Bollywood producer Suneel Darshan recently opened up about Priyanka Chopra’s early days in the film industry, specifically recalling how he suggested a change to her appearance before casting her in the 2003 romantic drama 'Andaaz'. Speaking on Minutes of Masala, Darshan revealed he wasn’t initially captivated by the actress’s look.
“Before I did Andaaz, I did tell her that she should do something about the bridge of her nose,” he admitted. According to Darshan, Chopra acknowledged the suggestion and promptly acted on it. “She knew that that was due, and her father and her mother were such good doctors. It wasn’t an issue, they got it repaired immediately."
Priyanka Chopra’s Surgery Journey Wasn’t Without Setbacks
While Darshan appreciated her quick response, the story of Chopra’s nose surgery has been far from simple. The global star later shared that the procedure was actually intended to treat a sinus condition. However, it took an unexpected turn, leaving her nearly unrecognisable.
In an interview on The Howard Stern Show, Priyanka disclosed how the botched surgery drastically altered her appearance after her Miss World win. She faced harsh criticism, including being mockingly labelled “Plastic Chopra.” Recalling the painful experience, she called it “horrifying,” noting the surgery was meant to remove a polyp but ended up changing her face.
An Unconventional Star with Unmissable Presence
Despite these early challenges, Darshan remained confident about Priyanka’s potential. “She wasn’t conventionally good-looking, but she had a powerful presence and an alluring voice,” he noted. He was convinced she had something unique, even though her co-stars Lara Dutta and Akshay Kumar drew more attention initially.
Directed by Raj Kanwar and produced by Darshan, 'Andaaz' marked the acting debut of both Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta. The film, known for its emotional core and hit music, was a commercial success and pivotal in launching the careers of both actresses.
Priyanka’s resilience and transformation not only helped her make a successful Bollywood debut but also paved the way for her future as a global icon.