Priyanka Chopra Jonas Discusses Cultural Fluency and Breaking Industry Barriers at Cannes Lions

Priyanka Chopra Jonas has built a formidable global presence, seamlessly transitioning between acting, producing, and entrepreneurship on an international scale.

During a session at the Debussy Theatre at the Palais des Festivals during Cannes Lions on Wednesday, the star received a spirited welcome. Moderated by People Inc. executive Leah Wyar, the discussion focused on cultural fluency and the challenges of transporting a story or brand across different cultures without losing its core essence.

Sharing her personal insights, Chopra Jonas emphasized the importance of listening and cautioned against taking audiences for granted. Regarding confidence, she compared it to physical fitness, noting that “confidence is about practice.” She admitted that confidence cannot be faked and isn’t always present, requiring a conscious effort to remember one’s own value and skills, observing that she has seen many people falter under pressure.

She also spoke on the necessity of authenticity, suggesting that true authenticity requires letting go of total control. Rather than striving for perfection, she encouraged embracing one’s weaknesses and shortcomings.

When discussing her future ambitions, Chopra Jonas expressed a desire to bring the same versatility she achieved in her Indian cinema career to her English-language roles. Additionally, she mentioned the ongoing challenge of balancing the demands of her career with the responsibilities of being a working parent.

The actress noted that she welcomes disruption within the entertainment industry. “Evolution is hard,” she remarked, “but I also like a challenge.”

She highlighted the positive impact of industry shifts, specifically the growing popularity of foreign-language and subtitled content, jokingly noting that her own mother is a fan of Korean dramas.

Referencing Curry Barker’s *Obsession*, she discussed how technology has democratized creativity. She recalled a time when entering the film industry required navigating rigid departmental structures, whereas today, an idea can be shot and uploaded to YouTube, potentially becoming a mainstream hit. “What a wonderful time to be an entertainer, to be in the entertainment business!” she exclaimed.

The multi-hyphenate also spoke about her decision to shatter industry stereotypes. Seeking leading roles that studios didn’t typically envision for Indian actors, she took the initiative to produce her own projects. She noted that many of her female colleagues face a similar “glass ceiling” in entertainment, concluding that the only way forward is often to create your own opportunities.

The conversation turned to her upcoming projects, including the survival thriller *Reset*. The film marks a long-awaited collaboration with Orlando Bloom, with whom she has worked for years through UNICEF.

Directed by Matt Smukler and written by Jordan Rawlins, *Reset* follows a woman who awakens in the wilderness with no memory of her arrival. Her only hope for survival is a charming stranger, played by Bloom, who may not be who he claims to be.

Chopra Jonas expressed her passion for both acting and producing, noting that producing allows her to be involved in nearly every aspect of a project. As a producer, she avoids following trends, focusing instead on the emotional impact a film has on the audience.

Conversely, she finds a sense of freedom in acting when working with directors like S.S. Rajamouli, who maintains complete creative control. She is part of the cast of his upcoming film *Varanasi*, an ambitious story about a Shiva devotee on a mission to locate an ancient cosmic artifact, scheduled for release in April 2027.

Closing with her perspective on cinema, she distinguished between a “good” film and a “great” one. “A good movie is something you invest two hours in to watch—three hours if it’s an Indian movie,” she joked. “An event is something that you discuss, that shifts culture.”

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