Global actor Priyanka Chopra opened up about her early years in the film industry, describing herself as “greedy for work” during her 20s, a period she credits for shaping the internationally successful career she enjoys today. Speaking at the BRIDGE Summit in Abu Dhabi, she recalled how she said “yes” to almost every opportunity, driven by ambition and a hunger to succeed.
From “say-yes to everything” to selective choices
Priyanka admitted that when she began her journey in showbiz, she had no filter – if a project came her way, she accepted it. “I was really greedy in my 20s. I wanted to work every day,” she revealed.
Now, however, she enjoys the privilege of choice. What was once a NEED to accept any work has become a refined process where she carefully considers her commitments. She attributes today’s selectivity to the groundwork her younger self laid – the discipline, the relentless hustle, and the sacrifices made along the way.
The cost of ambition: personal milestones sacrificed
In her remarks, Priyanka candidly reflected on the personal price she paid during her early career. Quoting Beyoncé, she said:
“I’m on the other side of my sacrifice. I worked really hard. I missed birthdays. I missed when my father was in the hospital… I missed Christmases, I missed Diwali… I missed time with my family.”
Those weren’t empty words. The star admitted that she had skipped many key family moments, hospital visits, festive celebrations – trading them for work. “That 20-year-old me needed to make those sacrifices for this woman to have the life I have now,” she said.
Her words underscore a truth often hidden behind glamour: behind fame and success, there are years of unseen effort, missed joys, and uncelebrated sacrifices.
Hustle as the foundation of success
Priyanka’s evolution from relentless workaholic to selective artist shows a transformation grounded in self-awareness and hard-earned privilege. She said:
“Having a work ethic, having discipline, and going after it will get you to a point where you can pull back.”
She acknowledged that the luxury of choosing projects, balancing work with personal life, and setting boundaries was only possible because of the groundwork laid in her 20s. “Now I can choose when I want to say yes… but I couldn’t have done that if she hadn’t worked so hard. So I thank her a lot sometimes. Thank your younger self.”
What’s ahead: projects on the horizon
On the professional front, Priyanka’s schedule remains packed. She was recently seen in the Prime Video action film Heads of State. She is currently shooting Varanasi, a South Indian film directed by S. S. Rajamouli, co-starring major stars like Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj Sukumaran.
Looking farther ahead, she has two Hollywood films – The Bluff and Judgment Day—slated for release in 2026.
A message to young hustlers
Priyanka’s reflections carry a powerful message, especially for aspiring artists and dreamers: the path to success often demands sacrifices, sustained effort, and a willingness to take every opportunity when you’re starting out. But with time, as you build credibility, you earn the freedom to choose, to prioritise balance, and to protect your space.
From being a young woman saying “yes” to everything to a seasoned actor who now picks projects with purpose, Priyanka’s journey illustrates that sometimes, the early grind is what sets the stage for long-lasting success.
By – Sonali