villain in the summer blockbuster Baywatch, which is releasing in India this Friday.
Priyanka said while Baywatch is her first American film, it is also her 51st movie. "For me, it is my next film. That's the way I see it. I am an artist and I will go wherever my work takes me. Wherever in the world you go, you just have to know your job and deliver. As long as you can do that, that is a great thing."
Priyanka’s win at the Dadasaheb Phalke Academy Awards has become more special as her mother, Madhu Chopra, will also be honoured for her maiden production, Ventilator. The Marathi family drama won trophies in three categories at the National Awards earlier this year.
The actress, in a recent interview, also stated that she was working to overcome the 'huge stereotypes' that still exist in the West about the Indian film industry.
"There are huge stereotypes about India, about Hindi films. There is a lot more awareness now that Hindi movies are such a big industry but the stereotypes still exist," Priyanka said. "Those are stereotypes you have to fight all the time and I guess it will only come with educating people and having them see Indian actors in mainstream parts, (to make them aware) that we can do this. There is no putting us in a box. But it is going to be a struggle. There is so few of us."
Priyanka said diversity in global entertainment is the need of the hour, not just in roles and but also actors. “And not just (from India) but Indian actors from around the world should be a part of global entertainment because that is what the world looks like. We are one-fifth of the world's population, there should be more representation," she added.