Priyanka lost 10 films because she didn't compromise, says mother Madhu Chopra

With stories of sexual harassment coming out against Hollywood moguls like Harvey Weinstein, Brett Ratner, and Kevin Spacey, it is no surprise that an increasing number of fingers are being pointed out towards the Indian film industry as well.

While there are many who suggest that sexual harassment, while existent, is a rarity, producer Madhu Chopra revealed that even Priyanka Chopra had to face a tough time after refusing to cow down to such demands. 

Speaking on the second day of the 20th International Children's Festival in Hyderabad, Madhu, who heads Purple Pebble Pictures, revealed two instances where Priyanka had to face inappropriate requests by filmmakers.

Speaking to the daily Deccan Chronicle, she said, "She (Priyanka) was just 17 when she entered the industry, so I accompanied her every minute of the day till about three years ago.

So a gentleman meets her and says: ‘Will your mother sit outside while I narrate the story to you?’ Priyanka told him, ‘If it is a story that my mother can’t hear, then it is a story that I cannot do.’ She walked out of that project — a prestigious one." 

Chopra also said, "Another time, a designer told her that the director’s brief was to dress her in itsy-bitsy clothes. The director had said, ‘What is the point of having a Miss World in front of the camera if we cannot show her as her beautiful self?’ Priyanka refused to do the film. It was being helmed by a reputed director and he got upset. Priyanka lost 10 films because she walked out of that project. But she didn’t care. That is what I say to everyone. This is not the end of your life. Your life is more valuable." 

Despite the outrage happening in Hollywood, Madhu said that Priyanka had a fairly good experience in the industry overseas: "They gave Priyanka a lot of respect. If you live on your own terms, the struggle is bigger but the outcome is sweeter too. This is my advice to every girl. Do not compromise and life will be sweeter for you," she said.

As an advice to younger actresses, she added, "As for the film industry, I know that Priyanka came as Miss World; she was at a position of advantage. She didn’t struggle. She didn’t go through the bad patches. The most important thing to inculcate is that this is not the end of life. If you don’t want it, then say no. You have many other career choices. Some people may have entered the industry as a desperate measure. My advice to them is ‘stop’. Do not succumb to any pressure. Don’t go against your conscience or values." 

Priyanka is currently shooting in New York for the third season of her hit television series, Quantico, and also has two international films, Isn't It Romantic? and A Kid Like Jake in the pipeline. The actress is also set to produce an American television series based on the life of actress Madhuri Dixit Nene.