Priyanka Chopra Talks Style, Culture & Celebrating Diwali

Right now, Indian fashion is in such an exciting place. Working with Rahul Mishra for this campaign has been a joy – his ability to marry artistry with emotion is rare. I’m equally proud of what designers like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, Prabal Gurung and Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla continue to do. Their work evolves with time but stays rooted in tradition. And then there’s a new generation of talent like Kartik Research, Rahemur Rahman and Supriya Lele who are taking Indian design global in their own unique way.

Blending Indian heritage with red-carpet fashion is something I do carefully. I never want it to feel forced or cliché. When I merge the two, it has to feel respectful on both sides – not like a costume. Sometimes it’s a sari in an unexpected fabric, sometimes it’s a piece of Indian jewellery or hand-embroidered detailing that nods to where I come from, while still speaking an international language.

I’m lucky that my husband is such a great sounding board. I often blow up Nick’s phone when I can’t decide between two looks. He loves it when I dress up and actually has a really good eye, so I trust his opinion. People might be surprised to hear I raid my husband’s closet too – his shirts, hoodies and sweats are my go-tos. They’re oversized, comfy and have that lived-in quality that makes them feel even better.

If I could only wear one label for a year, it would be Dior. There’s something timeless about the brand – it’s feminine, classic and always elegant. You can’t go wrong.

I love celebrating Indian festivals – and I don’t hold back. Now that I have a daughter, it’s even more special to share those traditions with her. For me, festivals are about joyful chaos – people coming in and out, the house smelling of incense and food, someone always running late, everyone laughing over old stories. It’s noisy, warm and grounding, and it reminds me of home.

Food is such a big part of those memories. Aloo parathas from my dad’s side and Kerala fish curry from my mum’s side – both are dishes that take me straight back to childhood. My grandmothers introduced me to them and a single bite still tastes like home. I’m not the best cook, but my mum and my brother are amazing, so I leave it to them.

Music is a constant in the Chopra Jonas household. I come from a very musical family and now I’ve married into one too, so there’s always something playing. Between all of us, no genre is left untouched but Hindi film music – old and new – is a staple, especially during festivals. Even Nick’s a fan now.

I love nostalgic films. Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar will always take me back to my childhood, and Jerry Maguire is another favourite. As for guilty pleasures, Love Is Blind has me completely hooked right now.

When it comes to festive dressing, I’m a maximalist – with intention. I love sparkle, colour and all the joy that comes with celebration but it’s never about excess for the sake of it. Every tradition, every ritual has meaning, and I love honouring that while having fun with fashion.

I’ve always worn India on my sleeve. It’s shaped everything about how I see the world – the colour, the emotion, the beauty, the creativity. My career has always been about blending worlds, taking the depth of where I come from and expressing it through a global lens.

My partnership with Johnnie Walker Blue Label means so much to me. Every part of my career has been about figuring things out – sometimes failing, sometimes flying, but always moving forward. Johnnie Walker’s ‘Keep Walking’ philosophy is exactly that: progress with purpose. It’s a reminder that the road itself shapes you, and that every experience adds another layer to who you become.

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