Although Priyanka Chopra often credits Bareilly as her hometown, it was Mumbai that shaped her entertainment career. Her mother, Madhu Chopra, recently reminisced about their early days in the city, Priyanka’s first meeting with best friend Tamanna Dutt, her initial films, and her bond with Vijay.
In conversation with Pinkvilla, Madhu reminisced about Priyanka’s debut film, Thamizhan (2002), where she starred opposite Vijay. She shared that the Tamil star played a crucial role in boosting Priyanka’s confidence as a 19-year-old newcomer. Initially nervous about working with such a big star, Priyanka was guided and supported by Vijay, whom Madhu described as her first mentor. She also recalled that the film’s choreography, handled by Prabhu Deva’s brother Raju Sundaram, was quite challenging. However, despite the demanding dance sequences, Vijay ensured that Priyanka felt comfortable and well taken care of on set.

Madhu further reflected on their early days in Mumbai after Priyanka won the beauty pageant, recalling how she moved with her daughter to offer support. Initially, they stayed with extended family in Kandivali. Adjusting to Mumbai’s fast-paced life was challenging, especially commuting. Accustomed to driving their own car back home, they now had to rely on local trains, which felt intimidating at first. Their daily routine involved leaving Kandivali at 5:30 am to reach coach Mickey Mehta’s training session by 6:30 am, putting in significant effort to establish Priyanka’s career in the city.

Madhu lso shared that Mumbai felt safer than other big cities, allowing them to take taxis home late at night without fear. Later, they moved into a paying guest facility in Santacruz, where Priyanka met Tamanna Dutt, who became her roommate and close friend. Madhu believed Priyanka was always surrounded by positive energy and good fortune, with challenges never overwhelming her. She admired her daughter’s confidence and resilience in handling obstacles, making their journey smoother.