Priyanka Chopra Jonas has often shared how deeply the Diwali festival resonates with her, especially as it reminds her of family moments she missed due to her demanding career.
Priyanka Chopra recalled missing Diwali celebrations
Reflecting on the impact of her father's illness, Priyanka once shared, “Till my dad died, I didn’t have another Diwali to be with him.”
In a conversation with Tiffany Reid at a social event, Priyanka shared how missing family occasions, like Diwali and her mother’s birthdays, eventually weighed on her. She said, “I don’t remember how many of my mother’s birthdays I have forgotten or missed. How many times did I forget to call her in my 20s? How many times did I miss Diwali because I was working in Europe, where they don’t celebrate Diwali? I just skipped it and didn’t think it was okay until I did. Till my dad died and I didn’t have another Diwali to be with him.”
Priyanka Chopra on losing her father
Losing her father, Ashok Chopra, in 2013 after a prolonged battle with cancer, left a lasting impression on Priyanka. His passing was a turning point that reminded her of life’s brevity and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. She reflected on how her father’s death taught her to let go of smaller worries and focus on what truly matters.
In memory of her father, to whom she was incredibly close, Priyanka carries a tattoo that reads "Daddy's little girl." Earlier this year, on the Read the Room podcast, Priyanka opened up about the ongoing grief she feels, describing it as a constant "companion" that doesn’t go away, but simply becomes part of her life.
On work front
Looking ahead, Priyanka is preparing for the release of 'Citadel Season 2', where she returns as agent Nadia Sinh. She’s also set to appear in 'Heads of State', starring alongside John Cena and Idris Elba, marking her continued journey in Hollywood.