Priyanka Chopra's father was diagnosed with cancer but she never showed vulnerability, broke down': Arjan Bajwa Recalls Fashion Co-Star's Strength

In a heartfelt revelation, actor Arjan Bajwa has spoken about the immense strength and emotional resilience shown by Priyanka Chopra during the shooting of the 2008 film Fashion. Despite facing one of the most difficult times in her life — her father’s cancer diagnosis — Priyanka remained composed and professional on set, never allowing her personal pain to affect her work or her interactions with co-stars and crew.

Bajwa, who starred opposite Chopra in Fashion, shared that both of them were going through emotionally taxing periods during the film’s production. While Chopra was grappling with the reality of her father’s illness, Bajwa was mourning the loss of his own father. In such a delicate emotional space, the two found moments to connect off-screen and have heartfelt conversations about their personal struggles. However, what stood out most to Bajwa was Chopra’s strength.

He described her as someone who, despite the weight of her circumstances, never appeared vulnerable or broken in public. “She was also going through something very difficult, but she is a very strong girl. I never saw her vulnerable or breaking down on the set,” Bajwa said. These moments of mutual understanding and shared emotional pain laid the foundation for a deep friendship and professional respect between the two actors.

Fashion, directed by Madhur Bhandarkar, went on to become one of the landmark films in Priyanka Chopra’s career. Her portrayal of a small-town girl turned troubled supermodel earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. Bajwa, too, credited the film with being a turning point in his career. He expressed deep gratitude to Bhandarkar, stating, “He gave me an opportunity when all doors were closed to me, and that’s why I will always hold him in the highest regard.”

Chopra’s strength on the set of Fashion was not an isolated act. In interviews years later, she revealed how she continued working even during moments of profound grief, such as filming Mary Kom shortly after her father’s passing. She has often spoken about how she channels her emotions into her performances, using personal pain as a source of creative fuel rather than allowing it to consume her.

Beyond her resilience in the face of personal loss, Priyanka Chopra has grown into an international icon, with accomplishments spanning across acting, music, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. Her memoir, Unfinished, gives readers a deeper look into her life, including the highs of her career and the emotional lows that shaped her journey.

The story shared by Arjan Bajwa is a poignant reminder of the strength some individuals carry within them, even when they are quietly battling life’s biggest storms. Priyanka Chopra’s poise and dedication during such a turbulent time remains a testament to her professionalism and personal grit — qualities that continue to inspire fans and colleagues alike.