Andaaz’ Producer Talks About Priyanka Chopra’s Dark Skin, Says, ‘She Had Some Defects To Correct’

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, is a global icon, who needs no introduction. Known for her confidence and outspoken personality, Priyanka is an exceptional actress. Not just in Bollywood, the actress has carved a niche for herself in Hollywood as well. Being one of the leading actresses in Bollywood, PeeCee has been riding high on the professional front, and her popularity is second to none.

However, the journey to stardom was not a cakewalk for Priyanka. In her initial days in the film industry, the actress had to face a few rejections due to her dark complexion. Moreover, despite being talented, she was given a harsh treatment by some of the producers and directors. Priyanka Chopra had made her debut in Bollywood alongside actor, Akshay Kumar, in the film, Andaaz, in 2003.

In an interview with Siddharth Kanan, Andaaz producer, Suneel Darshan recalled his first meeting with the Desi Girl, Priyanka Chopra. Mentioning how he had worked with some of the beautiful actresses in Bollywood, the filmmaker said that Priyanka’s case was different. He also shared that he was assured that either the film would break world records or it would be a big disaster. Talking about the same, he said:

“I mean the first look was you know… I had worked with Kareena Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Meenakshi, they were actresses.. very beautiful girls. I said ‘Oh my this is really different’. I made her sit down and tried to talk to her. In 15 minutes, I was assured of only two things, either I was gonna make a huge success of this girl, or this was going to be a big disaster.”

Further in the interview, Suneel Darshan reflected on the actress’ dark complexion and pointed out that Priyanka had a few defects that needed to be corrected at that time. However, he also talked about Priyanka’s beautiful eyes and soulful voice being her strength. Talking about the same, he said:

“PC for me was those eyes.. she had this dark complexion, there were a few defects that she needed to correct at that point of time. But she had the hunger and she had this mellifluous voice of hers. My god, it was gorgeous. My entire unit, my entire team, Raj Kanwar, Akshay and whoever was there would say ‘Oh Lara Dutta, Lara Dutta’. I said Lara Dutta is good but the dark horse, the Rekha is coming. And that is Priyanka Chopra.”

Priyanka Chopra was also seen in the movie, Aitraaz, alongside actors, Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor Khan.

 

In the film, PeeCee portrayed the role of a vamp who tries to seduce her ex-lover with her power. Though Aitraaz was considered an unsual choice for Priyanka at that time, she wasn’t happy about it either. In the same interview, Suneel Darshan recalled that Priyanka was not willing to do the negative role in the film, Aitraaz, but he had somehow convinced her that it was a good role. He concluded:

“PC, she said she was approached for a vamp’s role and she was so upset, she cried, she went home and she went to sleep. I said after you wake up come back to the office. She was here and I pressed on her the importance of her doing the role. I thought I drilled it into her head and yes it was wonderful for them to be in Aitraaz.”