Priyanka Chopra Returns to Singing with Desi Version of “Last Christmas”; Netizens Blast It: “I Love Priyanka, But No !”

Bollywood star-turned-global icon Priyanka Chopra is back in the music game. She has lent her voice to a desi version of the classic “Last Christmas” for Christmas Karma — directed by Gurinder Chadha — blending Indian instrumentation and Hindi lyrics into the beloved holiday anthem.

The track, titled “Last Christmas (Desi Version)”, appears on the film’s soundtrack and is part of a broader musical offering that also includes contributions from global artists. The film is slated to release in the UK, Ireland and the US on November 14, and in India on December 12.

While fans were initially excited to see Priyanka break into singing again, the reception on social media has been decidedly mixed—and in many cases negative. Like a Reddit thread that bluntly stated: “Butchering one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever. George Michael is rolling in his grave.” Other comments included:

• “I love Priyanka, but no no no no no!”

• “Way to ruin a perfect Christmas song.”

• “This is NOT it, NOT it.”

• “The amount of autotune in this.”

Some observers say the key issue isn’t Priyanka’s attempt, but the decision to rework such a revered holiday classic—especially switching it mid-song with Hindi lyrics like “Last Christmas de diya dil” (Last Christmas I gave my heart). The contrast of cultural adaptation vs preserving the original’s innocence is sparking debate.

From Priyanka’s viewpoint, this song marks a return to her earlier musical ambitions. She first released singles like “In My City” in 2012 and “Exotic” in 2013, and has also sung for films such as “Mary Kom” and “Dil Dhadakne Do”. In her statement, she said: “I am so happy to support Gurinder in my little way … I hope this desi twist … resonates with audiences.”

However, the backlash suggests that even a beloved actor-singer faces the scrutiny of re-interpreting a holiday classic. Some critics say that the attempt to keep the melody while overlaying Hindi lyrics feels jarring; others point out that the timing—a high-profile song ahead of a major film release—may have been more about publicity than pure creative impulse.

In short: Priyanka’s musical comeback might grab headlines, but it’s also provoking questions about when cross-culture reworks work—and when they don’t. Whether the track will win over the same audiences who cherished the original remains uncertain.