Three-time Grammy Award-winning composer Ricky Kej has sparked a conversation by highlighting what he calls a significant oversight in Indian cinema appreciation. He points to global star Priyanka Chopra as the "one actor in India we don't celebrate enough." Kej emphasizes that Chopra stands alone as the only Indian actor, across any generation, to secure leading roles in mainstream Hollywood productions alongside top-tier international stars, moving beyond stereotypical "exotic Indian" characters.
A Legacy of Mainstream Hollywood Roles
In a detailed post on social media platform X, Kej outlined Priyanka Chopra's impressive filmography. He noted that after being a top star in India for years, she successfully transitioned to Hollywood. Her roles are not minor or culturally vague but are substantial parts in major studio films and series.
Her Hollywood journey includes sharing the screen with Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch (2017), Keanu Reeves in The Matrix Resurrections (2021), and starring alongside Pedro Pascal in We Can Be Heroes (2020). She further cemented her place in the global arena with significant roles in the Russo Brothers' spy series Citadel with Stanley Tucci and Richard Madden, and the action comedy Heads of State with John Cena and Idris Elba in 2024.
Upcoming Projects and a Return to Indian Cinema
Ricky Kej drew attention to Chopra's busy slate of upcoming projects, urging fans to wish her luck. She is set to star next to Karl Urban in the action thriller The Bluff, scheduled for release on Amazon Prime Video on February 25, 2026. Kej clarified that a trailer he initially shared was fan-made, as the official one is yet to be released.
Furthermore, 2026 will see Priyanka Chopra in two other Hollywood ventures: the comedy Judgment Day with Will Ferrell and the action adventure Ending Things opposite Anthony Mackie. In a major move for her fans in India, she is also making a powerful return to Indian cinema after a seven-year hiatus. She will star opposite Mahesh Babu in legendary director SS Rajamouli's highly anticipated Telugu fantasy epic, Varanasi.
More Than Just an Actor: A Global Ambassador
Kej's praise extended beyond Chopra's acting credentials. He highlighted her versatility, stating she is "widely recognized as a great actor who can perform any kind of a role – action, comedy, drama." He also commended her humanitarian work, noting her long-standing role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and her philanthropic efforts to give back to society.
When a user on X attempted to downplay her status, calling her a "B-lister" in Hollywood, Kej responded with a pointed question: "Why do you have so much of hatred for her?" This exchange underscored his central argument about the lack of celebration for her achievements back home.
Priyanka Chopra began her career in Bollywood with the 2003 film Andaaz and rose to become one of its most sought-after stars. Her breakthrough in the West came with the lead role in the ABC thriller series Quantico (2015), which ran for three seasons, paving the way for her film debut in Baywatch.
