Security forces recovered two US-origin M-series assault rifles (M4 carbines), two Chinese-made pistols with three magazines, two hand grenades and a quantity of live ammunition.
There are few global stars who carry the weight of cultural expectation as lightly and as gracefully as Priyanka Chopra Jonas. After two decades of reinvention across continents, she remains a storyteller first. Whether she’s spotlighting tender family dramas like Ventilator, championing female-led narratives, or backing daring international projects, Priyanka’s instincts as a producer are rooted in empathy and authenticity.
Her latest venture, Born Hungry, which starts streaming on JioHotstar from November 28, might just be her most personal yet. The docu-drama traces the extraordinary journey of Chef Sash Simpson, who rose from the streets of Chennai to the world’s culinary elite while searching for the missing pieces of his own life. When Priyanka first heard his story, she was, by her own admission, “a mess.” What followed was a deep, emotional commitment to bringing his truth to the screen.
In this candid conversation, Priyanka speaks about the power of human resilience, the responsibility she feels toward the Indian diaspora, why evolution is non-negotiable, and how her much-awaited Telugu debut marks a thrilling new chapter in her India homecoming. Read on…
What was your first reaction when you heard Chef Sash Simpson’s story for Born Hungry?
I was a mess. I was in tears, and it took me an hour or two to come to terms with the story and Sash’s incredible life, his resilience, his tenacity. It really moved me. I’ve worked with so many children around the world whose circumstances don’t change, who aren’t as lucky. We live in India, we see that every single day. Kids whose lives are so tough.
As a young mother myself, my daughter is so young. I can’t imagine if she were out there alone in the world. What would be going on in her head? It’s terrifying. That’s what this kid went through. By God’s grace, he found angels who helped him find his feet, and now he wants to find those missing pieces.
So I asked him, “What is it that you want from us, and how can we help with this movie?” What moved me deeply was that Sash is hoping that through the reach of Jio and Hotstar, he’ll be able to get some answers about his life, his birth parents, where he came from. I’m hoping to be part of that journey for him.
He’s still searching for his family, right?
Yes. That’s so crazy.
Your productions include Ventilator, Paani, The Sky Is Pink and now Born Hungry. Are you naturally drawn to stories of survival and human resilience?
It’s funny when you say those four out loud, it does seem like there’s a theme. If I look at the films we’ve backed, even Anuja or To Kill a Tiger recently, maybe I’m just impassioned. I love stories of human resilience.
I enjoy working with filmmakers who want to take a leap and get a spotlight on themselves because they may not have much attention, or their films may not be considered commercially viable. But all these movies you named have had incredible successes because they’re really well-made.
We always look for technically sound filmmaking along with subject matter that moves an audience, whether it’s comedy like Ventilator, a serious subject like To Kill a Tiger, or stories about children like Anuja. Telling stories that come from an authentic place is something I seem to be drawn toward.
You’ve become a major cultural representative globally. How much of your personal journey influences your choices as a producer?
I started working abroad and found success through big mountains and valleys. I don’t dwell on it much because I’m someone who just keeps moving forward and that inspires me. It’s not easy to start your life in a completely different country, in a completely different industry. I’m still navigating it. I’m still very new in terms of the amount of work I’ve done in my English-language career.
But pushing boundaries and pushing culture is very important to me. Wherever I go, India goes with me. With my production house, I try to make sure stories and filmmakers from our diaspora who want to tell our stories get a platform.
That’s my biggest motivation with Purple Pebble Pictures. Whether it’s supporting women, or filmmakers from India who want an international platform. My career is still growing too; I can’t claim I’m super established. But whatever I can do to help get their stories and work out there, I try to do in my own small way. And I’m happy with the kind of films we’ve associated with and the successes they’ve achieved.
Reinvention has been a huge part of your career. Do you ever reflect on that evolution?
Necessity is the mother of invention and that’s the universal truth. I think that’s true for most people when it comes to evolution. Everything has an attention span. You have to be aware and intelligent about knowing when you need to find an evolution of yourself whether that’s in business, the arts, any job, or even real life.
Growth and change are the most constant factors in life, and that’s what all of us should chase, because that’s when you evolve. But yes, it comes from necessity.
There’s a lot of excitement around your upcoming Telugu film Varanasi with SS Rajamouli and Mahesh Babu. What can you share at this stage?
I can only reveal what Rajamouli sir reveals, which is that today you saw Prithvi’s look. We had a big event on the 15th in Hyderabad, where Rajamouli sir revealed all that he wanted to, and there will be more in the days to come.
It’s my return to Indian cinema, and it’s very exciting to work with a visionary filmmaker like sir on a film so big and grand. Even I didn’t imagine the spectacle I’m seeing now when I first joined the project.
I think the film will give Indian cinema massive leverage around the world, like his other films have. Working with Mahesh, Prithvi, and the whole team has been amazing. It’s different coming back. I don’t speak Telugu, but I’m speaking Telugu in the film. I love languages and culture, so I’ve been working with a dialect coach to learn the language and say my dialogues with authenticity.
It’s a challenge, an exciting one. Rajamouli sir pushes his actors tremendously to be excellent. I’m hoping the result of me coming back to Indian cinema after so many years resonates with people.
You’re constantly moving between Los Angeles, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. How are you managing this global routine?
It’s true. The world is my oyster, and I treat a plane like a mobile local. You have to do what you have to do. Like I said, necessity is the mother of invention and I have embraced that completely. I try. It’s not easy, I’ll tell you that.
Read Also: Working With Legends Mahesh Babu and Prithviraj, a Privilege: Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The much-awaited update on Prabhas’ upcoming The Raja Saab is finally here! The makers officially confirm that the film’s first song, Rebel Saab will be out on November 23. The development brings a huge sigh of relief for the fans who have been anxiously. The announcement comes with a vibrant poster featuring Prabhas from the song, giving a solid hint of what the track will be like. And boy, fans can’t keep calm!
Rebel Saab is tipped to be an introduction song for Prabhas. According to the filmmakers, the single will bring back the memories of his ‘Bujjigadu’ film. The vibe of the track will take fans straight back to the golden 2000s. The song is expected to be high-energy with stylish visuals. Prabhas’ commanding screen presence and his dance moments will take the cake. While Rebel Saab served as a dynamic introduction for his character, the horror comedy is getting acclaim for its slick, stylish, and intense sequences.
A source from the unit reveals, “Rebel Saab is a powerful introduction that blends Prabhas’ intense persona with stylish action choreography.” The track also showcases his causal demeanour, apart from establishing his character in the film. Director Maruthi designed an impactful and dramatic introduction for Prabhas, setting the stage for his powerful performance. “The song is designed to introduce Prabhas in a dramatic and impactful way. Composer Thaman has come up with high-energy beats, and the powerful vocals will elevate the song tempo. The introductions song features pulsating music and stylized choreography,” adds the source, citing that after many years fans of Prabhas would get to see him in such a street-smart song. Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, and Riddhi Kumar are the female leads in this film, which is slated for release on January 9, 2026.
Also Read: Prabhas’ The Raja Saab North America Bookings to Open Soon