Priyanka Chopra may have established herself as one of the most popular actors in the world, but not many would know that she was initially hesitant about working in showbiz. It was Priyanka’s mother, doctor Madhu Chopra, who convinced her to sign her first movie after being crowned Miss World in 2000.

Speaking to Filmygyan, Madhu recalled, “Priyanka didn’t want to star in films. She got the offer for the South Indian film through somebody. When I told Priyanka about the offer, she was in tears, she said, ‘I am not doing films.’ But she has always been an obedient child. When I told her to accept the offer, she agreed and signed the contract.”

Despite her hesitation, Priyanka decided to take up the project at her mother’s insistence and immersed herself in its preparation, practising dance from morning to evening to match her steps with Tamil superstar Vijay. Priyanka made her acting debut with ‘Thamizhan’ in 2002.

Madhu said, “When she was shooting for the film, she began to like it. Despite not knowing the language, she enjoyed it. The team helped her and treated her with a lot of respect. Vijay starred in the film; he is a perfect gentleman. Raju Sundaram was the choreographer. In dance, Priyanka was okay, but she couldn’t initially match steps with Vijay. She would practice with the choreographer from morning to evening. Then she started enjoying it. This also helped her build her character and realise that she wanted to pursue this as a career.”

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In the same interview, Priyanka’s mother also addressed the 10-year age gap between the actress and Nick Jonas. “Koi farak nehi pada. Admi accha, ladki acchi, both care for each other, that’s all. Nothing (discussion about it). Maine uss nazar se dekha hi nahi. I was so happy, ecstatic. Bolne wale bolte rahe,” Madhu said.

She also recalled meeting Nick Jonas for the first time. She said, “When he came to India and met me, he took me to lunch when Priyanka was not around. Nick asked me what kind of boy I would want for Priyanka. So, I listed all the qualities, and he simply took my hand and said, ‘I am that guy. Can I be that person? I promise that nothing from your list will be left unchecked’.” Madhu Chopra was impressed by his words and grew fond of him instantly.