Long before she became a global sensation, gracing international red carpets and leading Hollywood projects, Priyanka Chopra Jonas was already a force to be reckoned with in Indian cinema. Her rise to the top wasn’t overnight; it was built on years of determination, experimentation, and fearless choices. One such bold and defining choice came in the form of Fashion, a 2008 Madhur Bhandarkar film that didn’t just push boundaries but reshaped the portrayal of women in Indian cinema. Now, 17 years later, Priyanka is looking back at that film with heartfelt nostalgia and gratitude. In a recent conversation with Vogue, Priyanka opened up about her journey with Fashion, describing it as one of her earliest and most significant female-led films. “This was 2008, around that time, and this is one of my first female-led movies,” she shared. “I had been in movies for like four years or something, so I was really nervous about it. I worked on it for six months.” The film told the story of Meghna Mathur, a small-town girl with big dreams of conquering the modeling world. What followed was a gripping tale of ambition, fame, vulnerability, and redemption. The role demanded more than just acting prowess; it required emotional depth, grit, and authenticity, all of which Priyanka delivered with finesse. Her performance wasn’t just appreciated; it was celebrated. Priyanka went on to win the National Award for Best Actress, cementing her place among the finest talents of her generation. Fashion wasn’t just a landmark film for Priyanka. Her co-star Kangana Ranaut also shone brilliantly in the movie, playing the role of Shonali Gujral, a supermodel spiraling into addiction and mental health struggles. Her raw, unfiltered portrayal earned her the National Award for Best Supporting Actress, making Fashion a rare cinematic triumph where both lead female actors were nationally recognized for their performances. “My co-actors are Mugdha Godse and Kangana Ranaut, two really prolific actors from India,” Priyanka said in her interview. “Kangana actually won a really prestigious award called the National Award with me for this movie. It was just a really life-changing movie.” Their on-screen synergy—one rising, the other falling—created a compelling narrative arc that left a lasting impact on audiences. It was also a moment that underscored how two strong female leads could thrive in the same story without being reduced to rivalry. Apart from its layered characters and emotional depth, Fashion was also a spectacle of style. Priyanka recalled one of the most talked-about aspects of the film: her staggering number of costume changes. “I had 120 or 110 costume changes in the film, because it was like the life of this model,” she said. “I remember that it was really talked about that I wore, like, 110 outfits in this movie, because it was fashion.” Every look told a story, from the naïve small-town girl to the glamorous showstopper and finally the reflective, grounded woman who finds her way back to herself. The wardrobe evolution mirrored her emotional journey, making the fashion as much a character in the film as Meghna herself. As clips from the interview resurfaced on social media, fans couldn’t help but reminisce about Priyanka’s golden Bollywood days. Comment sections were flooded with emotional messages, calling for her return to Indian cinema. “I miss PC in Bollywood,” one fan wrote. Another simply pleaded, “Laut aao PC!” A third user shared, “I see this, and I suddenly miss watching her in Bollywood.” Perhaps the most telling comment read, “Kuch bhi kaho, lekin this lady is something else. Apne khud ke dam pe, she has achieved milestones which nepo babies don’t even dare to dream.” It’s a sentiment echoed by many who admire Priyanka not just for her acting but for her relentless pursuit of growth on her own terms. The wait could be short. Priyanka is all set to make her highly anticipated Bollywood return with the ambitious venture SSMB29, which is being directed by the visionary SS Rajamouli. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu will also star in the film, making it one of the most eagerly awaited collaborations on record. Even as she dominates world cinema, Priyanka’s heart evidently still remains in the tales that did. Fashion is one of those pivotal pages not only in her career but also in the course of women-centric films in India. While waiting for her comeback, one thing is for sure: wherever she is, Priyanka Chopra Jonas inspires with each step she takes, both on and off the screen.

A simple street-side noodle vendor, now known as Deshbhakt Thelawala, has become an internet sensation. In a video that’s gone viral, a customer walks up and asks for Maggi, the famous instant noodles. But instead of serving Maggi, the vendor gives a fiery reply: “Kya hoti hai yeh Maggi? Yeh videshi companies ka naam mere saamne mat liya karo. Inka samaan khaa khaa ke unko faayda pahuchaate ho.” He refuses to sell Maggi and tells the customer not to even mention foreign brands in front of him. He believes that eating these products only helps foreign companies, not India. People online loved this bold stand. Social media was soon filled with memes and funny comments, such as: But it wasn’t just jokes. Many people respected the vendor’s message: The vendor proudly sells Tom Tom Noodles, an Indian brand. His message is clear: if you want noodles, choose ones made in India.  In a world full of big global brands, this vendor’s passion for Indian products is a reminder that supporting local businesses can make a difference. For him, “swadeshi” (supporting Indian-made goods) is not just a slogan… it’s a way of life. Deshbhakt Thelawala has shown that anyone can stand up for what they believe in, even from a small street stall. Next time you’re hungry for noodles, maybe you’ll try a packet of Tom Tom and support a local hero’s dream.