Priyanka Chopra

Born in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand to Ashok Chopra and Madhu Akhauri, both doctors, Chopra spent her childhood in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, Newton, Massachusetts and Cedar Rapids, Iowa.Because her father was in the army, her family moved frequently. Her mother comes from a Bihari KayasthaJamshedpur, while her father comes from a family of Punjabi origin, settled in Bareilly. She also has a brother, Siddharth, who is eight years younger than her.

Chopra studied at St. Maria Goretti in Bareilly, as a young girl and later went to the United States, where she was a student at Newton North High School in Newton, Massachusetts and North Surrey Secondary School in Surrey, BC, before returning to India to complete high school at Army School (Bareilly). She began college at Jai Hind College in Mumbai but left after winning the Miss World pageant.


Chopra was crowned Miss India World and later Miss World in 2000.In the same year, Lara Dutta and Dia Mirza, both also from India, won the Miss Universe and Miss Asia Pacific crowns, in a rare triple victory for one country. When Chopra won the Miss World crown, she became the fifth Indian woman to win the title, and the fourth Indian woman to win in a span of seven years.After winning the Miss World title, Chopra became an actress. She made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film Thamizhan alongside Vijay, in which she also sung playback, before moving on to Bollywood. In 2003, her first Bollywood film, The Hero: Love Story of a Spy released and won her good reviews. Despite being given a below average status, the film went on to become one of the highest grossing films of that year.
Her next film, Andaaz opposite Akshay Kumar was a success,earning her a Filmfare Best Female Debut Award and a nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award. Her next few films performed poorly at the box office. In 2004, her film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi was released, and became the third highest grossing film of that year.

Her next release, Aitraaz, was a Hindi remake of the Demi Moore vehicle Disclosure. It was her first "negative" role, with her playing the villain. Her performance won critical acclaim and earned a Filmfare Best Villain Award. She also received a second nomination for Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award.
In 2005, several of her films were released, though most did not do well at the box office. In 2006, Chopra starred in two of the most successful films of the year - Krrish and Don - The Chase Begins Again.
Nikhil Advani's ensemble piece, Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute To Love was Chopra's first release in 2007. The movie failed to do well at the box office.Chopra's next release, Big Brother also underperformed. Her other releases in 2008 included Love Story 2050, God Tussi Great Ho, Chamku and Drona, all of which were considered flops.

However, her most recent releases, Fashion and Dostana, have succeeded at the box office, and her performance in the former garnered her critical acclaim.

Appeared on the cover of the premiere issue of Maxim magazine, Indian version, released in 2006.
Personal Quotes :
'When I became Miss World, I couldn't believe I had won it. I used to sleep with my crown because I was scared someone would steal it. In a minute the world changed for me. (July 2007)'

I'm lucky. I don't know whether I'm deserving or not. All I know is that I work damn hard for everything. And God helps those who help themselves. Every day is like an exam. I believe destiny and hard work go hand in hand. I was studying to be an engineer when my mom and my brother sent my pictures for the Miss India contest. I didn't even know about it. If that isn't destiny, what is? (July 2007)

'Most outsiders look at the film world as something glamorous. But no one sees the hard work that goes into it. I haven't taken a holiday in the last four years. I'm working 25 hours a day. There's no time to sleep or to eat. (July 2007)'

VITAL STATS

Priyanka Chopra Information: Birthday: 18 July 1982 Zodiac: Cancer Nickname(s): Sunshine & Mimi Height: 5'7 1/2" Education: High School: Newton North High School-Newton, Massachusetts Graduated from Cepar Rapids, Iowa's John F. Kennedy High School College: La Martiniere Girls College in Lucknow Maria Goretti College in Bareilly Family: Father-Dr. Ashok Chopra is a doctor; he retired from the Army. He was a medical administrator at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai until some time ago, but he gave it up because he wanted to go back to surgery. He is a surgeon now. Mother-Dr. Madhu Chopra-a gynocologist who practices at Kasturi Polyclinic, Andheri. Brother-Sidharth Chopra (Younger) Paternal Grandmother-Mrs Champa Wati Chopra and Late Sh. Kasturi Lal Chopra. Maternal Grandmother-Mrs Jyotsana Akhauri and Dr.Akhauri. Place of Birth: Jamshedpur, Bihar-India (Bareilly-town in Rohelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh) Hobbies: Singing & Writing poetry Turn Ons: R&B Music, Fudge and Hot Chocolate, Bulging Biceps Turn Offs: Smelly Shoes and Bad Breath Achievements: 1. The only Indian in USA to have been selected at state level for the National opus Honour choir. 2. Extensive charity work back in India & USA a. Joined the CAF & CII in their literacy programme and is their ambassadors. b. Member of the support group for the thalassaemic children in U.P., India. c. Participated in the Adult education awareness program with the NGO's in the peripheral areas of Bareilly. d. Joined the Indian Govt. sponsored Polio Eradication Programme as a volunteer. e. She raised funds for the destitutes at Boston USA by participating in their Church programme " Priyanka is a genuine, selfless, down to earth, warm and loving personality A very special person",. Favourites Food: Dish Lasagna, Makki roti and sarson kasaag ( Indian Food ) Book: Author Shakespeare's Romeo Juliet and Sidney Sheldon's - Tell me your Dreams Magazine: Femina and Readers Digest Movie: Pretty Woman, Walk in the Clouds Movie Star: Mel Gibson, Kishore Kumar Song / Music: Careless Whispers, I will always love you.... Dress: Saree