Power Trendsetter: Priyanka Chopra

The first South Asian actress to win a People’s Choice Award (PCA), Priyanka Chopra continues to slay the industry with her acting prowess, spunky attitude and never-say-die spirit. Armed with a bag full of awards — she was recently honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for her fearless rendition of Kashibai in Bajirao Mastani — and many projects in the pipeline, she is a force to reckon with on both the small and big screens, in India and abroad.

True power: “Having the ability to carve new paths and set new trends. Essentially, it is about challenging the status quo.”

On being an inspiration: “I’m just a girl doing my job; pushing boundaries wherever I can to facilitate the change I want to see in the world. If people see my journey as something they get inspired by, I feel humbled, fortunate and also a little scared. There is a huge responsibility that comes with it. There’s a fine line between pushing my boundaries as an artiste and keeping people happy because they might not always like or agree with a decision I’ve made.”

Success mantra: “You cannot rest on your laurels. You must push forward and explore the depths of your own talent and creativity.”

Exciting milestones: “Winning the National Film Award and now the Padma Shri. I come from a defence background and to be recognised for my work in the hallowed halls of the Rashtrapati Bhavan by our honourable President is something very special to my family and me.”

Striking alter ego: “I’ve had the good fortune to essay the role of some very powerful female characters and it’s difficult to pick just one. But, I would choose my role in the movie Fashion because it changed the way the audience and industry looked at female-centric films. The character I portrayed, Meghna Mathur, was flawed and very realistic, yet the audience connected with her and, in the end, was seen rooting for her success.”

On conquering 2016: “It’s been a terrific year that began with the PCA (for Favorite Actress in a New TV Series), followed by all these amazing opportunities. After playing Alex Parrish (Quantico) — she’s willing to put everything on the line for what she believes in ­— I’m now really waiting to sink my teeth into the role of Victoria Leeds in Baywatch. She’s the villain and I’m looking forward to being evil in a very different, sexy way!”

Read about our next power woman, Kiran Nadar.