Hollywood, on her terms: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who is promoting her latest film Heads of State in London, says she tries to take on characters that have agency

Actors John Cena, (left) and Priyanka Chopra. PTI

Success is constant evolution, says actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas, a popular Hindi cinema star, who is now firmly focused on expanding her filmography in the West. In her latest Hollywood project Heads of State, Priyanka plays Noel Bisset, an MI6 agent with a past with the British Prime Minister Sam Clarke (Idris Elba). The actress said she has had a great run in India and is looking for something similar in her work in Hollywood.

“It is constant evolution for sure. I would’ve never imagined where I am today when in 2002, I started my first movie. But I feel like I’m really nascent in my work in the West so far. I have a major filmography in my Indian work. I’ve been able to work in various genres, work with the most incredible actors and filmmakers.”

The actor has played central roles in shows and movies such as Quantico, Baywatch, Citadel, The Matrix Resurrections and Love Again. Priyanka said Heads of State, which is now streaming on Prime Video, was a fun film to do. “I want to be proud of the work that I take on. I try to take on characters that have agency and are strong and have something to do in the movies versus being ornamental.”

Both Priyanka and Cena, who has a massive fan following in India for being a WWE wrestler before turning to acting, first met each other on the set of the Ilya Naishuller-directed movie.

“I knew of John from his WWE days in India. He’s so well known in the country. It’s hard to not know him, especially when he made his transition into movies. I thought that was very interesting and his choice of parts were great. So, I was very excited to do this movie with him,” she said.