The Penguin Random House India conducted their one of the most prestigious and eagerly awaited events – 2017 Penguin Annual Lecture on “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Chasing a dream”, the 11th edition of the event. And the lecture was delivered by one of the most iconic and popular Indians in the world today, global entertainment personality and UNICEF’s Global Goodwill Ambassador, Priyanka Chopra.
Recognised as global Indian, Priyanka has indeed broken the glass ceiling to reach the highest echelons of her career. Talking about her dreams that she would be chasing in the coming years, Priyanka said, “My biggest dream is to leave behind a legacy. People would love me and show faith in me. I’m a simple army girl from Bareilly, representing each and every people sitting over here because if I can sit here then everyone can. That’s the dream we chase, right because buying cars or adding zeros to bank balance are not the actual dreams.”
Recently Priyanka became the only Indian celebrity to get featured in top 10 of Forbes Indian Celebrity 100 list and claimed 7th position in the list. On that account Priyanka said, “I was not born with a silver spoon. I worked really hard to be where I am today. Each one of us deserves to be compensated for it. I am proud that I worked really hard to be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with my male counterparts today in the top 10 and but again there’s a question that why there is only one name of the female actor when there are so many out there. ”
At a time when women in showbiz are opening up about facing sexual abuse, Priyanka said, “I think it has struck a chord with everyone. #MeToo got popular not just in America but all over the world”. Adding to it she said, “I had situation where I was thrown out of films because someone else (actor’s or director’s girlfriend) was recommended for it. So that’s the abuse of power. But I moved along because I am not someone who caters to the whims and fancies of powerful men but to those people who give me respect. So I was treated in a different way because I demanded for it. My parents stood behind me asking me not to get afraid. But there are so many women who don’t have that kind of support. To all those women, find someone who will stand by you.”
“I believe women are not victims but survivors. There should not be a world where women survive, there should be one where they thrive,” added Priyanka.
Priyanka’s biggest achievement so far has been the ability to get over her fears, make her vulnerability her strength. “I know I came across myself as tough, sassy, witty thing but I am very emotional and keep myself protected. I trust my feet and instinct because even if I fall down I can say that it’s okay it was my mistake,” added Priyanka.
