Happy birthday, Priyanka! 10 things that make 2016 Priyanka Chopra's year

Priyanka Chopra is currently the toast of Hollywood and Hindi cinema. 2016 saw Priyanka truly emerge as a global Indian icon. The desi girl turned a year older today, and she decided to bring in her birthday in style in the city of New York.  But here's a look at the achievements our desi girl has managed in one single year. 

1. The first Indian to star in a leading role on American television drama

Quantico is Priyanka's golden ticket to Hollywood. It marked the first time an Indian actress played a lead role on an American television series. Priyanka's role as Alex Parrish earned her praise from the critics and a global fan following as the show has now gone to over 100 territories accross the world.

2. Her Oscar appearance 

The actress was India's sole representative at the 2016 Oscar Awards when she presented the award for Best Editing alongside actor Liev Schreiber. It was the coup de grace for Priyanka's global presence and established her firmly as the most recognised Indian face in Hollywood. 

3. Trending second spot on Google for her Oscar look

If her presenting an award was not enough, Priyanka stunned Hollywood's paparazzi with her stylish look on the red carpet. Her look soon spread like wildfire across the internet making her the 2nd most searched name on Google (after Leonardo Di Caprio) for her fashion sense. 

4.  Winning the Padma Shri 

In April, the actress was conferred with India's fourth highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri. The award also came in her 13th year in the Hindi film industry. Lucky 13! 

5. On the cover of Time magazine 

Her global presence was beginning to be noted, not just by film buffs, but by serious magazines. Time, one of the most prestigious journals in the world, put Priyanka Chopra on the cover for their '100 most influential persons' issue in April. She joined the likes of actor Leonardo Dicaprio, Facebook owner Mark Zuckerberg, and Baywatch co-star, Dwayne Johnson. 

6. Her win at the People's Choice Awards

Her performance in Quantico also won Priyanka her first trophy at the People's Choice Awards in 2016 - Favorite Actress in a New TV Series. It was also the first time a South Asian had won a PCA in the US. 

7. An invite to the White House Correspondent's Dinner 

There are few things bigger than sharing stage with the President of the United States. Her rise to fame was complete when the actress was invited to the prestigious White House Correspondent's Dinner in Washington DC in 2016. 

8. The first actress to win the Filmfare Award for 5 different categories. 

With her win for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Bajirao Mastani (2016), Priyanka Chopra completed an unmatched feat of winning the Filmfare award in 5 different categories. She began the run with her Best Debut award for Andaz (2003), following it up with Best Actor in a Villainous Role for Aitraaz (2004), Best Actress for Fashion (2008), Best Actress-Critic's Award for 7 Khoon Maaf (2011).

9. 5 international magazine covers in a month 

Just in the last month, the actress has appeared on the cover of 5 magazines, each from a different country. Namely Maxim in the USA, Krimi in Germany, Sete in Italy, Women's Weekly in Malaysia and InStyle magazine. 

10. Bantering with Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon 

Priyanka also rocked the talk show circuit with some delightful appearances on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Kimmel and the Jimmy Fallon Show in 2016. She even beat Fallon in a chicken wing eating contest! 

From presenting an Oscar award and being touted as America's favourite cover girl, to hanging out with Jimmy Fallon, the desi girl is certainly going places. It should be one happy birthday for her. May the next year bring more joys. 

Happy Birthday, Priyanka Chopra!